Damage to truck towing 5th w

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by tap3230

This forum is really cool! Sounds like I just need to be careful and as Outbackme says, take my time when I dented my truck I was listening to sombody guide me which made me feel like I need to hurry up. I really had enough clearance I just needed to take my time with it. Thanks

Right after we bought our fifth wheel and got a chance, I hitched up and went to an empty parking lot to play. The first thing I did was start backing at an angle to see how close I got to the cab before it started getting too close for comfort. I got to about 60* and had about 1 inch clearance between the cab and front of the trailer. Most bumper hitch trailers are limited to about 30-35*, so even with a short bed conventional fifth wheel hitch, there's a bit more maneuverability than with a bumper pull trailer. As for cab/trailer clearannce, that could be reduced in an uphill/downhill situation, on level ground, as long as I stay less than about 45* or so, I know I'm going to be OK. None the less, I still have, at times, put the truck in park and got out just to make sure. One thing for certain, sitting in the driver's seat is no place to make judgement calls about how close the trailer is to the cab. In the mirror one time it may look like a foot of clearance, and the next time it may look like an inch. Either way, "looks deceive" especially in mirrors.

[W5WI]

I have the B & W turnover ball hitch in my truck. The adapter attached to my 5er has an offset for my short bed. Essentially it puts the trailer 6-inches behind where the adapter attaches to the ball.

It works great for me and so far, I am able to turn very tight.

[christopherglenn]

If you already have a hitch, you may want to leave it as is, and look at the pinbox. The Sidewinder is what I would be looking at in your case. (There is an air cushioned version also). The idea is it moves the pivit point from the hitch, to under the pinbox. The pinbox now acts like a slider in the rear position for turning, and in the front position for weight distibrution. Totally automatic, nothing to forget or think you will make it and be wrong. (I don't have one, I have a longbed and still have a slider ( have yet to use).

[tap3230]

I just looked up the sidewinder seems like a good deal. You have this and a slider? Is it as stable as far as the trailer moving around?

[Johnnyfry]

No! You do not use both, you would be duplicating functionality. The 5er really pulls like a dream, no sway, no jerking.

I can turn to more than 90 degrees without interference occurring.

I have a 318SAB and a Dodge 3500 Cummins/dually Mega cab.

John

[Paddler]

Hi Tap3230,
Just curious, what model Rapture did you buy and what model Chevy do you own, 2500/3500? It would be a good idea to include the model numbers in your signature line. That way if you have questions about towing or specific questions about the Rapture, we can easily see what you have.

Congrats on your purchase, sorry about your boo-boo. On a short bed truck, I think yours is a 6.5ft, a slider hitch in one form or the other is nice to have for that once or twice a year tight turning situation.

[tap3230]

Done Thanks steve!

[john I]

Like the slider hitch,just remember to unplug the light cord when you slide it back or it will get chewed up on the tail gate while backing and turning

[JOCA]

In order to correct your situation, you need a pull rite
automatic slide hitch. This especially true if you have a short bed. Mine was on a 2004 ford f250 lariat s/d diesel, and i never had a problem with it.
If interested,look under rv accessories for sale,and look under
joca.
I am moving up to a f350 and a 2012 montana 34oorl,thus the need to sell my pullrite. Brand new plate never used and installed by camping world.
If interested,check ad.
I will be in saranac (outside grand rapids) mi. For the christmas
holiday.
Happy holidays
p.s.
Make sure you obtain a sliding hitch,just for safety and expense
problems.