FW contacting TV bed rails

Question

I have towed TT for 12 years but I am a newbie at towing a FW. This forum is awesome for learning what to do and not do when towing a FW. I have seen lots of posts regarding the FW front cap making contact with TV cab. I don't believe I will have that issue with an 8' bed (but I guess stuff happens). I have seen a few posts regarding the FW making contact with the TV bed rails. I have 6" to 6.5" clearance on my bed rails and I have never seen the FW come close to reaching the rails. Granted we are still just driving on paved and gravel surfaces. Is the concern more on uneven ground when dry camping? I'm just trying to understand what situations to look for that increases the risk of contacting the bed rails with FW.

Thanks for your advice!

donn0128 · Answer

With 6 inches of clearence you should never have a problem.  Except maybe in a really extreme situation.  And in that case you likely would nevet be able to move the combination.

go_dawgs1 · Answer

I had it happen once with my old trailer a few years ago. I had a very difficult spot to put my 5er, should have asked for another spot, but we all know that's not going to happen. As I was trying to put it in the spot the angle and slop were almost impossible. Didn't notice until I was unhitching that there was a white streak on the bed rail from the rubber trim. Yep, scrapped it. No lasting damage and now when I get a site I look for weird angles.

jhurk · Answer

How about your pin box how close does it come on turns, does it swivel within your 8' box?

mfl · Answer

Steep drive ways, at fuel stops can cause issues, even with 6"s clearance. It is better to hit them at an angle, than straight on. In some cases, crossing a roadway straight on, with the one you are crossing being higher, you can hit, with the truck rear tires at high point, and the trailer wheels still at lower area.

Sounds like your an aware kind of guy, so like all of us, you will learn quickly what situation to avoid.

Jerry

12th_man_fan · Answer

I have plenty of clearance on the top of my side rails but the pin box will hit the inside of the rails if I turn too sharply backing up.

I have seen several other rigs with the same issue.

Something to be aware of for some 5ers.

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FW contacting TV bed rails

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