Determining Cab Clearance with 2019 Ford F-250 Short Bed and 102 Inch Wide Trailer
Question:
Hi I just bought a 2019 F 250 Ford. With a 6 1/2 foot bed I am measured from cab to the middle of the ball 34 inches The width of my fifth wheel trailer is 102 inches by well I have enough clearance to make real tight terms
asked by: Dennis
Expert Reply:
In order to determine cab clearance with your new 2019 Ford F-250 and 5th wheel trailer there is a formula that you can use. The formula is as follows:
(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Clearance provided from sliding hitch or pivoting pin box
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)
We can start by just assuming a fixed 5th wheel hitch to give us a base number to go from, in which case B will equal zero.
This means the forumula for your setup will be 34 (cab to center of ball) minus 51 (your 102 inch trailer width divided by 2). This gives you a clearance number of -17. In order to execute a 90 degree turn without any cab interference this number needs to be at least +4.
This means that you will need either a sliding hitch or pivoting pin box on the trailer that provides you with at least 21 inches of additional clearance. Your best option for this will be with a pivoting pin box like the Reese Sidewinder, as these will push the pivot point 22 inches behind the kingpin. To choose the correct unit you will need to determine the pin box model on your trailer, which should be listed on a sticker right on the box itself.
Just as an example the Reese Sidewinder # RP61412 is designed to replace the Lippert 1116, 1716, and 0115 pin box models. I have attached a link that will take you to our complete selection that you can look through as well.
Then for a fixed 5th wheel hitch that will work well with the Sidewinder I recommend the Reese M5 Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30921. This is an excellent hitch that features a forged single-piece jaw that wraps completely around the king pin for a secure connection and a 4-Way pivoting head to allow for a much easier hookup process. It has an 20,000 pound towing weight capacity.
I have included a short video demonstration on this hitch that you can also check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Towing Prep Package - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- No Pivot
- 15-3/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- Andersen
more information >
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