What Type of Bed Rail Clearance is Needed when Towing a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Question:

Hi have a 2015 RAM 2500 4x4. I am purchasing an 2016 Arctic Fox 27-5L fifth wheel. I am concerned about the clearance from the top of the bed to the fifth wheel also turning radius. Can you shed some light on this for me. Thank you

asked by: Keith

Expert Reply:

Between the bed rails of your truck and the overhang of your trailer you want to have at least 6 inches of clearance. Some say 4 inches is fine but I would rather you have 6 inches just in case you end up on a steep driveway that you have to turn into.

The other thing to consider is that you also want the trailer sitting as level as possible front to back. Basically you would want to pick the fifth wheel head hitch height that would give you the needed clearance and would allow you to tow the trailer level.

If you have a short bed truck you would need a slider hitch to allow yourself the needed clearance to make a tight turn. If you have a long bed truck you would be fine as-is.

expert reply by: Jameson C