Necessary Clearance Between Fifth Wheel Trailer and Rear of 2009 Dodge Ram Cab
Question:
I have a Dodge ram 1500 hemi it has a 5.5 ft bed. I have a kingpin extender & the 15k slider. How far from the cab should the center of the 5th wheel plate be?
asked by: Sheldon
Expert Reply:
To determine the necessary clearance between the rear of the truck cab and the front of the trailer loft, use the formula below to ensure there will be enough space between your truck cab and trailer when executing a 90-degree turn.
(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of kingpin extender
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)
For example: If the distance from the center of the hitch to the cab is 36 inches, 36 + 22 = 58 inches. If your fifth wheel trailer is 102 inches wide, take half (51 inches), then plug in: 58inches - 51 inches = 7 inches of clearance.
Keep in mind that you do not want to have the hitch slid rearward while towing. Doing so would place too much of the trailer weight aft the rear axle, which will lighten the weight on the front truck axle enough to cause steering problems.
