Will the Tail Gate on a 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD Interfere when Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
I have Reese Bracket 50066 and Reese above rail kit. And going by the directions, placing the rear rail 29 3/8 in from rear of 8 ft bed. My initial calculation places the open tail gate very close to the camper when connecting to the 5th wheel. A couple of inches, but not as much as I had on a 6 ft bed. Does the distance from the tail gate to the 5th wheel have any concern especially while hooking up at an angle. Will I have to get close and get out and close the tail gate to completer the hook up. I have a Keystone Cougar with a pin extension, that came factory installed
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
To determine if the clearance is going to be an issue you will want to measure from the center of the trailer hitch jaws straight back to the end of the tail gate when down. Then compare that to the distance from the center of the king pin on the trailer straight back to the trailer overhang (or where ever it might contact the lowered tail gate). With these measurements it should become clear if there will be an issue.
You mentioned having a pin extension. If it is anything like the Reese Revolution or Sidewinder it moves the pivot point back from the center of the hitch jaws 22 inches. It is likely that if you do have one of these types of extensions that clearance will not be an issue.
You will want to try to hook up as straight as possible if there ends up being a clearance issue. Some people remove the tail gate altogether when towing their 5th wheel trailers in part to avoid having to get out of the truck to open/close the tail gate.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Universal
- Above the Bed
- Reese
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