How to Keep 5th Wheel Pin Box From Contacting Bed Rails of Truck When Turning

Updated 11/16/2020 | Published 11/10/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(820)

$80.32

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

(128)

$901.16

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(820)

$96.69

Question:

I have a 2017 F350 short bed My Pin back is hitting the side walls when turning tight Have an Anderson hitch Is there another hitch you suggest that won’t give me the same problem?

asked by: Mark S

Expert Reply:

It sounds like this is more an issue with the height of the truck and trailer; typically we recommend that your 5th wheel trailer's overhang should be at least 5" from the tops of the bed rails in order to avoid issues where the king pin contacts the bed rails when turning. There are two things I would check- first, what the height setting on your Andersen Ultimate # AM3200 is set at; and second, whether or not your 5th wheel pin box can be adjusted higher to allow for the proper clearance (if there are bolt holes above where your pin box is currently bolted you could adjust higher).

The Andersen Ultimate # AM3200 has a height of 18" when adjusted to it's highest point, so I would also make sure that you're using it in this manner. If you're not and adjusting it higher would create a nose up situation with your trailer, you might want to look into a lift for the trailer. Using an over/under kit like the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8" diameter axles or part # K71-385-00 for 3" diameter axles would be the best solution for this. This kit however will only work if your leaf springs are below the axle. It will raise the trailer the diameter of the axle plus the height of the leaf spring perch/stack.

If you can let me know the current height your # AM3200 is adjusted to and what position the pin box is installed, that would give me a bit more information, since I'm not sure that a new hitch would be the answer for this.