Without respect to weight distribution (because this changes the whole topic), I see sliding the fifth wheel forward as far as possible because:
1. Reduces the turn radius, important for us city-delivery drivers.
2. Improves fuel economy (research shows).
3. Here is the opinion vs. science part: By placing more weight on the steers, this places more stress on the front springs thus reducing 'stiffness' and absorbing bounce. Yet so many have the opinion that sliding the fifth wheel back improves ride. What say you? When in a sleeper & loaded heavy, I always slid it forward as much as I could get away with and never had issues with the smoothness. On my present daycab, hauling LTL, sliding forward seems to roughen the ride & bounce more, though the other benefits outwiegh the ride. Opinions?
Steve