What is a Safe Distance Between Truck Bed Rails and the Underside of a 5th Wheel Camper Trailer Loft

Updated 01/24/2020 | Published 10/29/2011

Question:

I presently have a 5th wheel camper pulled by a p.u.with a 61/2 bed. My question is what is a safe distance from the top of the bed raile to the bottom of the camper body? I have adjusted the height of the hitch so the camper is level when being towed but the distance from the rail to the camper body appears to be a little close.

asked by: Rick S

Expert Reply:

Our recommendation for safe towing, no damage to truck bed rails or underside of trailer loft is 6 inches. If you have at least 6 inches of clearance with the trailer level you should be alright in all but the most severe pitch and roll situations, like entering a steep drive or going through a deep dip.

If your fifth-wheel hitch does not have enough rise to accommodate 6 inches of clearance, then you might be interested in a hitch that can be adjusted to 18 inches above the truck bed, like the Reese Fifth Wheel, # RP30083. You may also be able to lower the pin box on the trailer. Most pin boxes can be adjusted up and down for additional clearance.

Finally you may need to take your truck and trailer combination to a qualified professional to see if there is a recommendation for towing your camper with your truck. Sometimes, with the newer truck beds getting taller, the older campers cannot be towed, or need to have the suspension raised for towing the trailer level and providing adequate clearance between the trailer loft and bed sides.

expert reply by: Robert G

Randy G.

1/24/2020

This hitch is a manual hitch, Right?Also, please explane how you get more clearance by lowering the pin box. ThanksRandy Gibson 2017 Sprinter 5thT/V 2016 Silverado short box ,crew cab 4x4