Top of tailgate hitting 5r on hill

[HappilyLost]

Well it finally happened. 4 years of camping and I’ve encountered one of those nightmare entrances to a campground. It’s a pretty tight turn bringing you complete 180, on a decent angle hill, and slopes in towards the inside of the corner as well. On the way down as my truck started to straighten out I looked back and the corner of the tailgate was pretty close to smashing into the camper because it’s leaving so much. I’d say within an inch. My worry is when I leave it will be amplified because of the way the truck bed will come up first when it gets to the top. I have a long bed so never had to use my slider hitch but I have one. If I slide the hitch more towards the tailgate to get up the hill, will that give me more clearance as the pivot point changes? Or do I just have to chance it? If you need more detail just let me know. Thanks for all feedback

[Bhrava]

It might clear, or it might just move the pinch point further up the nose of the trailer while still making contact. All depends on the angle of attack. Any chance you can raise the 5th wheel up in the bed instead? I normally carry the tools needed to check the torque on the mounting bolts on mine, so for me would be an easy job, but if you don't have the tools, guess would be difficult.

[HappilyLost]

Originally Posted by Bhrava

It might clear, or it might just move the pinch point further up the nose of the trailer while still making contact. All depends on the angle of attack. Any chance you can raise the 5th wheel up in the bed instead? I normally carry the tools needed to check the torque on the mounting bolts on mine, so for me would be an easy job, but if you don't have the tools, guess would be difficult.

I have a super ride from blue ox, I don’t believe it is able to be raised.

[nomad297]

Just back out the same way you came in.

Bruce

[acadianbob]

Use your slider.

[aceinspp]

Any chance you could lower the tail gate till you get by the spot. Later RJD

[NMWildcat]

Never saw a fifth wheel hitch or king pin box that couldn't be adjusted. How much clearance do you have when level between tailgate, side rails, and bottom of fiver? Should be a minimum of 6" and more if you can get it and keep the RV fairly level.
Using the slider would probably help, depending on the amount of lean and angle of turn.
If you made it in, you should be able to make it out. Just go slow, watch it, and adjust if you are getting too close.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Any chance you could lower the tail gate till you get by the spot. Later RJD

Now that sounds like a recipe for disaster!

[Mike Tav]

Maybe someone with lower box height can help. My 2019 GMC is much deeper than my 2004 was. still have 6 in clearance but it is something I watch close now.

[Mike Tav]

Talk to your neighbors. Most RV'ers are willing to advise or help. Good Luck.

[Jim34RL]

Remove your tailgate if this is where the 5er will hit. Your owners manual should tell you how to remove the tailgate. When you get home you can reinstall the tailgate and than adjust your hitch and pin box. Wrap the tailgate in a blanket and you can either carry this in the 5er or in the truck bed, your choice.

Now in my humble opinion based on my use a of a slider hitch. This will not help you, since this will put the king pin box trailing ends (the metal that is bolted to the 5er frame) closer to the tailgate and you could touch sooner!

[Cypressloser]

It's a serious problem with today's long trailers and old campgrounds and the person taking the reservation often times doesn't have a clue when asked.

It's a long shot but who knows, see if there is someone with a flat deck truck who is willing to pull the trailer out for you.

[Sunseeker16]

If it gets close on the way out put down some levelers or wood blocks to tilt the coach. Might have to inch it out but its an option. Ive had to do that before when I had a fifth wheel.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Now that sounds like a recipe for disaster!

I doubt if you know what your doing Later RJD

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

I doubt if you know what your doing Later RJD

Funny... I say the same thing about you all the time... Laters yourself.... Time to put you back on ignore ...

[boydn1]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Now that sounds like a recipe for disaster!

I'm not a 5r but, why wouldn't that work?

[HappilyLost]

I’ve determined I can adjust my hitch by 2 inch higher. I’ll be getting the tools to do that and some boards to increase the side of coach if still necessary. I’ll report back tomorrow on if I made it out or not!

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by HappilyLost

I’ve determined I can adjust my hitch by 2 inch higher. I’ll be getting the tools to do that and some boards to increase the side of coach if still necessary. I’ll report back tomorrow on if I made it out or not!

Sounds like an excellent plan. Good luck, and I hope it turns out to be a non issue for you.

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by boydn1

I'm not a 5r but, why wouldn't that work?

When you make a turn with the tailgate down, the corner of the tailgate will tear into the trailer (5r).

My last two 5rs were within a very few inches with the tailgate down to the tailer

[boydn1]

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

When you make a turn with the tailgate down, the corner of the tailgate will tear into the trailer (5r).

My last two 5rs were within a very few inches with the tailgate down to the tailer

Take the tailgate off