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02-26-2014, 12:26 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: China Grove, NC
Posts: 321
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Height of my Tow Vehicle
I just ordered my first 5th wheel. My tow vehicle is a 2007 Ford F-350 FX4 SRW, that has factory 20" wheels. Should I be concerned about the height of my truck. My truck bed is several inches higher than my neighbors F-350 with 16" wheels. I asked the dealer and he said it wouldn't be an issue, but sometimes I'm not sure they are willing to admit it could be a problem until after they have your money. I also have the airlifter 5000lb airbags on the truck so the 5th wheel shouldn't squat the truck bed down very much.
So, Is there enough, or better yet any adjustment in the pin box to get the 5th wheel to ride level or am I going to have issues with this. My trailer will have the trail air rotoflex pin box.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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02-26-2014, 12:32 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
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One thing that has come up is the sidewall flex of 20 inch tires.
Some say the walls are to soft for towing.
__________________
2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
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02-26-2014, 12:37 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,833
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Hello, I just replaced the stock P tires with E rated for that very reason. Michelin AT/X series, a little noiser than the P series dry. With the bikes on the roof and the trailer the tire noise will be barely heard.
B
__________________
B and B
2022 Venture RV SportTrek STT 302 VRB Travel Trailer
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Louisville 5th Wheel
2015 Heartland Bighorn 5th Wheel
2013 FR Rockwood 8289WS 5th Wheel
2012 FR Rockwood 2703 SS Travel Trailer
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02-26-2014, 12:44 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: China Grove, NC
Posts: 321
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I have BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain LT275/65R20 Load Range E tires on my truck. I've towed very heavy trailers with no problem on the tires.
I'm more concerned with the 5th wheel towing level
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02-26-2014, 12:58 PM
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#5
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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What camper are you buying and what is the height to the top on the box on your truck?
Can the dealer get you the height of the 5th wheel overhang when it's level to the ground?
Dave
__________________
Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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02-26-2014, 01:02 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: China Grove, NC
Posts: 321
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I'm buying the Sabre 36QBOK-7.
When you ask about the height of the box are you referring to the top of the bedrails?? I will have to measure that this afternoon when I get home from work.
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02-26-2014, 01:14 PM
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#7
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,891
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I have an older 36QB, but I can measure mine tonight or tomorrow.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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02-26-2014, 01:34 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: China Grove, NC
Posts: 321
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Thanks ependydad. I would appreciate the measurement. It might not be exactly the same as mine but I'm sure its real close.
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02-26-2014, 01:37 PM
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pirates55
I'm buying the Sabre 36QBOK-7.
When you ask about the height of the box are you referring to the top of the bedrails?? I will have to measure that this afternoon when I get home from work.
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Yes...those measurements will allow you to figure the clearance between the truck and 5vr overhang...don't want to be less than 6" preferably with the camper level. Your truck's suspension will compress 1-2" or less depending what pressure you put in the air bags.
Dave
Edit: Is the ride height on your truck the same front and rear or is the rear sit higher? I ask as newer 4x4 HD trucks tend to be nearly the same front and rear and appear to be squatting with any load in the back.
__________________
Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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02-26-2014, 01:45 PM
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#10
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Camper Less Camping
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NW
Posts: 3,642
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Just for a close reference...my Sabre measures approx 52" from pin box plate (this sits on top of hitch plate in truck bed) down to the ground when camper is leveled front to back
__________________
2013 Sabre 32RCTS-6 (sold)
Family of 4 whose always on the GEAUX!
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02-26-2014, 03:19 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: China Grove, NC
Posts: 321
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It may be a little higher in the back but not by much.
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02-26-2014, 03:49 PM
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#12
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Camper Less Camping
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NW
Posts: 3,642
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What will happen most likely is when you hitch up and the truck squats the camper will be level but not the truck. As soon as you air up the airbags to level the truck the camper will sit a little high at the nose.
__________________
2013 Sabre 32RCTS-6 (sold)
Family of 4 whose always on the GEAUX!
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02-26-2014, 03:55 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: China Grove, NC
Posts: 321
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Is there any adjustment in the pin box so that I can have both the truck and the camper level?
Sorry if this is a dumb question but this is my first experience with a 5th wheel.
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02-26-2014, 03:59 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pirates55
Is there any adjustment in the pin box so that I can have both the truck and the camper level?
Sorry if this is a dumb question but this is my first experience with a 5th wheel.
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What pin box do you have, factory, custom, aftermarket?
__________________
2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
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02-26-2014, 04:03 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: China Grove, NC
Posts: 321
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It will have the trailair Rota Flex rubberized pinbox.
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02-26-2014, 04:19 PM
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#17
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pirates55
Is there any adjustment in the pin box so that I can have both the truck and the camper level?
Sorry if this is a dumb question but this is my first experience with a 5th wheel.
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Yes...you have lower the hitch in your truck or raise the pinbox, but only if you have at least 6" of clearance between the truck and the camper overhang.
Dave
__________________
Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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02-26-2014, 05:33 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Seaford, De
Posts: 2,377
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lots of Ford trucks do have a fairly tall stance. I have a 2014 Chevy 3500 and it sits way lower than most Ford F250s and 350s I park next too. I also just got my first 5th wheel a month ago. My bed rail clearance is pretty tight now and the trailer is sitting level. Don't want to, but will have to raise hitch height to get more rail clearance. Hopefully someone can get you some measurement for a trailer similar to yours so you can be prepared.
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David & Lynn 2014 Coachmen Chaparral Signature 327 RLKS 2016 Ford F350 Lariat CC Dually
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02-26-2014, 05:44 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Palm Coast FL
Posts: 746
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I had to lower the trailer pin box one hole set. It is a RotoFlex. It ends up perfect.
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 Brenda and John
'14 Ram 3500 MCSB 6.7L HO PullRite 16K S/G, Grey Columbus 320RS Camped '14 - 146 days/'15 - 196 days
USN-EOD(Ret), Master Chief, 30 yrs,
Master Blaster of the Navy
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02-26-2014, 05:57 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: China Grove, NC
Posts: 321
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Thanks big john. Do you have the 20" wheels on your truck.
I was confused on how I would raise or lower the hitch in the truck.
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