Calculating Truck Bed Clearance for Towing a Fifth Wheel
Question:
2002 dodge ram 1500 6ft bed /1990 fleetwood terry with a extension on the 5th wheel hitch / will i need a slider or is there some way to calculate the clerance and waht options there are
asked by: Brain
Expert Reply:
Anytime you wish to tow a fifth wheel trailer using a truck with a bed any shorter than 8 feet, you will need either a slider, like part # RP30051, or a Sidewinder like those found on the page below, to relocate the pivot point further to the rear to provide the necessary clearance.
You can calculate how much clearance you will need. Use the formula on the Sidewinder page linked below to ensure there will be enough space between your truck cab and trailer when executing a 90 degree turn. You should be able to get a fifth wheel with sliders to clear but you will have to lock the sliders in a maneuvering position when making tight turns and re-lock them into a towing position when driving. Sidewinders eliminate the need for this.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
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