Minimum Distance Between Truck Bumper and Fifth Wheel Trailer on 1997 Ford F-350 XLT Dually

Updated 06/11/2014 | Published 06/09/2014

Question:

Our truck is a 1997 Ford 350 dually XLT. The bed size is 8 1/2 foot long and 6 foot wide. What is the minimum distance I need from the very back of my bumper to the fifth wheel. We are getting ready to move! Thanks!!!

asked by: Heather G

Expert Reply:

The absolute minimum recommended distance between the truck bumper and the front of the trailer's lower portion (not the overhang) is 16 - 24 inches. The particular minimum in any given application will depend on several factors: the type and length of your 5th wheel's pin box; the particular 5th wheel hitch installed in your F-350 (or the type of adapter used if the truck has a goose neck hitch); and the design of the trailer and where you are measuring.

Another way to check is to turn the truck so that its rear corner is as close to the trailer as it can be; if this distance is at least 4-inches then you are generally going to be okay for turns.

The linked diagram will be helpful to you.

expert reply by: Adam R