Pullrite 2400 Superlite

[TimeTravel]

2-1/2 years ago we made the transition to a fifth wheel, and used a B&W Patriot Slider hitch (275lbs) for two years. This year I moved to a Pullrite 2400 Superlite which is significantly easier for this old body to move in and out of the truck. I can actually pick this one up when truck bed is needed.
My question. What is considered the best location for the adapter ball - forward of or behind the kingpin? Is there a preferred option? I have no issue with cab clearance if I mount the ball forward of or behind the kingpin.
Would certainly appreciate thoughts. Is there any pin weight distribution advantage to one location over the other.
Thank you,

[jsb5717]

I used the Andersen hitch for a few years, which has the same basic configuration. If your truck is a short bed then you would benefit from having the ball forward of the pin. That will give you more clearance truck cab to trailer in the tighter turns. If you have a long bed then it really doesn't matter. The issue at that point is how much room you prefer between the truck tailgate and the trailer.

[TimeTravel]

Jeff, many thanks for the quick reply. You confirmed what I was thinking, it really does not make a difference except for cab clearance in short bed truck.

[firestation12]

Before you make a final decision of the ball location, you should be concerned not only about the cab clearance, but also the pin box clearing your truck's side rails. Putting the ball forward of the pin will move the slope of the pin box's underside closer to the bed rails.

[bsmith0404]

I use the 2600, same setup except ball connection instead of rails. I don’t think there’s any advantage of one way over the other, other than clearance which you’re not concerned about. I have the ball forward on mine, box side clearance isn’t an issue for me, but I added a toneau cover that the rails mount inside the bed rails. It gets close to those, but still have about an inch clearance. Different pin box angles or bed to 5th wheel clearance heights would make a difference there. I’m sure there are some differences in pressure that is applied if the ball is forward or back, I just assumed Pullrite took all of that into consideration when they designed it since it can be mounted either way and they don’t specify that it must be done one way or the other.

[firestation12]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

I use the 2600, same setup except ball connection instead of rails. I don’t think there’s any advantage of one way over the other, other than clearance which you’re not concerned about. I have the ball forward on mine, box side clearance isn’t an issue for me, but I added a toneau cover that the rails mount inside the bed rails. It gets close to those, but still have about an inch clearance. Different pin box angles or bed to 5th wheel clearance heights would make a difference there. I’m sure there are some differences in pressure that is applied if the ball is forward or back, I just assumed Pullrite took all of that into consideration when they designed it since it can be mounted either way and they don’t specify that it must be done one way or the other.

What I've found is, if it's anywhere near a close call for clearance, to remind myself that backing at sharp angles on uneven ground can remove the safety margin I once assumed was there. Applies to other hitches not just this one. Your example is the correct one......hitch up, try it out in a parking lot, know your limits.

[KimNTerry]

Originally Posted by firestation12

Before you make a final decision of the ball location, you should be concerned not only about the cab clearance, but also the pin box clearing your truck's side rails. Putting the ball forward of the pin will move the slope of the pin box's underside closer to the bed rails.

This, especially if you have a tonneau cover with guides that clamp the the truck's side rails. I damaged one of mine in a tight turn.