What Is The Recommended Bed Rail Clearance When Towing A Fifth Wheel?

Updated 03/01/2024 | Published 02/26/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Curt CrossWing Lightweight Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(12)

$824.95

Question:

I have a 2024 Silverado 2500 HD with the Curt Crosswing C32DR currently have 9.5 inches clearance between truck rail and bottom of 5th wheel using middle hole on hitch. would it be better to use bottom hole to pick up another 2 inches and have 7.5 inches clearance instead, main issue is back jacks are very close to pavement when backing into driveway. This is our first fifth wheel as we have had class A motor homes for almost 20 years,Thanks

asked by: Jim

Tandara East To West Fifth Wheel
(click to enlarge)

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Jim, congrats on the new truck and fifth wheel - looks great. Our rule of thumb is that you want a minimum of 6" of clearance between the top of the bed rails and the bottom of the trailer loft. You should be just fine to use the bottom hole on your Curt CrossWing # C32DR to gain the additional 2" of clearance for your jacks. Even after doing this, you will be left with 7.5" of bed rail clearance so there will be no danger of the trailer contacting the bed.

We do want to try to keep the fifth wheel as level as possible. You will want to make sure that dropping the hitch 2" does not cause the camper to be too far out of level as this can affect ride quality and braking. Generally speaking, anything within 3" of level is considered safe for towing. If the 2" drop gets you closer to level, it is a win-win.

If you are new to this fifth wheel thing, you can feel free to reach out if you ever have further questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jim

2/29/2024

Thanks for replying to my question I appreciate the advice and am going to drop the hitch to the bottom hole my question now is can I reuse the nyloc nut again or should I use new one that came with set I ordered from etrailer that includes new bushing, just wondering because of the high torque setting for bolt

Jesse M.

3/1/2024

@Jim Yes good call you will definitely want to use the new hardware. Generally speaking, bolts and nuts should not be re-used after being torqued that high.