Height Between Truck and Trailer?

Question

Its’ a two part question:1) Can you adjust the height on all 5th wheel trailer hitches or are there just certain brands that are height adjustable?2) What is the safe height distance that should be between the top of the truck bed rails and the bottom of the 5th wheel goose neck?I am asking because I only have a couple of inches between the rails on my truck and the bottom of the goose neck on my trailer. I was backing up almost at a right angle and the truck rails dislodged the storage latch under my goose neck which holds open the front storage compartment. I know I need to raise my hitch to give me more room between the truck and the trailer but I’m not sure how much to raise it and if my hitch can be raised. Thank you in advance for your advice.

donn0128 · Answer

1,yes, most hitches allow for verticle adjustment.2,6 inches is considered optimal.Is your trailer sitting level when hitched?

valhalla360 · Answer

Most have adjustments. Both the pin box on the trailer and the hitch in the bed. The issue you have to watch for is if you raise the trailer does it still ride level.

6" is generally considered minimum.

mfl · Answer

Going by your picture on profile page, you are no doubt going to need more clearance. You will have to raise the hitch, to get a bare minimum of 5"s of clearance. When you do, it will make it nose high. How much nose high, is hard to say from the picture. It appears fairly level now.

You may need to raise the trailer at some point, but a few inches nose high will not have a big affect.

Jerry

larryzv7 · Answer

Thank you for the responses. Someone told me that if your trailer goose neck is too high it will add to the towing weight. Right now my trailer is level but it is only 1.5" from the truck bed rails. As I stated I did rip off the clip which holds open the front storage compartment door when I was at a right angle backing up, so I do think I need to raise it. Some are saying that 6" is the maximum I should raise it while others are saying 5" or 4.5". I think I'll just try an inch or two more. It does look like I could either do it with the pin box or hitch; think I'll use the pin box method. Again, thanks.

steveb · Answer

6" is the ideal minimum clearance. More is better depending on your rig. You will most likely need to raise the trailer to compensate. Nose high does not equal higher tow weight. If you go too nose high the equalizer in the trailer suspension (assuming leaf springs) will bottom out and over load the rear axle. Also it is a fifth wheel, not a goose neck unless there have been modifications to the trailer in your picture.

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