Forum Discussion

michalmb's avatar
michalmb
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016

turning radius with short bed supeduty and tool box

We just purchased our first fifth wheel. I have a ford super duty short bed with the b and w slider hitch installed. I had a slim line (12.5") width uws tool box that sits just behind the cab that is 6.5" tall above the bed.

The dealer made me remove the tool box before they would allow me to hook up because of their liability concerns. but after measuring everything now that we are home I really think the tool box will be fine.

But... I wanted to throw this out to ya'll and ask your opinion on if I should be ok or would you recommend me keeping the tool box out. I'm a dumb redneck and I feel naked without a tool box in my truck.
  • I would replace it with a box that doesn't stick up above bedrail level. The cost of another box is alot less than the cost of fixing the damaged corner of the trailer.
  • Make that SMART redneck. I must be red too if you saw all the stuff I carry. As they said, I'd install it and go to a parking lot. The only thing you wont be able to simulate is backing into an uneven grade to get turned around in a tight area. When I do back into an area like that and one side gets closer to the rail, I'm not likely to be turned that tight. It is best to not build in any oops spots because it's very likely they will kick you.
  • Hi, Well for starters I would try to hook up the and see how much if any clearance you have. If you have less than 4" clearance I would think about a new tool box. Also beware of your turning radius when backing up, our truck has a med length bed, and the 2nd time out, we popped out the Rt. side rear window. The 5th time out did the same thing to the Left side. Two expensive lessons learned when in doubt use the hitch slide. Good Luck and Happy Camping
  • You could always put it back and cruise around a parking lot making turns and backing to see if it looks like it will hit. I'd pay special attention to uneven ground that might tip the front ends or the rig into the toolbox...
  • Only way to know for sure will be to take it to an open parking lot and see just how sharp you can turn (with a spotter) without hitting anything. Any thing else is just guesses.