Will the trailer hit the in bed tool box?

[DCamp84]

Hey guys got my maiden voyage tomorrow with the new (to me) trailer. I'm debating whether or not to take out the in bed tool box. I got a 6.5ft bed with an auto slider. And what seems like your standard in bed tool box. I'd like to know if that's gonna restrict the turns I can make or even hit it. As the campground I'm going to requires backin in and looks like it's going to be pretty tight. What did you guys do? TIA!

[Poppy_s_5th_Whe]

Jhurk wrote:

Poppy I have the same set up as you. It works well however I have to drop,the tailgate when backing up to connect to clear the adapter. The tailgate gets very close to the 5th and if backing up on angle the corner of the tailgate can and has hit the 5th. I would like to put the adapter in the standard position that would give me 8" more room with tailgate and more room between 5th and truck cab. My issue is the pin box would hit the tailgate when driving not much clearance. I was thinking of removing the tailgate or buying the tailgate with the notch in it. Really don't like either option as then when unhitched the items in box are no longer secure. My vehicle is 2114 Dodge 3500 short box.

I agree the tailgate needs to be open to back in AND that you need to be careful if you are backing in at an angle. I had a vented V-gate on my last truck, man did I love that, but I don't want to give up my OEM tailgate on the new truck so I am very careful.

[Jhurk]

Poppy's 5th Wheel wrote:

Durb wrote:

I see you positioned your Andersen kingpin adapter to the rear of the the trailer. Can I ask why you did that as opposed to positioning it forward and giving you more clearance?

I have plenty of clearance and what I was looking for was more room within the rails. Positioning the adapter this way moved the pin box in so I have no concerns about the down plates or the pin box hitting the bed rails.

In my last truck, also a 6'6" bed, I had the adapter in the normal position and the down plates hit my DS bed rail and dented it during an awkward turn on uneven ground. This is much better. As you can see I also have plenty of clearance over the tool box and I have plenty of turning radius.

So, yes, wit the adapter in the "standard" orientation I may have more clearance up
front but I never make turns sharp enough to be problematic but I did have issues within the bed, so this orientation resolves that. I have now towed with this setup for about 6,500 miles and I love it.

Poppy I have the same set up as you. It works well however I have to drop,the tailgate when backing up to connect to clear the adapter. The tailgate gets very close to the 5th and if backing up on angle the corner of the tailgate can and has hit the 5th. I would like to put the adapter in the standard position that would give me 8" more room with tailgate and more room between 5th and truck cab. My issue is the pin box would hit the tailgate when driving not much clearance. I was thinking of removing the tailgate or buying the tailgate with the notch in it. Really don't like either option as then when unhitched the items in box are no longer secure. My vehicle is 2114 Dodge 3500 short box.

[JIMNLIN]

Will the trailer hit the in bed tool box?

Depends on many things like where you camp and how much the top of the box is above the sides of the bed and overhang gap to bed clearances. One size don't fit all. Just because mine clears doesn't mean all will.
My box sits in the bed and flush with the top of the bed. Some places we've camped, boon dockin' on very unlevel surface, the trailer came within a inch or so of the top of the tool box.

[Me_Again]

Here are my boxes.



Front box has been in three trucks rear two. I twice modified the front box for the SB RAM.

I first inverted the rear bottom rear corner and then shorted the whole thing 4".

Chris

[minnow]

Poppy, sent you a PM.

[Poppy_s_5th_Whe]

Durb wrote:

I see you positioned your Andersen kingpin adapter to the rear of the the trailer. Can I ask why you did that as opposed to positioning it forward and giving you more clearance?

I have plenty of clearance and what I was looking for was more room within the rails. Positioning the adapter this way moved the pin box in so I have no concerns about the down plates or the pin box hitting the bed rails.

In my last truck, also a 6'6" bed, I had the adapter in the normal position and the down plates hit my DS bed rail and dented it during an awkward turn on uneven ground. This is much better. As you can see I also have plenty of clearance over the tool box and I have plenty of turning radius.

So, yes, wit the adapter in the "standard" orientation I may have more clearance up front but I never make turns sharp enough to be problematic but I did have issues within the bed, so this orientation resolves that. I have now towed with this setup for about 6,500 miles and I love it.

[Bob_Sue]

I have a short bed, with a slider hitch, and if your tool box sits higher than your bed rails, you will hit it with the trailer. Backing into a 90deg. angle the trailer wall is still close enough to the back of the cab. I would take it out, and buy an under rail model.

[Durb]

Poppy's 5th Wheel wrote:

shadows4 wrote:
Wow!!! Poppy that is close!!!

I know! That was only to prove a point. I never need to get that tight but the reality is that, on level ground, the nose of the trailer will actually clear the cab and I could get a full 90. Again, I would never do it and after 3 5th wheels and traveling the US more than once, I have never needed anywhere near that.

I was waiting for my wife to do some shopping and the lot was empty so I got into that position just for photos 🙂

I was really looking at how much clearance I had IN the bed for my pin box and down plates.

Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

I see you positioned your Andersen kingpin adapter to the rear of the the trailer. Can I ask why you did that as opposed to positioning it forward and giving you more clearance?

[Poppy_s_5th_Whe]

shadows4 wrote:
Wow!!! Poppy that is close!!!

I know! That was only to prove a point. I never need to get that tight but the reality is that, on level ground, the nose of the trailer will actually clear the cab and I could get a full 90. Again, I would never do it and after 3 5th wheels and traveling the US more than once, I have never needed anywhere near that.

I was waiting for my wife to do some shopping and the lot was empty so I got into that position just for photos 🙂

I was really looking at how much clearance I had IN the bed for my pin box and down plates.

Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

[shadows4]

Wow!!! Poppy that is close!!!

[Poppy_s_5th_Whe]

I also have a 6'6" bed and I have no issues with my trailer coming in contact with this low profile box, even on uneven ground.

Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

[RoyB]

DCamp84 wrote:
I tried uploading a picture but it doesnt seem to be working right now.

Try logging into the RV NET using the GOOD SAM or TRAILERLIFE PORTAL.

The RV NET portal doesn't like to send photos sometimes when they include special symbols in the link... The percent sign % is one that bothers it...

Roy Ken

[hbillsmith]

Allworth wrote:
Extra 1/10 th of a foot???

Brain lapse! I was thinking 5.5ft when he actually said 6.5ft. I've gone back and edited my response. Thanks Allworth for the eagle eye catch 😉

[Allworth]

Extra 1/10 th of a foot???