Measuring for 5th Wheel Turning Clearance
Question:
I have a 6 1/2 foot bed hd truck with gooseneck hitch. I am wanting to switch out the pin box to a gooseneck box on my fifth wheel. I was wanting to know how to measure for turning clearance to make sure I wont need a sliding hitch/can get by without one. I am just wanting to use the gooseneck ball itself. thanks
asked by: Ben
Expert Reply:
The formula to determine 5th wheel turning clearance is pretty straightforward and is expressed as:
(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of Sidewinder arm (22-inches) as with part # RP34FR
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)
For an example, if the distance from the center of the hitch to the cab is 36", 36" + 22" = 58". If your fifth wheel trailer is 102" wide, take half (51"), then plug in: 58" - 51" = 7" of clearance. At least 4 inches of clearance is recommended to safely execute a 90 degree turn.
You can refer to the linked article for additional information.
Continue Researching
- Video: Review of B and W Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters - Adapts Truck - BWRVK3050
- Video: B and W Companion Flatbed Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter Review
- Shop: B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1116 and 1716 - 30,000 lbs - 5.5K TW
- Shop: Replacement Hitch Ball for B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Hitches - 2-5/16"
- Shop: B&W Companion Flatbed Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Q&A: How to Adjust the Height of a 5th Wheel Trailer Pin Box
- Shop: Replacement Base for B&W Companion Flatbed 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 25,000 lbs
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Fifth Wheel Installation Kit For 2016 Toyota Tundra With 5-1/2 Ft Bed
- Q&A: Can Toyota Tundra TRD 5-1/2-Foot Bed Tow 5th Wheel Trailer
- Q&A: Can a 5th Wheel Trailer Be Towed with a Slider Hitch in the Maneuvering Position
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Toyota Tundra - Carbide Finish
- Search Results: gen~y hitch
- Q&A: Can 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Wiring be Installed in the Bed of a 2014 Ram 2500 with Ram Box
- Q&A: Can 2021 Ram with Ram Boxes Tow Fifth Wheel Trailer
- Search Results: lippert turning point pin box
- Q&A: Determining Fifth Wheel Turning Clearance
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Search Results: rhino box
- Search Results: 50~amp generator
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement