Required Clearance Between Truck Bed Rails and 5th Wheel Trailer Overhang

Updated 09/17/2018 | Published 09/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(105)

$852.93

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(788)

$84.14

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(788)

$92.65

Question:

How do I determine which height setting to use for the anderson hitch? The ball has 3 holes for 15 3/4 to 18 inch height. I have it in a 2003 2500HD Silverado Crew Cab with a 6 1/2foot bed. Im pulling a Flagstaff 26526rlws, 7500#

asked by: Marc J

Expert Reply:

What you can do is refer to the linked diagram that shows the minimum recommended clearance at the truck bed rails when towing a 5th wheel like your Forest River Flagstaff.

At the bed rails, where the trailer overhang will be, you want no less than 5-inches of vertical clearance between the coupled trailer's overhang and the tops of the truck's bed rails. This allows enough room for the pitch and roll of the truck and trailer as you go down twisty roads; the trailer and truck bed rails can get pretty close to each other when the truck starts climbing out of a dip in the road while the trailer is still heading downhill.

You also naturally want the hitched trailer to be as close to perfectly level as possible so that it tows well, without much sway. With some trucks it can be necessary to raise the trailer height with an over-under kit like # K71-384-00 or # K71-385-00 in order for it to remain level when hitched. These axle over-under kits can provide several inches of height gain in the trailer by moving the leaf springs to the tops of the axles.

The tire size on both the truck and trailer can vary. Your 2003 Silverado 2500 came with any of 4 stock tire sizes. Also the condition of the suspension can cause variances in the truck's stance.

expert reply by: Adam R