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

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

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

If the trailer is level, you're fine.Rob

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.

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.

Bed rail clearance | Good Sam Community

Curly2001
Explorer II
Sep 19, 2020
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
Nomad
Sep 19, 2020
In general I prefer more clearance but if you have been a year without issue I imagine your fine at this point.
Rwake901
Explorer
Sep 19, 2020
Thanks for everyone’s advice. I think I’m just going to leave it the way it is. :)
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Sep 19, 2020
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
Explorer
Sep 18, 2020
5th wheels are made to ride level why trade one perceived problem for an actual one of overloading the rear axles.
valhalla360
Navigator
Sep 17, 2020
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
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2020
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
Explorer
Sep 17, 2020
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
Explorer II
Sep 17, 2020
If the trailer is level, you're fine.

Rob
MFL
Nomad II
Sep 17, 2020
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