5.0 and the standard bed Frontier

[Hokie Escape]

After my '09 long bed Frontier was totaled, I went looking for a long bed Crew Cab. Lot's of luck .... Appears if you don't order one from the factory, they are few and far between : - ( So, having bought a '11 Crew Cab with a standard (short) bed, I had to figure out how to make it work. Placing the hitch 29" from the back of the cab, thus 10-12" behind the axle, was not an option for me. So here is what I did, and it has worked out great!
- installed a PopUp 10" extension to my King Pin Box.
- installed the hitch 19" from the back of the cab
- installed rear axle Timbren suspension enhancers on the rear axle
Very minimal deflection when the camper is loaded on the hitch, and it drives great! I checked out the turning in a vacant lot, and in full, hard turn, came around a full 270 degrees before coming close to the cab.
Now finally, this weekend is CAMPING!!! Yahoo!!
#1- PopUp King Pin Extender 10"
#2- Extender installed .. not the King Pin is now 3 1/2" lower, necessitating lowering the hitch in the truck bed
#3- No deflection ... level truck
#4- the original King Pin is 29" from the truck cab, but the hitch is closer, over the axle

[Hokie Escape]

One advantage of the extender is that the trailer is 10" further from the back of the truck, thus allowing me to pull the camper with the tailgate down, and the bed extender in place. This extends the bed for carrying things when we go camping, but I believe will allow for better gas milage by allowing air to flow through the back of the bed ... we'll see

[Jim Bennett]

Looks like it will work good for you, Dan. Have fun camping.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Hokie Escape

One advantage of the extender is that the trailer is 10" further from the back of the truck, thus allowing me to pull the camper with the tailgate down, and the bed extender in place. This extends the bed for carrying things when we go camping, but I believe will allow for better gas milage by allowing air to flow through the back of the bed ... we'll see

Hi: Hokie Escape... I'm so glad this is finally working out for you. Happy camping to you both. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[MarksAlot]

Originally Posted by Hokie Escape

One advantage of the extender is that the trailer is 10" further from the back of the truck, thus allowing me to pull the camper with the tailgate down, and the bed extender in place. This extends the bed for carrying things when we go camping, but I believe will allow for better gas mileage by allowing air to flow through the back of the bed ... we'll see

Any weight added from any extra stuff toward the rear may affect overall performance. The 5.0 is a well balanced and well made 5th wheel. Take it slow and easy and enjoy the ride. After all, it's recreation.

[MarksAlot]

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: Hokie Escape... I'm so glad this is finally working out for you. Happy camping to you both. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Sweeeeeeeet! OK. I'll love my 19, but her 5.0 sister may be a 10.0 :

[Hokie Escape]

Our 1st Trip out with the 5.0 and our new short bed Frontier : it went great, handled just like it's longer brother! Having a shorter frame does make it seem a bit more responsive when backing up Really pleased!

[Donna D.]

Good for YOU.. make a ton of new memories along the way!