clearance between trailer & bed rail

[RVnwithRAM]

I need to lower the front of my 5th. wheel trailer a little to make it more level with the truck. I now have six inches between trailer & bed rails. How much clearance do I need to keep the trailer from hitting the bed ?







_________________________________________________________________

95 2500 extended cab 2x4 5spd. lund lighted visor ,custom running boards,#8 tst plate ,afe air cleaner,boost ,egt,engine temp ,fuel pressure qauge,Geno back up alarm. Tow 32 ft. carrilite 5th. wheel

 

[GSchneuer]

Clearance for trialers.

I also tow a 33' 5th wheel with a 4x2 3500 with 7" of clearance and have never once had a Hitting problem, even on minor off roading in Quartsite, Az.

 

[Scottyg1]

I don't know but most replies that I've seen on this issue say at least 5 1/2 to 6 inches.

 

[Ponz]

idea

Have you considered having the trailer height raised ? Most rv shops will do it for you or have the parts to do it yourself. The typical solution is to place the trailer axels below the springs which raises the total height. The previous trailer I had had this done and pulled just fine. The drawback is the steps into the rv will now be higher requiring something like a small step on the ground. Ponz

 

[Grizzly]

You could get larger diameter tires on the 5er.

 

[WOT]

Depends on if you have a long bed or short bed. A long bed will get into the bottom of the 5th wheel faster. Also, if you have a slider hitch that can buy you a little as well. Personally, I would not go with less then 6".

 

[klenger]

Consider this: Lowering a 3rd Gen Dodge 4WD 2500/3500 Truck

 

[hhranch]

Lowering a 3d Gen 3500

Are there any warranty issues from Dodge if you take the spacers out?

 

[georgej]

RVN



Your 5er may have adjustable spring hangers to raise the trailer. If not you would have to move the axles to the bottom side of the springs or go to a 16 inch wheel with a 235/85 tire. As some have said 6 inch clearance of the bed rails is minimum.



George

 

[hhranch]

Spacer removal

I have the springs over the axle and 235/85s also a taller equilizer I also have the clearance when the air bags on the hitch are aired up. I want to level the trailer with the truck and be able to put more than fifteen pounds in the Ride Rite airbags on the truck to get some benefit from them.

 

[HPetrat]

As Scottyg1 has said (and several others) the industry general rule for bed rail clearance is 5. 5" - 6".

The best solutions have already been mentioned, with changing tire/wheel size and checking if you have adjustable height shackles being the easiest and cheapest.



You have not mentioned how much of a height change you need, so all or none of the suggestions would work.



I don't think there is a warranty issue to consider with regard to lowering the truck a little on a '95 as described in his sig. , unless he has another/newer truck to consider.



HP



Post a picture of your rig/trailer combo and we'll be the judge .

 

[LRutigliano]

I have 8" of clearance with mine. I have a 2003 4x4 3500 with a 2006 Cougar 5th wheel with 225/75-15 trailer tires. I am perfectly level with this combo. When the full 2500lbs of kingpin weight is in my bed, the truck rear suspension drops 3 or 4".



My Pullrite super hitch is almost in the top position, 3rd of 4 holes from the bottom.



You can see a side view pic of this setup in my photo gallery.



Hope this helps,

Louis