Necessary Clearance Between Fifth Wheel Trailer and Rear of 2009 Dodge Ram Cab

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", 36" + 22" = 58". If your fifth wheel trailer is 102" wide, take half (51"), then plug in: 58" - 51" = 7" 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.

expert reply by: Mike L