What Is the Proper Clearance for Rails of Truck Bed to 5th Wheel Trailer?

The proper clearance between the rails of a truck bed and a 5th wheel trailer can be a tricky and potentially dangerous issue. Every truck and trailer is different, so the amount of clearance required may vary from one combination to another.

When properly done, the gap between the bed rails and trailer should be less than an inch, which allows for a secure connection.

The first step in determining the proper clearance for your truck bed and 5th wheel trailer is to measure the height of both components. This can easily be done with a tape measure or other measuring device.

Make sure to take into account any accessories that may affect the measurement, such as mudflaps or running boards. Once you have this number, subtract it from the height of your truck bed rails.

Next, you’ll need to determine what type of hitch plate you’ll need for your setup. Different types of hitches require different amounts of clearance between the bed rails and trailer; for instance, if your hitch plate is too small for your setup it could cause binding or uneven weight distribution when connected to your trailer. The best way to ensure you get this right is to consult with an experienced professional or read up on different hitch plates online.

Finally, when installing your 5th wheel hitch plate onto your truck, make sure that there is enough room between the bed rails and trailer when fully connected. You can use a thin piece of wood or other material to check this gap before finalizing installation. If it looks like the gap is too wide or too narrow, adjust accordingly until it meets your needs.

Conclusion:

What Is the Proper Clearance for Rails of Truck Bed to 5th Wheel Trailer? The proper clearance between the truck bed rails and 5th wheel trailer should be less than an inch in order to have a secure connection.

To ensure this gap meets your needs, make sure to measure both components beforehand and select an appropriate hitch plate size for installation. Additionally, check that there is enough room between both components when fully connected before finalizing installation.

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Stephen Dunn