Determining Fifth Wheel Turning Clearance

Updated 08/15/2023 | Published 08/14/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20K

(87)

$749.95

B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(209)

$269.82

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(798)

$799.00

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(798)

$899.00

Question:

I’m trying to become an RV person and I’m currently thinking that I’m going to go with a 5th Wheel RV and Truck. That could change. In fact, it might change latter today, LOL But my serious question is how do I know if I must purchase a long bed truck? One would think that there would be an App that I could enter my truck and bed configuration, plus my RV make and model and the app would tell me my hitch options that would allow a 90-degree turn without the RV coming into contact with the Cab. Ive not found such an app, so I thought I would check with you guys since you seem to be the experts in the field. If I have a 2024 GMC 3500 single wheel rear axle with the short Bed, using a Curt Crosswind Hitch to pull a Grand Design 337RLS RV can the truck make a 90 degree to the RV turn?

asked by: Craig F

Expert Reply:

I can certainly help shed some light on the situation. I also am not aware of any app that calculates turning clearance. If only it were so easy right? If you have the option to purchase a long bed truck, that would be preferred. That way you will never have to worry about clearance. Also, GMC offers an OEM 5th wheel prep package, which would make your life a lot easier. Otherwise you will need to install a rail kit like the # BWRVK2505.

The official answer is- "it depends". Generally for any bed shorter that 8' we recommend using a slider. That being said we have found a lot of cases where a slider is not needed for a short bed. The Curt Crosswing # C86JR is a solid hitch, and it does make hooking up/unhooking much easier. I personally recommend a B&W hitch like the # BWRVK3255. These are known to be the most durable, dependable hitches on the market.

A lot of 5th wheel manufacturers will make the nose of the trailer rounded to allow more turning clearance. It looks like the newer years of Grand Design 337RLS do have a slightly rounded nose. Also keep in mind that a slider is only needed when turning at a severe angle. A lot of folks will tell us that they rarely (if ever) find themselves in situations where they need to make extremely sharp turns.

That said, I do not have a way to give a firm answer to your question, but I can get you on your way to finding out. You can use the following formula to determine turning clearance.

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the fifth wheel jaw center to the truck cab
B = Offset used (slider clearance or Sidewinder offset)
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.

You could on the other hand, just go ahead and buy a slider hitch like the B&W # BWRVK3270. You will have it if you need it, but you may never need to use it. Either way you will be good to go, and you will have a great quality fifth wheel hitch.

I know this may be a lot of info all at once. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have further questions.