Solution for Short Bed Truck Towing Fifth Wheel Trailer having Cab Clearance Issues

Updated 10/04/2016 | Published 10/03/2016

Question:

My 2015 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5 has broken by rear window glass on my 2014 F350 Truck, twice. I brought the truck and 5th wheel new. When turning to the left is when the 5th wheel hits the back of the cab and the impact breaks the left side glass on the rear windshield. I have a Reese Pro Series 15K. Took back to camping world and said it is installed properly, 32 1/2inch from the bed going forward. I told them that the center of the hitch is not over the axle like other hitches I have seen on trucks. It is about 4 to 5 inches forward of center axle. What is the problem?

asked by: Pete S

Expert Reply:

Since your truck is a short bed you will see some issues with turning clearance. Is your hitch a slider hitch? If not that's exactly what the problem is. You would need to have a hitch like the part # RP30051 which will give you additional turning clearance. The hitch allows you to slide it back when making tight turns to give you more clearance.

Since you have a Pro Series 15k hitch already you would just need the slider base part # RP30048 or # RP50024 to convert it to a slider hitch.

Either way though you have to be aware of your trailer when towing at all times. Even with a slider you should be checking around tight corners or on elevation changes to make sure nothing will cause a clearance issue.

expert reply by: Jameson C