What is the Minimum Clearance Between Truck Bed Sides and the Bottom of a 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 10/13/2010 | Published 10/12/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter

(222)

$599.98

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs

(983)

$579.02

Question:

1998 chevy C-3500 dually- 1996 Coachmen catalina 26 ft fifth wheel

asked by: gary c

Expert Reply:

A good rule to follow is to allow 6 inches or more of clearance between the sides of the bed and the bottom of the 5th wheel trailer to allow for dips and bumps in the road. To find the right 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter for your truck and trailer, there is a simple measurement you can take.

First, back your truck into position as if you were hooking up your fifth-wheel trailer. Make sure that the truck and trailer are level. Next, measure from the pin plate (the bottom of the pin box) down to the top of the ball in the bed of your truck. This measurement will determine the height the adapter will need to be.

The shortest 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter we have is the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter, # AM3100. It is actually adjustable from 11-3/4 inches to 14-3/4 inches. It has a 24,000 pound capacity and 6,000 pound pin weight capacity.

The tallest adapter we have is the Convert-A-Ball Multi-Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter, # CAB-C5G, at 12 to 16 inches. This adapter has a 20,000 pound capacity and 4,000 pound pin weight capacity. I have included a link to a video review of this adapter below.

You will also want to check with the 5th wheel manufacturer to make sure that the trailer is rated for use with a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter.

expert reply by: Michael H