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Old 06-03-2019, 12:13 PM   #1
rsaylor3
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Bed clearance question?

I just purchased a new 2020 HC 331rl. I had a Superglide installed in the truck with Pullrite super rails. When hooked up I have about 7 1/2" of clearance at the back of the bed and about 8-8 1/2" at the front.

I can't lower the hitch. The pin on the camper does have the option to move one hole lower. Should I move it? I'm afraid that one hole will put me too close on my bed rail clearance. I checked the tire temps on the camper twice won the ride home. The rears we're about 5 degrees warmer. It's not that far off from being level and only a little nose high. Just want to make sure I'm doing it all right!

New to the 5th wheel thing, as I just moved from a 32' travel trailer. Loving how amazing it tows!
 
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Old 06-03-2019, 12:29 PM   #2
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What is the distance between the holes on the pin box? I think on mine it is 1.5 inches if memory serves me correct. If your distance is similar I would move it. Still leave you 6 & 7 inches of clearance which I think is plenty, and should level out your 5'er.
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Old 06-03-2019, 12:32 PM   #3
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I have about 7 1/2" clearance. Most here recommend a minimum 6". A little nose high is preferable to being too close to the rails. You need the flexibility. I think you're good. I also don't consider a few degrees difference in temps an issue, either.
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Old 06-03-2019, 12:34 PM   #4
rsaylor3
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https://www.dropbox.com/s/7720duo59v...93803.jpg?dl=0


I have not added a picture in a long time, hopefully this works!


Thanks jimcol, I need to look at the distance. I had read on here somewhere that if you move the pin box that you need to use new hardware. Is that correct? I don't see how that new hardware is already bad from being torqued down to proper specs.
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Old 06-03-2019, 02:08 PM   #5
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May be just the way it is worded. But just to be clear. You need to RAISE the pin box one hole to LOWER the front of the trailer that much.

I have 6” clearance and, as far as I have been able to tell, have never come very close to hitting the rails even over dips and uneven drive entrances. But if only slightly nose high I would call it good.
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Old 06-03-2019, 03:59 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rsaylor3 View Post
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7720duo59v...93803.jpg?dl=0


I have not added a picture in a long time, hopefully this works!


Thanks jimcol, I need to look at the distance. I had read on here somewhere that if you move the pin box that you need to use new hardware. Is that correct? I don't see how that new hardware is already bad from being torqued down to proper specs.
Well your picture came across great and to me it appears you are a bit nose high. I think I reused the hardware on mine when I changed from a solid pin box to a MorRyde. If memory serves me correct they were grade 8 bolts and I doubt that whoever put them on could torque a grade 8 enough to weaken it. Especially in light of the fact they were not that tough to break loose.
BB Tex makes a good point but it bears repeating, "You need to RAISE the pin box one hole to LOWER the front of the trailer that much. "
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Old 06-03-2019, 06:39 PM   #7
rsaylor3
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Agreed guys, I just miss typed that, but that was my plan to raise it.

Does anyone know the correct torque specs for the bolts? I'm guessing I need to do them in mixed fashion similar to wheels right?
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Old 06-03-2019, 08:48 PM   #8
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Here is the most complete torque table I have seen. It addresses lubed and dry nuts and even with threadlocker. And lock nuts.

https://crafter.fastenal.com/static-...r5_Gr8_Gr9.pdf

I torque mine in a mixed fashion out of habit. But I am not sure it is necessary on this something like this.
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Old 06-03-2019, 08:55 PM   #9
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with your current setting - is the 5er level when running down the road? Is so, no work required - my 5er was not level (front higher than rear)

thoughts?
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Old 06-06-2019, 01:34 PM   #10
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Another couple of questions. First, when hooked up and having a drop z frame, how do you guys measure front and back of the camper to see if it's level or how much it's off?


Second, I think my king pin holes are 1 1/2-2" apart. If I raise that king pin, will I be pushing the limits of my bed clearance being probably at and just under 6".


I don't feel any chucking, or hear any noises from the hitch while towing. My tire temps on both axles were within 5 degrees, do I really need to worry about being this small amount of nose high?


My fear is that I will level it out and then be under the 6" bed clearance I always hear about. I don't want to damage the truck or camper. I currently have tires that are 2" taller than stock and plan on dropping back to stock size in about a year or so when my tires are due for replacement. That in itself will probably cure part of this, as that would drop the truck by 1". Would I be ok to just continue on as I am now until then?
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Old 06-06-2019, 02:34 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rsaylor3 View Post
Another couple of questions. First, when hooked up and having a drop z frame, how do you guys measure front and back of the camper to see if it's level or how much it's off?


Second, I think my king pin holes are 1 1/2-2" apart. If I raise that king pin, will I be pushing the limits of my bed clearance being probably at and just under 6".


I don't feel any chucking, or hear any noises from the hitch while towing. My tire temps on both axles were within 5 degrees, do I really need to worry about being this small amount of nose high?


My fear is that I will level it out and then be under the 6" bed clearance I always hear about. I don't want to damage the truck or camper. I currently have tires that are 2" taller than stock and plan on dropping back to stock size in about a year or so when my tires are due for replacement. That in itself will probably cure part of this, as that would drop the truck by 1". Would I be ok to just continue on as I am now until then?
Agree on not going below 6" - it all works - I would not mess - what I call level is the floor in the camper - would be nice (4 me) to have the floor towing the same as camping - especially for an RV fridge (not sure of resi) - they can sometimes fail if way out of level … so I've heard
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Old 06-06-2019, 04:57 PM   #12
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Based on your Pic and what you've said, I wouldn't change a thing.
Your much better off with more than 6" clearance when possible.

Your rig looks more level than mine and I no longer worry about being a little nose high. Thousands of miles towed with two trucks and three 5ers all being a little nose high. No worries.
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Old 06-06-2019, 08:00 PM   #13
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Thanks! Appreciate your replies for sure.
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Old 06-12-2019, 02:18 PM   #14
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Looks fine to me.
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Old 06-12-2019, 03:29 PM   #15
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I have 5-6" clearance and have never hit the top of the bed rails.
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Old 06-12-2019, 03:47 PM   #16
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I enlarged the photo to 100% to look at level - looks better then most.


On our HC 343RL, I had to add a spring leaf and a 1" spacer to (1) level it and (2) to prevent the tires from contacting (hammering!) the wheel well over large bridge approach/departure bumps at highway speeds, and (3) prevent spare tire drag on very high crown roads or gas station fills.
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