5th Wheel Trailer Bumps Top of Bed Sides on a 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500

Question

Question:

Equipment: 2013 2500 HD diesel Chevy Silverado with a Reese 16,000 lb 5th wheel hitch equipped with slider towing a Jayco 35 ft 5th wheel. Problem: I did not see, feel, or hear this happen, but on three occasions the trailer has hit the top of the right rear fender leaving a dent and white residue paint?. After the first two times, I raised the hitch one notch to increase the clearance, but it happened again. The hitch is now at its highest setting. I can find no marks on the bottom of the RV around the hitch connect point indicating where the trailer is contacting the truck. All attachments on the hitch are secure. Whats going on.

asked by: John

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

When towing a 5th wheel trailer you will need to have at least 5 inches from the tops of the bed sides to the bottom of the trailer overhang. To achieve this you can not only raise the hitch in the truck bed but you can also lower the pin box on the trailer (on most trailers).

It is also possible that this is happening on turns if the pin box is long enough and the trailer is not up high enough. the pin box then would hit the bed sides.

If it ends up being a height adjustment issue then since the Reese hitch cannot go any higher a different hitch that is taller could help. Curt hitch # C16521 for example has height adjustability of 17-1/2 to 21-1/2 inches. I have linked a video review of this hitch for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

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5th Wheel Trailer Bumps Top of Bed Sides on a 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500

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