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How to calculate how much space on bed to avoid trailer hitting?


jeffw

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I'm in the midst of putting some storage onto our flat bed and I'd like to ensure the trailer doesn't hit the bins when turning very sharply.

 

At some point in the forum I had seen a drawing or formula to calculate how much space you'd need, but now I can't find it.

 

Any hints?

 

Thanks!

2007 Volvo 780 Volvo D12D, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift

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I generally consider 56" as the minimum - but that is a generalization. You can calculate it on a particular trailer by measuring from the kingpin the the corner and measure the most outward part of the trailer at the corner. Some trailers curve out above the corner. In a dipping turn that is a concern.

 

In general the 56-58" does fine, but I have seen trailers that needed more for an extreme dipping turn. But that is on CAD, and not likely to be encountered in the real world. Some use 60" just to be sure.

Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member
Living on the road since 2000

PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail
2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it)
2022 New Horizons 43' 5er
2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 
2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU
No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units
2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar power
www.jackdanmayer.com
Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com

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60" is way more than enough.

Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member
Living on the road since 2000

PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail
2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it)
2022 New Horizons 43' 5er
2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 
2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU
No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units
2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar power
www.jackdanmayer.com
Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com

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Measure the radius from the pin to the corners of the trailer. Confirm this is the max radius - in other words the equipment on the front of the trailer does not extend farther from the pin than the corners to the pin measurement.

 

Make a stick with a 2" something on the end that will sit in your 5th wheel jaws. Mark the stick with the radius of the trailer and then mark the arc on your deck with a bit of chalk. Place deck stuff at least 8 to 10 inches outside this arc. Plus add clearance as necessary for walking between the trailer and the boxes etc.

"Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. 

 

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