5th Wheel Clearance

[Archive]

I just got my 2001 2500 ETH/DEE and I am in the process of getting 27' 5th wheel trailer. This truck is 4x4 with the camper package and is HIGH! How much clearance do I need between the bed and the bottom of the trailer? Every dealer has a different answer.

 

[Archive]

rsparlin, just picked up my new 5ver last weekend. Min clearance should be no less than 5" between bedrail and bottom of 5ver. I have 5 1/2".
You will probably have to have the 5ver raised to accomodate the new truck. Mine came with provisions to be raised for high profile trucks.
Good luck

------------------
99 QC/LB,ISB w/auto,4x4, 3. 54, VDO (trans, boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars, Westin Grille Guard, Contico tool box, CP Industries pivoting 5th wheel, Louverd 5th wheel tail gate, K&N, VA CPC, BD Valve Body, and Mag-Hytec transmission pan. 46271 miles (9/20/00)
00 28' Jayco 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher

 

[Archive]

I have near 7 inches on level ground and trying to enter a campground this weekend I got the top of the bed at the very back into the bottom of the camper could have been a bad scene but we were watching it close,I have seen it with in an inch several times and it doesen't take as bad a spot as you think. Please get yourself at least 6" or be very carefull and obserevent even when stoping to fuel up. Good luck. ps the bed rails saved the truck this time but did scratch the camper.

 

[Archive]

If you have the 5th hitch setup when you purchase the 5th the Dealer will flip the axles to get additional height if necessary.
Usually this is to get the correct balance and not the clearance for the bed rails.

Caution!! Any time you back up under the 5th wheel the tendency is to watch the King pin. ALSO watch the top of the pickup bed for clearance. Came mighty close once. I can judge how high the 5th should be by raising until the bottom of the overhang is eye level.

 

[Archive]

An easy rule of thumb is a verticle hand width.

------------------
2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, VA Magic Box, Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag- Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. (RV Dealer)

 

[Archive]

The dealer should install hitch so that 5th wheel tows "level". The fifth wheel hitch is adjustable for height. All the fifth wheel factories stress level towing as if puts equal strain and load on both or all three axles. All my fifth wheels(3) towed level-2-2wd and 1 4x4-and they had 4. 5-6" clearence between truck bed and camper. Try to get hitch that is easily removable from bed-you never know when you'll need the room.

------------------
1996-350 tst #5 plate, K&N air filter,Primeloc fuel filter kit,4" exhaust,Purodyne bypass oil fiter system, bigger injectors,b&m trans pan,Amsoil all around,temp gauges out the wazzo,much trans work,double tow 33' 5th wheel and 12' trailer w/motorcycle(Honda Valkyarie Interstate)Also have 1999-250-stock.
Installing Transfer-Flow 98 gal. bed tank, governor spring kit(BD), and Bill Kodalay's TC on 96 dualie.

 

[Archive]

does anyone have a list of manufacturers or models(looking for 5th w/ bunks) that can be towed by 3500 4wd? I have read that there is a limited list comporable for the 4wd w/o a replacement bed. Thanks

 

[Archive]

Sully;

Northland mfg (makers of Nash and Artic Fox) produce a 28' fifth wheel with bunk beds in the rear and ofcourse the bed up front. Best of all they were rated very highly by a consumer rating group. I do not recal exactly, but they were rated best for a number of categories such as safety, durability and over all value. Nash is the basic model and Artic Fox the more deluxe.
BTW, I have a 29' Fox and it matches for height very well with my Ram 2500 4X4.

Vaughn

[This message has been edited by merryman (edited 10-14-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Vaughn
thanx for the info. Im from NY and never saw that manuf. at any shows/dealers but i'll investigate. All ive seen are fleetwoods and they are mediocre and crazy tall 13+ feet w/ ac.