off the beaten path towing

[vern ho]

I have until now, avoided certain obsticals i am not sure of. Towing my fifth wheel if i go thru a dip, say a low water creek crossing, what is the possibility of my truck rails touching and damaging the under side of my fifth wheel? I have, noticed on occasion, that they come awfully close to contact on some drive ways. will the fifth wheel plate carry some of the extra load if the angle is too severe???

[vern ho]

I have until now, avoided certain obsticals i am not sure of. Towing my fifth wheel if i go thru a dip, say a low water creek crossing, what is the possibility of my truck rails touching and damaging the under side of my fifth wheel? I have, noticed on occasion, that they come awfully close to contact on some drive ways. will the fifth wheel plate carry some of the extra load if the angle is too severe???

[Ray,IN]

Hello Vern, welcome to irv2.com! Reese Products recommends a minimum of 6 inches clearance between truck-bed sides and the bottom of your 5er overshot. That is my minimum, and I've gotten a scare about every trip.
When/if your 5er makes contact with your truck-bed, you will have damage, how much depends on your reaction speed.
If you plan to tow your 5er to back-country campsites, I suggest you raise your 5er to obtain about 8 inches minimum clearance. This may require re-positioning the 5er axles to under the springs in order to maintain a level towing stance.

[vern ho]

tks, to ray, i always thought the best defense was a 180, in this case it would be backing up a long way. jim USAF 6 yrs. i,ll be keeping an eye out for you from Utah