Calculating 5th Wheel Turning Clearance
Updated 08/05/2020 | Published 03/25/2019
Question:
can you explian how to measure to make sure i will have enuf clearance from cab for a specific trailer please advise thanks
asked by: Travis O
Expert Reply:
The formula to determine 5th wheel turning clearance is pretty straightforward and is expressed as:
(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of Sidewinder arm (22-inches) as with part # RP34FR
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)
For an example, if the distance from the center of the hitch to the cab is 36", 36" + 22" = 58". If your fifth wheel trailer is 102" wide, take half (51"), then plug in: 58" - 51" = 7" of clearance. At least 4 inches of clearance is recommended to safely execute a 90 degree turn.
You can refer to the linked article for additional information.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: turnoverball gooseneck gooseneck installation kit
- Search Results: turn over ball
- Search Results: gooseneck pin box
- Search Results: pacbrake vehicle suspension
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Video: In-Depth Look at the B&W 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box
- Q&A: Dimensions Of Lippert 1716 Pin Box # LC1324791
- Video: Lippert 1716 5th Wheel Pin Box Spec Review
- Search Results: b&w slider hitch
- Video: In-Depth Review of the BOLT Covered Padlock
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Search Results: 94413
- Shop: Andersen Aluminum Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection 2 Gooseneck version
- Shop: BOLT brand vehicle and hitch locks
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Pacbrake Alpha Air Bag Suspension Kit Review and Comparison
- Shop: Pacbrake Alpha XD Air Bag Suspension Kit - Rear Axle - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Pacbrake Alpha XD Air Bag Suspension Kit - Rear Axle - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Pacbrake Alpha XD Pro Air Bag Suspension Kit w/ Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Pacbrake Alpha HD Pro Air Bag Suspension Kit w/ Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle - 5,000 lbs
- Search Results: pad lock
- Q&A: Availability of Replacement Pucks for Reese Fifth Wheel Elite Rail Kit
- Article: Fifth Wheel Hitch Combinations for Ram Trucks with RamBox (2009-Current)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Video: Maintaining Your B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider
- Video: Installation: B and W Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Turnoverball for Ram on a 2021 Ram 2500
on 5th Wheel Pin Box
Dean B.
7/28/2020
I have a 2019 Ram 3500 standard short box (6'5") and pulling a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 260RD. I have the new M5 fifth wheel hitch from Reese with the centre box turned to push the head a little to the rear of the truck (as noted in your video). The M5 hitch was recommended because the wedge that's supplied by Grand Design fits this hitch when using the the turning point feature on the trailer. Everything is set up to use the turning point but I'm finding hooking up not a easy as a standard set up. I'm wondering since the M5 box is turned would I have enough clearance if I moved to a standard set up? Thank you!