How much space do you need? - Diesel Forum

OneUglyNerd · 09-23-2009, 07:38 PM

I have a ford f350 crew cab towing a 5th wheel set up. I am looking into adding a small sleeper "40" to it. Question is how much space do I need to keep inbetween the trailer and truck.

gmoore · 09-24-2009, 12:37 AM

If your trailer is 8' wide, you'll need an absolute minimum of 48+" from cab to king pin socket on your hitch. More is better to account for different terrain angles which can cause the upper portion of the trailer to lean in towards the cab.

I don't see being able to add any "sleeper" of any usable width to a standard 8' pickup box.

Good luck

fordson1 · 09-24-2009, 09:50 AM

Might work with a V nose trailer but that's about it.

OneUglyNerd · 09-24-2009, 11:55 AM

Sounds good that's what I thought. I just wanted to make sure by hearing it from a few other more experienced guys.

bogg · 09-24-2009, 11:58 AM

I have a 27" crossbox and have not hit it with the 5th wheel in 200k miles, but, I can not make a complete swing or it will hit the box. That would be a crazy tight turn tho. I am also looking at adding a sleeper from CowTown Sleepers. The standard model they have is 32". So my plan is to install a 5th Airborne Sidewinder which changes the pivot point and gives back 20". It does not take any weight off the front end. If the math is correct, I will have a net gain of 15". RoadMaster has the ideal setup for a sleeper. They stretch the frame and put the bunk between the cab and box. But for $10k, not in my budget...see web links below. Both have DOT certified models:

Cowtown Sleepers The best tops for your pickup

Roadmaster Truck Conversion and Cab Extensions, Luxurious sleeper for Pick Up Trucks

Fifth Airborne Air Ride Sidewinder 5th Wheel Pin Box - $1,44..

OneUglyNerd · 09-24-2009, 10:53 PM

thanks for the help again guys. I really hope I can find a way to make it fit. One thing is that I'll be towing a 48 ft wedge car trailer, I'd assume it's different from a rv 5th wheel. Would this make my wish a possibility?

Fordpowerstroke350 · 09-24-2009, 11:31 PM

If you are driving commerical then the sleeper you are referring to would not meet DOT requirements as they specify the size of bunk. Might as well just use the back seat of your CC. There is a number of commerical RV/Wedge transport drivers using the add on sleeper on one tonners. The further you move the trailer back on the hitch then the lighter the front end of truck

OneUglyNerd · 09-25-2009, 12:28 AM

What is the size of the sleeper to be legal if you know? Thanks

bogg · 09-25-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneUglyNerd

What is the size of the sleeper to be legal if you know? Thanks

I think it has to do with side to side, not depth. Call Larry at Cowtown sleepers and he will give you the specs and tell you what he has(legal and non). He can cut down a sleeper depth to better fit your needs. I am ok with 27" with a square nose 5th wheel and standard pinbox as long as I watch it close on tight turns. You will need to take a few measurements

Cowtown Sleepers The best tops for your pickup

Fordpowerstroke350 · 09-26-2009, 10:37 PM

Not sure but bunk length of 84/86 inches sticks in my mind. Width unknown. A check with any new/late model over the road truck dealership should provide the info as it is madated by Federal DOT regs.