QuestionMy truck (1991) is getting old and I want to replace it with a new one. It seems like every year trucks are becoming taller and taller. I'm concerned that I might find it difficult to buy a truck that will match up to my trailer. I don't want the gap between the trailer and the truck bed rail to be too close and I don't want to have to run around with the trailer nose high to get a proper clearance.
OK. Here is my situation: My bed rail height for my unloaded truck is 48 3/4 ". That's measured at the rear axle, from the ground to the top of the bed rail. My 5th wheel overhang is 55" above the ground when it's unhitched and level, and the pin is 38" above the ground. When hitching up I must raise the trailer 2-3" to get the pin even with the hitch jaws/plate. When the trailer is locked and lowered to the plate the truck squats 3/4". Bed rail height above ground is now 48". The trailer is very slightly nose high (1/2 bubble), and the gap between truck and trailer is is fairly even and is about 8 3/4 ".
I went to a dealer's car lot and measured a few trucks to get an idea of what's out there. Toyota Tundra 4X2's had a bed rail height of 54 1/2 ". Chevrolet 1500 4X2's were 50 " and the 4X4's were 52 1/2 inches. All measurements were made at the rear axle.
Now there may be something I'm not considering or I'm overlooking, but heres my simple conclusion. To determine the gap between my trailer and any truck I might buy, I subtract 48 3/4 inches (my truck bed rail height) from the new trucks bed rail height then subtract that amount from 8 3/4 " (my present gap). For example a Chevy 4X4 with a bed rail height of 52 1/2 " would mean a truck to trailer gap of 6 1/4 ".
1) Am I forgetting something, or is it just that easy?
2) What is the smallest gap I should consider?
Thanks in advance for you help
AnswerRyan,
What you are experiencing is very common as trucks get taller and beds get deeper.
You do not want to have less than 4" in a single pivot fifth wheel hitch (front to back tilt), or 6-8" in a double pivot hitch (front to back and side to side tilt). I am not suggesting in any way that you use a single pivot hitch. The strain on the truck and trailer isn't worth the clearance.
I would check your trailer axles. If they are underslung (axles above the springs) you can 'flip' them. A trailer shop can remove the axles, weld new spring pads to the axle tubes, and reinstall them under the springs. This will increase the ride height of the trailer by the thickness of the axle and spring pack.
Keep in mind, this will raise the entire trailer so check the step height for the entry door.
Aside from this, there isn't mush you can do. I would not want to tow the trailer nose high as it will not handle properly and you risk overloading the rear axle (if it is tandem).
Good luck,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca
