Calculating Clearance Between the Bumper and 5th Wheel Trailer on a 2005 Ford Super Duty

Updated 04/05/2010 | Published 04/03/2010

Question:

I have 12 inches of clearance from my rear bumber to the trailer if I hook to my gooseneck ball. Is that going to be enough clearance for a 45 degree turn? I will be pulling a 35 ft Jayco 5th wheel with a GVW of 12,500. Thanks

asked by: J D

Expert Reply:

There are a few measurements you will need to make in order to find the clearance. Find the distance from the center of the gooseneck ball, in the bed of the truck, to the closest part of the trailer under pinning. Make sure the trailer king pin is centered over the gooseneck ball and both vehicles are as level as you can get them.

You will then need the distance from the center of the gooseneck ball to the farthest diagonal measurement to the corner of the bumper. You would then subtract the diagonal measurement from the first measurement to get the clearance. If clearance is equal to or greater than 4 inches there will be no contact.

expert reply by: Michael H