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Old 07-10-2024, 01:16 PM   #1
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Bumper to 5th wheel clearance

So this probably won't be an "ideal" thread, but hoping I can get away with it. Running a GM 3500 dually. Literally taking the 5th 5 miles. I did not pull the camper yet, I simply backed into it and sat it down for testing.

When truck/trailer are straight, I have clearance but certainly cannot drop the tailgate. I came back under trailer at various angles to test and at about a 45*, which should be worst case for bumper/trailer contact, I had about 8" clearance..

I don't really like it and trying to think about scenarios that could close that gap like going over a small hill.

Any thoughts? All other clearances are fine.
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Old 07-10-2024, 02:23 PM   #2
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I feel confident going over a hill will not make 8" of difference where you are talking about with bumper to fw contact. How far forward of the axle is the hitch mounted that you cannot open the tailgate?
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Old 07-10-2024, 04:47 PM   #3
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If you cannot drop the tailgate, when backed straight to FW, it tells me that you are improvising, with however you are connecting. OTOH, if bumper clears by 8"s, when at 45 degrees, it should not be a problem. Certainly, under the right circumstance, a problem could develop, but an experienced tow person recognizes problems, before they happen.
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Old 07-10-2024, 08:54 PM   #4
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Our 1st 5th wheel the front of the trailer was like 8” maybe a foot when backed in square! Never hit the bumper.
Before you would close that 8” you would hit the rails with the 5 th wheel.
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Old 07-10-2024, 09:35 PM   #5
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Hitch in bed is 2" front of axle CL. Actually is a replacement bed I bought with the exact same hitch, and the exact same spot.

Just measured things with the tape measure. If I back the truck to the 5th with the gate down, if I go ahead and just smack the 5th with the tailgate, we good! The measurement is 73" needed and I have 74".. I do everything in life by myself now so help is not an option.

Obviously I just get out and close the damn gate, not the end of the world since I rarely use the thing.

Other math I show is straight on, bumper to 5th clearance should be 17" and reduces to 8" at 45*.

This truck has been a problem ONLY for 5th wheels from day one. I watched a Dodge hook right up to the same trailer. Their wheelbase is obviously longer or relation of axle to rear of bed is different. I was annoyed.
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Old 07-11-2024, 09:51 AM   #6
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Put an automatic slider hitch in the bed you will never worry about clearance anymore regardless of long bed or short bed for the box.

I have towed with both Chevy short bed truck and a Dodge Short bed Mega Cab truck. But I have always used a slider hitch so, i never had any clearance issue when towing my 5er's. When I purchased my last 5er a Cedar Creek I needed a new hitch so, I opted for an auto slider hitch. The trailer will move away from the truck as you turn or back in never any clearance issues with an auto slider hitch.

just my opinion.
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Old 07-11-2024, 10:15 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimcumminsw View Post
Put an automatic slider hitch in the bed you will never worry about clearance anymore regardless of long bed or short bed for the box.

I have towed with both Chevy short bed truck and a Dodge Short bed Mega Cab truck. But I have always used a slider hitch so, i never had any clearance issue when towing my 5er's. When I purchased my last 5er a Cedar Creek I needed a new hitch so, I opted for an auto slider hitch. The trailer will move away from the truck as you turn or back in never any clearance issues with an auto slider hitch.

just my opinion.
^
^

Agreed - Get a Demco 18K Autoslider.
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Old 07-11-2024, 10:46 AM   #8
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You don't say what Hitch you are using, whether pucks or gooseneck, but here is some information from the B&W website about their Companion 5th Wheel Hitch:

https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/sit...027%202024.pdf

On page 3 of 5 shows all the adjustments that are available.
By the way, my B&W turnover ball is installed about 5 " in front of the axle.
This is where it is designed (by B&W) to be installed.
Also, there is a possibility that you have a shorter Pin Box. MorRyde makes 5 different length Pin Boxes. Look at Page 1:

https://www.morryde.com/wp-content/u...n-Guide_v2.pdf

Hope that this might give you some options.

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Old 07-14-2024, 01:08 PM   #9
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What a pain not being able to open and close the tailgate with the trailer hooked up. I need to have my tailgate down to hook and unhook. I also use the room I have to access the front compartment when hooked up. Popup Hitch makes a hitch extender that will give you an extra 10" on your pin box.

The newer GM trucks, after 2020 I believe, set up their puck system to that the trailer's pin would be a few inches behind the axle centerline.
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