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Old 02-27-2017, 07:55 PM   #1
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new and first fifth wheel

After years of towing a TT toy hauler, we made the mistake of going to a sports show in Feb! Ended up buying our first FW toy hauler. After transferring everything from the old TT to the new FW, we finally got it home and into our storage spot. It's a 2017 FR Cherokee 255RR. It's Cherokee's first toy hauler FW. Length is 29.5', empty WT is 6800#s, and the rest of the weight specs, according to FR, are TBD! So, no pin weight yet. Once the snow goes away here in South Dakota, mid May, I'll be at the scales often. What I hope you will help me with is leveling. I think it is a little nose high. Right now I'm at six inches clearance between FW nose bottom and truck bed rails. Based on the pic I'm going to try to attach, do you think I should be concerned? My tv is an 06 F250 King Ranch 6.0 diesel. I value all your opinions. Thanks.
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Old 02-27-2017, 07:58 PM   #2
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Welcome to the forum from Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Congrats on your new rig.
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Old 02-27-2017, 08:03 PM   #3
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Welcome to the forum,
Congratulations on your new Cherokee. Have fun with family and friends building lots of memory's. Stay safe and Happy RVing from Farmer NC
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Old 02-27-2017, 08:10 PM   #4
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Congrats on the new rig.
I'm pulling just about the same nose high you are.I haven't noticed a problem yet. I have about 7500 miles on our Chaparral.Others will chime in,but I think I'm going to not do anything to ours.Yet
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Old 02-27-2017, 10:18 PM   #5
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Of course level is optimum. I currently pull about an inch high which I consider 'level' . Looks like you are at least 2+" high. Might consider taller tires when you need 'em. Still, I think higher in front is better than lower.
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Old 02-27-2017, 10:23 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rugman1952 View Post
After years of towing a TT toy hauler, we made the mistake of going to a sports show in Feb! Ended up buying our first FW toy hauler. After transferring everything from the old TT to the new FW, we finally got it home and into our storage spot. It's a 2017 FR Cherokee 255RR. It's Cherokee's first toy hauler FW. Length is 29.5', empty WT is 6800#s, and the rest of the weight specs, according to FR, are TBD! So, no pin weight yet. Once the snow goes away here in South Dakota, mid May, I'll be at the scales often. What I hope you will help me with is leveling. I think it is a little nose high. Right now I'm at six inches clearance between FW nose bottom and truck bed rails. Based on the pic I'm going to try to attach, do you think I should be concerned? My tv is an 06 F250 King Ranch 6.0 diesel. I value all your opinions. Thanks.
Before you take off, you might want to put the steps up and roll up that cable that's between the truck and the trailer. LOL

Seriously, congrats and Happy Camping!!!
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Old 02-27-2017, 10:29 PM   #7
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Congrats!
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Old 02-28-2017, 12:17 AM   #8
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Sweet new RV, congratulations!
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Old 02-28-2017, 03:14 AM   #9
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Welcome from Western Maryland

Congrats on the new 5er. looks like a nice unit.
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Old 02-28-2017, 01:46 PM   #10
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Rugman, will chime in as no one has mentioned the difference in axle weight especially with a toy hauler and the additional weight you might have on that rear axle with the front high. The manufacturer of these camper spec's them with axles that for the most part JUST meet the units weight requirements. Might well be carrying a lot more weight on that rear axle. Glad to see you are thinking about it.
Safe travels,
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Old 02-28-2017, 01:47 PM   #11
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Not really related but since you've done what I intend to do... but I have a RW 2608 TT. Moving to a 5th wheel after this summers Alaska trip but just wondering if i should expect a better towing experience and will it be easier to back up? Thanks
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Old 02-28-2017, 01:54 PM   #12
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Congrats!!!! Very nice!
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Old 02-28-2017, 01:56 PM   #13
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You want to have between 5"&6" between bed rails , and bottom of the trailer to allow for the movement between truck and trailer on uneven ground. You don't want to crunch your bed rails.
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Old 02-28-2017, 01:57 PM   #14
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Everyone needs to consider even loading on the axles / tires. If your coach is nose up, you are not evenly distributing the weight load between the axles, and the rear axle sees a lot more weight. Ask me how I know this? I ended up bending my rear axle, over three or four years, resulting in tires wearing badly on the inner edge, and causing blowouts. This really applies with a toy hauler, considering all of the added weight from carrying four wheelers and / or motorcycles. Hope this helps.
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Old 02-28-2017, 02:00 PM   #15
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I haul a 30' fw and tow a little high on the front. As NMwildcat stated, it's better to be high at the front than low. You look a bit higher than normal but I don't think it will affect your towing ability. I'd be more concerned about the weight (toys) you are going to put in the back if you continue to haul the way it is.
Happy trails and congrats on the new rig.
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Old 02-28-2017, 02:15 PM   #16
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Can you measure from the ground up to the rear and front of the 5W and see how much it is off?
Just by looking at the picture, I would either raise the pinbox one notch or lower the hitch one notch if you can.
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Old 02-28-2017, 03:34 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowhnter View Post
Can you measure from the ground up to the rear and front of the 5W and see how much it is off?
Just by looking at the picture, I would either raise the pinbox one notch or lower the hitch one notch if you can.
The OP indicated he currently has 6" clearance between the bed rails and the bottom of the 5th wheel as set up. I would be cautious doing what Bowhnter suggested as this will decrease that clearance and could cause issues.

I've have got by on 5" but it was close in certain situations to touching.
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Old 02-28-2017, 10:07 PM   #18
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Congratulations on the new rig! Looks like a lot of fun days ahead! Enjoy!
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Old 03-02-2017, 10:00 PM   #19
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For about $150 get a Sherline Scale, check your pin weight anytime.
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Old 03-03-2017, 12:41 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by conductor1943 View Post
Everyone needs to consider even loading on the axles / tires. If your coach is nose up, you are not evenly distributing the weight load between the axles, and the rear axle sees a lot more weight. Ask me how I know this? I ended up bending my rear axle, over three or four years, resulting in tires wearing badly on the inner edge, and causing blowouts. This really applies with a toy hauler, considering all of the added weight from carrying four wheelers and / or motorcycles. Hope this helps.
You need to pay attention to this guy. Doesn't matter how it tows, how it looks, how it rides, etc. The issues are what he's pointing out. I don't have any answers for you on how to do it; luckily mine was level and I didn't have to do anything, but get it leveled out!
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