Recommended Clearance Between Bedside and Trailer

Updated 06/25/2018 | Published 06/22/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(222)

$599.98

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(782)

$72.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(782)

$89.03

Question:

2018 gmc 3500 dually,38foot 5th wheel camper,is 7inch too much space between bedrail and camper

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

As a general rule of thumb, there needs to be at least 6" of clearance between the top of the truck's bed rails and the loft of the trailer in order to prevent contact. Therefore, the 7" of clearance you have now is not too much. This is actually ideal as long as the truck and trailer are level. If the truck and trailer are not level then you may want to reposition the pin box or adjust the height of the head on the hitch if applicable. If the pin box and hitch head cannot be adjusted then you may need to raise or lower the trailer in order to have it remain level with the tow vehicle while also allowing for at least 6" of clearance between the top of the truck's bed rails and the loft of the trailer.

For example, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8" axles or part # K71-385-00 for 3" axles can raise or lower the trailer depending on leaf spring placement the thickness of the axle plus the height of the leaf spring pack.

expert reply by: Conner L