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DickOK's avatar
DickOK
Explorer
Nov 07, 2019

5th wheel clearance

We just bought a new truck and hitch. Our 5th wheel when hooked up sits level. However, there is only 4 1/2 inches of clearance between the 5th wheel and truck. Hate to raise the hitch which will make the 5th wheel not sit level. What do you think about the clearance?

10 Replies

  • Set it to 6” min. Go to the scales weigh each axle. Be sure you are not overloading rear axle.
  • joelc wrote:
    I have a 2006 Ford 6.0 Lariet and a Carriage Cameo. Because the truck is so high, Carriage, when they were in business and I ordered the RV, flipped the axles on the 5er. This gave me the clearance I needed. Don't know if all RV can be done on all 5er's or what the charge would be, but you can check with a dealer you trust to find out if this can be done and would solve your problem.


    It's a lot easier to adjust the hitch first, until you run out of hitch adjustment then move on to more extreme measures like flipping the axle.
  • I have a 2006 Ford 6.0 Lariet and a Carriage Cameo. Because the truck is so high, Carriage, when they were in business and I ordered the RV, flipped the axles on the 5er. This gave me the clearance I needed. Don't know if all RV can be done on all 5er's or what the charge would be, but you can check with a dealer you trust to find out if this can be done and would solve your problem.
  • Lower the pin box one hole. Like others have said, a little nose high will not hurt. That is why they put "flexible" suspensions on the trailers.
  • 6" is better. Running a little nose high is not a problem.
  • 5 inches is usually considered to be the minimum, 6 to 8 inches is better. Adjust the hitch.
  • “pretty tight especially if you get a bit off the beaten path.”

    Even a gas station driveway might cause an expensive problem.
  • An inch to 1 1/2" nose high is nothing to worry about, raise the hitch.
  • Can you lift the trailer? 4.5" is pretty tight especially if you get a bit off the beaten path.
  • I don't think that's enough clearance. I lowered my truck 2" in the back to deal with this problem. What kind of truck is it and is that an option for you?