Will Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Adapter Provide Enough Cab Clearance with 6-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

We have a 2018 Silverado 3500HD w/ 6-6 bed and will be pulling a Grand Design Reflection 303RLS that has a LIppert 1621 pin box. Will this combination give us enough clearance to the cab and side rails?

asked by: Brian R

Expert Reply:

The Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System # AM3200 referenced in your question does feature a 9 inch offset that will allow for improved clearance on short bed trucks. This, along with the tapered nose on your Grand Design Reflection 303RLS 5th Wheel, should give you the cab clearance necessary to make sharp turns when towing.

There is also a formula that you should use in order to confirm if you will have the necessary cab clearance with your truck.

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the center of the gooseneck ball to the truck cab
B = Offset used, (9 inches for the # AM3200)
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.

You will need to have at least 4 inches of clearance to safely make a 90 degree turn.

If you are still needing fifth wheel base rails for your truck to which the Andersen Ultimate will mount, I recommend the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit # C16411-204. These rails include custom brackets that will use existing holes in your truck's frame in order to minimize drilling and reduce installation time. I have attached a short installation video along with the written instructions that you can use for reference.