Clearance Between Fifth Wheel Trailer and Rear of 2015 Ram Cab

Question:

I plan on moving my 3000 model companion from my 2009 Ram to a new 2015. I do not have the 5th wheel prep and have already spoken to a local truck shop about installing a new receiver. My question is about changes to the set up of my hitch after I it in. On my 09 the hitch was set at medium height and closest to the cab and my pin box is at its lowest setting. The 15 is approx 2inch taller so I assume I will have to raise the hitch and adjust the pin box. The newer truck also has a 9.6inch longer wheelbase. Does this mean I will have to move the pivot arms to the rear, or will the receiver be located further back? How far should the cab be away from the RV?

asked by: David M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Fifth Wheel hitches are not universal fits, so you will want to make sure that your hitch is compatible with your 2015 Ram 3500. Part RVK3000. That is an older Companion hitch that is now obsolete. You can use that on your truck if you have a Turnoverball hitch, but you will need a special foot plate kit that you can only get directly from B&W.

Otherwise the B&W Companion hitch that is a fit for your 2015 Ram 3500 with 8 Foot Bed without Factory Rail Kit is # BWRVK3500-5W and Custom Underbed Installation Kit # BWGNRK1314-5W.

To set up your hitch height you will want the hitch to be set at the height that 1) allows the trailer to be level, and 2) allows you a minimum of 6 inches between the bottom of the trailer loft and the top of the bed rails. The fifth wheel hitches offer several inches of up and down adjustment to help accomplish this. Many pin boxes are also height adjustable.

To determine the necessary clearance between the rear of the truck cab and the front of the trailer loft, use the formula below to ensure there will be enough space between your truck cab and trailer when executing a 90-degree turn. The distance from the center of the king pin to the truck cab should be 4 inches longer than half the width of the trailer to safely execute a 90 degree turn

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of kingpin extender
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

Regardless of your wheelbase, when installing a fifth wheel hitch on a truck, the king pin and fifth wheel will always be centered over the rear axle or slightly forward of the rear axle.

I have included a link to frequently asked questions about fifth wheel towing for you to check out as well.