Headache rack and rails OK with 5er?

[Brandonrv]

I have a headache rack and rails that go along the bed that makes things easy to tie down and what not. Wondering if those will present a problem for me with a 5th wheel?

The rails only add about 3 inches to the height of the bed.

It's a short bed I'm going to get an auto slide hitch, just wondering if the headache rack will hinder my ability to turn or anything like that.

[Roosters 67]

Depending on how far behind the cab the headache rack is, the slider may not be enough depending on the front cap of the trailer. The rails may or may not become a clearance problem to the overhang of a fifthwheel.

My 2013 ram 4x4 dually is too close with my 2014 DRV Elite Suite, I only have about 3.5" at the tailgate for clearance, but my trailer is level. That is the important part, the trailer needs to be pulled as close to level as possible. I have to be careful on driveway entrances and exits. Also have to watch spaces that are too far off level or canted.

[Brandonrv]

thanks, rooster. Hard to figure it out without having something to hook up.

Probably ought to just take it off. I don't see a lot of pictures of trucks with them installed with 5th wheels.

Not the end of the world just makes tying things down easier.

[Roosters 67]

The newer trucks seem to have higher bed sides than before, my 2004 ram 3500 has about 6.5" clearance on same trailer.

until you decide on a trailer, it is kinda unknown as to what clearance you can expect. Depending on the suspension of the trailer, some can do an axle "flip", some can have longer shackles, some like mine have to have the suspension dropped and a steel tube spacer installed.

Mine has the MorRyde IS suspension sytem, and like rubber torsion axle systems they do not have equalizers like on leaf spring trailers. Leaf Spring trailers are more tolerant to being towed unlevel due to the equalizers, they help to even the load between axles. If my system is towed high in front the rear axle will be carrying more of the weight than the front wheels.

[Old-Biscuit]

Remove rails......replace with Bullring Anchor Points
Slip into stake pockets ---they pull up/push down for clean rail
They install very securely and WORK Great.
I have had same ones (6 ----3 each side) for 10 yrs.

Bullring....
Truck Tie Downs - Bull Ring - Chevy - Ford - Dodge - GMC - Toyota




You NEED that 5th wheel overhang to truck bed clearance.......minimum 6" but 7" or more is better.

Headache rack.....
Depending on how far slider moves king pin back when turning it might clear

Just remember 5th wheel at least 96" wide so you need at least 48" radius to clear cab/back window/rack etc.

[dayle1]

Definitely remove both to begin with then with some towing experience you may be able to reinstall them. But the side rails are very unlikely, today's trucks are so tall and everyone needs as much vertical clearance as possible, giving up 3" is a big deal.

Same with the headache rack, you are loosing clearance that may be critical for maneuvering. But then I have a short bed truck and don't use a slider hitch, has worked fine for 27 yrs across 4 SB trucks and 5 fifth wheels. With a slider and care, you may be ok.

[Brandonrv]

Yeah sounds like with the short bed especially those inches are pretty important. I will definitely remove it and see how things play out.

Thanks for the info!