Is 7-3/4 inches of Clearance From Truck Bed Rail to Gooseneck Hitch Overhang Adequate
Question:
I took delivery on a new Nissan Titan XD this past weekend. Although the bed and rails are about 2 inches higher than my 09 Titan LE I hooked up my 2 horse gooseneck and still have 7-7.5 inches of clearance on level ground between the rails/tailgate and the gooseneck. I did not adjust the coupler as the rig is still riding pretty level since the front is only about 2 inches higher than it was. I went for a nice long ride without horses, doing some hills/grade changes/turns etc. watching the trailer/bed clearance carefully in the mirrors and never got even close to contact. I think I am good but will of course pay very careful attention to steep grade changes like rail crossings, ditches etc. moving forward. What do your experts think about the 7-8 inch clearance? Seem acceptable?? Thanks.
asked by: Gary
Expert Reply:
We recommend 6 inches as the minimum clearance between bed rails and trailer overhang so your clearance of 7-3/4 inches would be just fine.
The picture you sent in does trouble me. If that is a picture that shows your trailer attached to your gooseneck hitch it would appear you have some problems. For one the gooseneck hitch is way too far behind the rear axle (it is supposed to be right above rear axle) and the nose of your trailer looks very nose high.
