How to Determine the Max Width of a Trailer a Short Bed Truck Can Tow and Make 90 Turn
Question:
Looking at purchasing the Anderson Ultimate 5th whell hitch. My concern is that on my Chevy 2002 3/4 ton, crew cab, short bed 6.5 ft that I will not have enough clearance to do a 90 degree turn. My measurements are: cab to BandW flip over ball is 34 Ultimate hitch offset = 5.5 king pin distance to front of trailer = 4 Total = 43.5 I realize the shape of the trailer can effect clearance, but I have not picked up the trailer yet. It is 215 Puma 253FBS. Is it possible to do a try and buy on the Ultimate hitch? Do you agree with my calculations and agree a 90inch turn would not be possible with the Puma? Thank you? Dan
asked by: Dan D
Expert Reply:
Here's the formula to use to determine if you have enough clearance to make a 90 degree turn with a gooseneck hitch installed:
(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the gooseneck ball to the truck cab
B = Offset used
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.
Let's plug in your numbers to determine would be the max trailer width your trailer can be.
34+9.5-X = 4 (the minimum clearance you will need to have is 4 inches)
X would be 39.5. Since this is half of the width of the nose you could tow a trailer with a max width of 79 inches.
If you determine you don't have enough clearance instead of the Andersen you would want the B and W Companion Slider Hitch part # BWRVK3400 that will install directly to your current B and W gooseneck hitch. This would be your best option honestly, and it won't require any measurements to determine if it will fit.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
4" Offset Ball for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Gooseneck Hitch Ball
- Turnover Ball
- 4 Inch Offset
- Powder-Coated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 20000 lbs GTW
- B and W
more information >
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