Measuring for Clearance to Make Tight Turns when Towing 5th Wheel Trailer w/2015 Ram 3500 Short Bed
Updated 10/21/2016 | Published 10/20/2016
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Question:
WILL THE HUSKY WORK ON MY 2015 RAM SHORT BED AND HAVE ENOUGH CLEARANCE NOT TO HIT THE CAB WHEN BACKING UP OR TURNING SHARP TURNS ?
asked by: GREG F
Expert Reply:
To determine if there will be enough clearance to make tight turns when towing a 5th wheel trailer there are some measurements needed. Once a hitch like the Husky hitch # HT31318-32042 is installed using installation kit # HT32221-686 it will be centered over the rear axle on your 2015 Ram 3500 6 foot bed.
What you will do is measure from the center of the rear axle on the truck to the back of the cab and record the distance. Then add to that 10 inches for the travel of the slider hitch.
Next consider the placement of king pin on the trailer. Measure from the center of the king pin to the front of the trailer. If it is recessed back from the front cap of the trailer then you have to subtract that distance from the axle to cab (plus 10 for the slider) measurement. If it sticks out in front of the cap then you add that distance to the axle to cab measurement (plus 10 for the slider).
So for example let's say the axle to cab measurement on your truck is 30 inches. Add the travel of the slider, 10 inches, to get 40. And let's say the king pin sticks out 10 inches in front of the trailer. that brings it to 50 inches.
That 50 inches has to be at least 4 inches MORE than half the width of the trailer. So if the trailer was 90 inches wide at the front, half would be 45 inches. The 50 inches is 5 inches greater than 45 inches so you would be good to go in this scenario.
There are other sliders that offer more travel. The Demco HiJacker. # DM8550035, travels 14 inches and slides automatically so you won't have to get out of the truck. I have linked a video review of this hitch for you.
