How Much Clearance Should There be Between Tailgate and King Pin on 2005 Dodge Ram Truck

Updated 04/29/2019 | Published 04/25/2019

Question:

I understand the 6” from the top of the bed rail to the bottom of the 5th wheel over hang. What about between the upright tailgate and the kingpin box. When in the rear position on the hitch where I need to be to have full clearance from the cab when turning tight it is only like 2” from the tailgate when it is up. My head tells me when turning it will never hit the tailgate but is that too close for other instances?? Love your site by the way. Tons of good dialogue and info. Thanks!!!

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

That is a good question and the answer is still that it is best to have 6 inches of clearance all the way around, including from the tailgate to the king pin box. I appreciate the photo you sent as that makes it clear how little room you really have.

While you are correct that when turning you are probably fine, the issue is when you encounter any types of rough roads or bumps or if you are driving and have to deal with a sharp incline - 2 inches is not enough and your truck's tailgate will come into contact with your kingpin box.

Thankfully there is an easy solution for your 2005 Dodge Ram that I highly recommend, a louvered tailgate, which is designed to rectify the exact problem you are having.

For your truck there are two options, the Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate with Lock for Dodge Trucks # VGD-02-4000 or the Stromberg Carlson 100 Series 5th Wheel Tailgate with Open Design for Dodge Trucks # VGD-02-100.

Either of these tailgates will solve your issue, and I added a photo a customer submitted of the locking tailgate on his truck so you can see the benefit it will give you. I also added links to video reviews of each tailgate for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S