Determining Clearance Needed Between Travel Trailer and Tow Vehicle Rear Bumper
Question:
I have a motor home with standard style ball mount 2 5/16 ball. My new enclosed trailer is a 2018 26 ft pace american elite with 30inch v nose and an 18inch extended tongue. How much clearance should I have between motor home bumper and trailer for turning clearance? Thank you.
asked by: Brad L
Expert Reply:
There isn't a specific clearance number that is needed between a travel trailer and tow vehicle rear bumper, as it will really depend on several factors including the width of both the trailer and your motorhome. A V-Nose trailer like what you have will also reduce any potential for turning clearance issues. What I recommend doing is taking your motorhome and trailer out to an empty parking lot so you can make some slow, controlled turns. You can have a buddy observe how close the trailer is getting to the rear bumper when making sharp turns to see if some kind of extension is needed.
If you need a bit more clearance, I recommend going with a ball mount that features a longer shank like the Curt # C45270. This ball mount has a length of 13 inches from the center of the hitch pin to the center of the ball hole and a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.
I have attached a link that will take you directly to our selection of similar ball mounts that you can also look through if needed.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Class III Drawbar - 2" Rise - 4" Drop - 13" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Long Shank
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch
- No Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Bolts Over King Pin
- Adjustable Height
- King Pin Adapters
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
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