5th wheel hitch

[egladden]

I bought a new thunderbolt 425 and a new curt q24 hitch. I have 2014 F 350 dually does anyone know how high the hitch needs to be when I install it? My truck has the factory 5 Th wheel hitch prep from the factory. I am just trying to take care of this before I leave tomorrow for Ohio to pick it up Monday morning.


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[Crockett]

set it high as possible. lower it later if necessary.

[Cypressloser]

x2

[egladden]

Thanks


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[Homebrew]

I have a curt q20 with a slide and factory prep bed on a Ram 3500 DWR and its set at the lowest and it may be 1" higher than perfect.
I did the opposite since I had the slide and I was trying to keep it under my tri fold bed cover.

X3 on highest set point if no slide on Q24.



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[B and B]

If 2 wheel high as possible if 4 x 4 you may want to lower once hooked up. Most dealers will assist with adjustments when you pick up a new trailer during PDI.

[Crockett]

Originally Posted by B and B

If 2 wheel high as possible if 4 x 4 you may want to lower once hooked up. Most dealers will assist with adjustments when you pick up a new trailer during PDI.

I was curious about that. If your traveling to purchase, possibly for discounted price, how much the dealer would do to accommodate you for free. Figured the highest setting to get home and then adjust later.

[Papa-t]

You want your trailer a level as possible. On my unit I have it about 1" higher in front due to my driveway. Without it I would probably touch the front 5er to the truck. I don't think an inch matters that much but having it level is the key for best handling on the road. I agree have the place assist you when picking it up if possible. I remember the first camper I ever bought was a tag a long. The dealership installed a brake box in my truck also. Before I left I remember the guy said "Now I set it a little touchy until you get use to it". I had to come down a long steep Mtn on the way home. A little touchy was an under statement. When I hit the brakes my head would almost bounce off the steering wheel. I was sweating like a possum s--t--g peach seeds. OMG. Finally made it home after a three hour drive. I got the paper for the brake box out and reset before the next trip. Wheeeeh Man what a ride.

[breezyhillfarm]

On a related topic...camping this last week in TN I saw several 5ers that didn't use the traditional plate-type hitch but looked as if they used the gooseneck ball hitch. I have only seen these used on stock trailers. My used truck came with the ball in the center of the bed. Are those hitches sufficient for a good-sized 5er? I have a Ford F450 diesel dually so that won't be an issue.

[Learjet]

Originally Posted by breezyhillfarm

On a related topic...camping this last week in TN I saw several 5ers that didn't use the traditional plate-type hitch but looked as if they used the gooseneck ball hitch. I have only seen these used on stock trailers. My used truck came with the ball in the center of the bed. Are those hitches sufficient for a good-sized 5er? I have a Ford F450 diesel dually so that won't be an issue.

This Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection

[breezyhillfarm]

Cool. Thanks.

[boatman]

If the front of trailer is to high it puts more weight load on the rear tires, conversely if front is to low to much weight on front trailer tires. Doesn't matter as much with single axle trailers.
Anyone know what a safe clearance is from truck bed to under side of fifth wheel?


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[B and B]

Safe distance depends on where you tow. Where I go i had 5 inches and raised trailer to get 6.5 inches. We travel Provincial Parks with gravel and undualting roads. If Highway and city street and RV parks you can get by with less. With my new F250 the box is lower than the F 150 and I get almost 8 inches now.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by boatman

If the front of trailer is to high it puts more weight load on the rear tires, conversely if front is to low to much weight on front trailer tires. Doesn't matter as much with single axle trailers.
Anyone know what a safe clearance is from truck bed to under side of fifth wheel?


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Six inches is suggested.

[WolfWhistle]

Goose neck conversion could void warranty. So I've heard.

[elind]

Originally Posted by B and B

Safe distance depends on where you tow. Where I go i had 5 inches and raised trailer to get 6.5 inches. We travel Provincial Parks with gravel and undualting roads. If Highway and city street and RV parks you can get by with less. With my new F250 the box is lower than the F 150 and I get almost 8 inches now.

I have 8" clearance between my box & RV and I still could use more space. When I come out of our cottage with a up hill & turn it pivots side to side, front to back all at once. I have had less than 1/2"clearance at times. So partly it depends where you go with it.

[breezyhillfarm]

Originally Posted by WolfWhistle

Goose neck conversion could void warranty. So I've heard.

Good thought WW. I don't plan on a 5er yet, but that will be something to ask if I do. Thanks.

[egladden]

Ok guys I installed my hitch put it at the highest point and it sets level and I have 9" between the bed and camper and had no problems and it pulled like a dream.


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[Crockett]

Originally Posted by boatman

If the front of trailer is to high it puts more weight load on the rear tires, conversely if front is to low to much weight on front trailer tires. Doesn't matter as much with single axle trailers.
Anyone know what a safe clearance is from truck bed to under side of fifth wheel?


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not really with a walking beam suspension, yes with the torqflex style. congrats egladden!...

[egladden]

Thanks I will post a few pictures.
That thing is so long I think it has two zip codes.


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