Bed rail clearance

[Rwake901]

I’ve been towing our 5th wheel now for over a year and a half and finally got around to measuring the distance between the bed rails and the 5th wheel on a level surface. I have 5 1/2 inches and never had an issue plus it tows level. When I Googled it I found some say 5 inches is enough some say 6 or more. I only have one hole left in the 5th wheel hitch to gain 1 inch clearance but since I’ve never had an issue I’m not sure it’s worth doing. What is your clearance or opinion? Thanks

[Curly2001]

From what I have experienced is it also depends on how much side to side movement your hitch head allows you. I had a Reese 15K which was quite limited when it came to side to side motion and when the dealership set up the trailer, it only had about 4 inches of clearance on the rails. Never hit the bed rails because the motion was limited. I purchased a new truck and hitch, (Curt A16) and was very surprised at all the side to side movement this new hitch has and set up the clearance to almost 6 inches for the bed rails.
Curly

[Lantley]

In general I prefer more clearance but if you have been a year without issue I imagine your fine at this point.

[Rwake901]

Thanks for everyone’s advice. I think I’m just going to leave it the way it is. 🙂

[JIMNLIN]

I've towed 5th wheel rv and non rv trailers with short and long beds. I don't have a preference for 5 or 6 inches or bed length but what I've found is my short beds can get by with 5 inches or so. They simple don't stick back under the over hang as far as a long bed for the top end of the bed to make contact especially as the truck drops down say in a low water crossing/etc. Of course hitch location/pin box length can be a big player here.

And of course much depends on the terrain one uses.

[stickdog]

5th wheels are made to ride level why trade one perceived problem for an actual one of overloading the rear axles.

[valhalla360]

While I'd prefer a little more, it's probably an issue of more hassle than it's worth to fix it if you haven't been having problems.

[Campinghoss]

That is about what I have and I don't even think about it. I have hit some dips in different cg's and never hit anything at all.

[n0arp]

It sounds like you have plenty for your use - but YMMV if you ever leave pavement. I have a couple more inches of rail clearance than you, and have hit a couple times on BLM/USFS roads.

[Second_Chance]

If the trailer is level, you're fine.

Rob

[MFL]

If after a yr and a half, no issue, I'd leave it. as towing level is a good thing. In my experience, with several FWs, and bed rail clearance varying, I've had times when 5-6 inches would not be enough. Kind of like backing short, it is just a good idea to be mindful of clearance, under more extreme conditions.

Jerry

[BB_TX]

I would change nothing. Mine is right about 6" and never has come close, even over some pretty uneven surfaces.