Formula Used for Determining if Fifth Wheel Truck and Trailer will have Turning Clearance

Question:

I can not find consice data on the standard non-sliding Companion hitch and if it will work for my GMC 2500hd with 6.5foot bed without loosing maneuverability. IE hitting or damaging the truck in a standard 45-60 degree turns. In use with modern shaped front end Campers?

asked by: Lenard

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you are looking for the formula for determining if you have enough clearance to make 90 degree turns with a fifth wheel trailer hitched up to a truck.

The formula you are referring to is this:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the fifth wheel jaw center to the truck cab
B = Offset used (slider clearance or Sidewinder offset)
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.

Hopefully your trailer has a nose on it that is tapered in designed specifically for working with short bed trucks otherwise you will need the slider Companion # BWRVK3400.

expert reply by: Jameson C