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08-27-2017, 10:07 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 210
M.O.C. #14048
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How much clearance to bed rails?
Just wondering how much clearance from the bottom of the nose of the Fifth Wheel to the top of the bedrails of the truck is required? I have almost 8" right now.
I have a Fifth Airborne Sidewinder Pinbox which is adjusted as much as possible to lower the nose however I am still pulling nose high. Probably 5" or so. I can adjust my Reece hitch one more notch which will bring the nose down another inch or so.
It tows fine although do get some chucking on some roads and rear bumper can get pretty close to grounding coming out of some service stations.
__________________
Bruce & Lori & Charli our 60# lap dog
2017 F350 Lariat, 6.7L, 6 1/2' box, Reece 18k Elite
2015 Mountaineer 331RLT, Dual pane windows, Dual A/C, Fireplace, 5th Airborne Sidewinder, Sailun tires.
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08-27-2017, 10:21 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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I'd be interested in this answer as well
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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08-27-2017, 10:41 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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eTRAILER.com - mentioned 6" as being a safe distance ?? anyone have feedback?
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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08-28-2017, 04:36 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Full Timer In Naples, Florida
Posts: 1,049
M.O.C. #15731
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We tow pretty much all highway and some back roads but not across any unimproved roads. So my rule is a fist length between the rail and the unit or around 4 to 5 in. should be fine, but that is coming from my goose neck/5th. wheel towing days when we owned the farm. But IMHO i would think towing nose high would be more of an issue.
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08-28-2017, 08:43 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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I run with 4 inch clearance, and half a degree out from level. Have never touched.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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08-28-2017, 09:31 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Lake Havasu City AZ.
Posts: 1,811
M.O.C. #10552
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Has your truck been raised or taller tires been installed? Maybe air bags?
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08-28-2017, 10:48 AM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,364
M.O.C. #4831
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I have about 5" and it is adequate. I think it is more important to get closer to level and raise the rear to avoid dragging.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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08-28-2017, 11:42 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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'17 Ram 2500 SWB 4x4 Auto Airlevel (factory), all stock, w/Cummins - B&W Companion (in lowest position), '17 305RL / TrailAir Pin Box (raised in highest position to lower nose), Stock Tire & suspension - this leaves me on bedroom side with six foot level about 1 1/2" on front of level to be level. Hope that all makes sense.
The Auto Air level from factory has two positions: Normal and Alternate Trailer level - will have to check with RAM to see if drive in Alternate position can be used will towing on highway - this alternate level drops the back of truck two inches - getting pretty close to level. Not sure what happens to headlight aim or suspension travel.
Would tire change impact warranty? Suppose this would be least expensive change. Raising Pin Box Improved 2 1/2".
Thoughts? Sure wished dealer might have said something ...
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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08-28-2017, 11:58 AM
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#9
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 210
M.O.C. #14048
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Quote:
Originally Posted by waynemoore
Has your truck been raised or taller tires been installed? Maybe air bags?
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2011 F350 with 20" tires. Standard suspension. Reese 18k hitch with the Pucs.
2015 Mountaineer with 5th Airborne Sidewinder pin box raised as much as possible so there is adequate clearance from bottom of trailer nose when it pivots. (dealer said I couldn't raise Pinbox any higher). Standard trailer king 16" tires which are now being swapped out for sailuns which won't make much difference on trailer height
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08-28-2017, 12:24 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Quote:
Originally Posted by waynemoore
Has your truck been raised or taller tires been installed? Maybe air bags?
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Yes, air bags
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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08-28-2017, 12:25 PM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: stockton
Posts: 405
M.O.C. #11457
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I run 6 1/2" . There are times when going over angled driveways, especially if you cannot take it head-on, that the trailer comes close to touching the bed. I would not fell comfortable with anything less.
__________________
2014 Montana Mountaineer 331 RLT. Winneguard SWM Traveler Satellite Antenna, Progressive 50 amp portable EMS, 6 point Level Up.. 2016 Chevy 3500 Duramax Dually, long bed, B&W Patriot hitch.
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08-28-2017, 03:38 PM
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#12
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Pine
Posts: 53
M.O.C. #19552
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While I have never measured mine I think it is close to 6". We recently had a very steep pullout onto a road so I put my slider hitch in the rear position. I'm glad I did as the bed would have touched the bottom of the fiver.
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09-01-2017, 03:39 PM
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#13
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 351
M.O.C. #19469
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My last SOB 5ver had 5" and in some of the boondocking places we go that was not enough, I hit my bed rails more than once, on uneven ground. Now my 2004 2955 sits about 7-8" above the rail (same truck) and so far so good. When I had the SOB 5ver 5" was enough for any paved roads, gas station driveways. I don't think 4-5" will be a problem unless your putting it in 4 wheel drive and not camping on pavement. I like camping in DIRT!
__________________
2004 2955RL 2nd owners 400 watt solar, 2000 inverter/charger 4-6volt golf cart battery's & a champion 3400 remote start dual fuel genny
2000 F-350 swd crew cab long bed 7.3 power stroke transflow 77 gal fuel tank.
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09-01-2017, 06:09 PM
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#14
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Brookings
Posts: 313
M.O.C. #18275
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2008 Ford F250 and I have about 8" clearance.
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09-01-2017, 09:54 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2017
Location: South East NC
Posts: 1,768
M.O.C. #19865
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My Cougar was right at 5" and the Monty is at 5 1/2" to be level on my '16 F350.
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09-12-2017, 04:08 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Tacoma
Posts: 1,567
M.O.C. #20475
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It should be as close to 6" as you can get is the rule for most fivers any thing less
you may hit the bottom of the of the noise on steep angles.
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09-12-2017, 05:50 PM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,550
M.O.C. #2283
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I have about 8 inches. That's more than most people need. I don't mind taking my HC off road where you need extra clearance. Some places I still need to watch close so the truck and camper don't touch. 4 to 5 inches stay on fairly level road, 6 inch most of the time off road you are safe, 8 + inches you are almost always safe.
Lynwood
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09-12-2017, 07:44 PM
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#18
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 210
M.O.C. #14048
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Took a 2017 F350 Lariat for test drive today. Nice truck and has a 2 step manually activated engine brake. Big improvement over my 2011. Last thing I did before I left the lot was to park my 2011 KR next to the 2017 Lariat. Took out a measuring tape. Bed rails were 60" from the ground which is 3" taller than my truck and the floor of the truck bed was 2" taller than my unit.
Now that really complicates my dilemma of clearance to the bed rails and towing nose high. If I upgrade the truck I will have to raise the trailer at the axles to get it anywhere close to level. I'm already at about 13'7" with the 2nd a/c in the front bedroom. Wish they would have installed the slimline a/c
__________________
Bruce & Lori & Charli our 60# lap dog
2017 F350 Lariat, 6.7L, 6 1/2' box, Reece 18k Elite
2015 Mountaineer 331RLT, Dual pane windows, Dual A/C, Fireplace, 5th Airborne Sidewinder, Sailun tires.
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09-12-2017, 08:30 PM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2017
Location: South East NC
Posts: 1,768
M.O.C. #19865
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charli
Took a 2017 F350 Lariat for test drive today. Nice truck and has a 2 step manually activated engine brake. Big improvement over my 2011. Last thing I did before I left the lot was to park my 2011 KR next to the 2017 Lariat. Took out a measuring tape. Bed rails were 60" from the ground which is 3" taller than my truck and the floor of the truck bed was 2" taller than my unit.
Now that really complicates my dilemma of clearance to the bed rails and towing nose high. If I upgrade the truck I will have to raise the trailer at the axles to get it anywhere close to level. I'm already at about 13'7" with the 2nd a/c in the front bedroom. Wish they would have installed the slimline a/c
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I'll need to measure now. I have the same truck but a 2016. No fancy hitch or pin box and runs level easily.
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05-11-2021, 08:37 AM
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#20
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Established Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Carson City
Posts: 14
M.O.C. #26595
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Fifthwheel height to bed
I have a new 2021 Ram 3500 dually. It sets level with 9" clearance.
Long beds, short beds and hitch manufacturers will differ.
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