Bed height on newer F350 - Page 2

MikeRP · 09-23-2018, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halfmast

With high hopes but shallow pockets, I follow a DRV - Mobile Suites - forum. DRV is offering a 2" riser on the coach frame as a $300 option on custom-ordered coaches, to match the late-model - but mostly Ram - 1-ton pick ups.

The thinking..."It is a lot simpler to raise the hitch point to match a higher trailer than to lower the hitch and lose bed clearance."

This is from a (DRV) forum member after speaking with one of the larger DRV dealerships...

"For what it is worth I talked to the General Manager at RVs for Less today and was told that:
- the cost is $300 if the frame has not already been built and $1500 to add it after the fact.
- The riser is strictly to achieve a level towing condition and is most needed for Dodge trucks, as their beds are the highest made and thus are most likely to pull un-level.
- GMs without the riser will see a slight off-level that is all but undetectable to unknowing observers and I am thinking my wife's wardrobe in the bedroom closet will really bring it very close to level
- Fords are the least likely to need it as their beds are much lower than the Dodges."

Bed heights are much more critical when pulling a DRV, whose pin weights run about 4,000#... not for the faint or heart, nor truck.

There is no way Ford’s beds are lower than the Ram. Go stand by the two. Ford is a good 2 in higher maybe more.

MikeRP · 09-23-2018, 05:52 PM

I wonder if 20 In tires are making a difference? I have 18in on my Ram 3500 and it is 57.5 inches from ground to bed rails.

Retired JSO · 09-23-2018, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRP

I wonder if 20 In tires are making a difference? I have 18in on my Ram 3500 and it is 57.5 inches from ground to bed rails.

Probably not. 20” tires have a smaller profile. Ford 20” = 275x65x20. My new F350 has 17” tires 265x75x17. Still could be a little taller but not by much. My 07 F350 was close to 2 1/2” shorter than my 18. Same 17” DRW 4 WD.

Rdeejr · 09-23-2018, 08:05 PM

I have a 2018 F250 and my buddy has a 2016 F250. 2018 is 3 1/2” higher than his 2016.

Retired JSO · 09-23-2018, 08:23 PM

For 2018

Tailgate Clearance Considerations When Towing a 5th-Wheel or Gooseneck Trailer
F-250 SRW
F-350 SRW
F-350 DRW
59.8 inches
59.6 inches
58.7 inches
Model F-450 DRW Max. Tailgate Height* 58 inches
Note: Vehicles with other configurations may have varying tailgate heights.
*Distance from ground to top of closed tailgate.

MikeRP · 09-26-2018, 10:10 PM

Well I was wrong the Ram to top of tailgate is 59.5 in. I measured the 34 ik tonight, one side was 65 in, the other side was 63 in. Looked like it was level front to back. I would think the truck would squat at least 2 in. So I should have enough clearance. What do you guys think?

tomkatb · 09-27-2018, 09:11 AM

I have the Cedar Creek 34RE.

Same truck. Same dimensions. Mine is very close to,level. The DW does not sense slope. Truck squats about 2”. This fiver is light in the hitch weight. Still slightly rear high. Lights are not goofed up.

Not all fivers have this height in the front.

MikeRP · 09-27-2018, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkatb

I have the Cedar Creek 34RE.

Same truck. Same dimensions. Mine is very close to,level. The DW does not sense slope. Truck squats about 2”. This fiver is light in the hitch weight. Still slightly rear high. Lights are not goofed up.

Not all fivers have this height in the front.

Cool which hitch are you using in the bed? I like it that its level so you have plenty of clearance from the bed rails?

tomkatb · 09-27-2018, 11:50 AM

Kind of responding to Mike.

Mine is a Ram.

I have the Anderson. I wanted the lightest possible unit. As I have a short bed it moves the pivot point back. I have lots of turning ability. I get near 90 degrees. One should not go that far. Hard on tires and frame.

My adapter for the ball is the B&W, about #40. Easy to install. The hitch is #27.

I spoke at length to one of Anderson’s engineers. (Engineer to engineer). About adapters for moving the ball back 4” if I needed more clearance. Dimensions, etc. Good folks.

kcmusa · 09-28-2018, 12:43 PM

ran into this on another forum
Checkout trailerblocks.com

tomkatb · 09-28-2018, 01:39 PM

Trailer blocks are one of the ways to void your warranty. So said one of the manufacturers. This is the reason I purchased the fiver I did. Mine is high enough.

Likely fairly easy to modify your rv if your truck is too high.. Rather than welding in frame members. As i recall KZ had adjustable heights for some fivers.

When you do that it raises the center of gravity and also raises the height of the trailer. Also allows more twist to the spring hangers. I would assume when turning the axles move more.

Casey r · 09-28-2018, 01:46 PM

I lowered my 5th wheel as low as it would go. Raised my pin box as high as it would go. Still have about 5 inches nose high. This weekend I’m installing the Correct Track system on my 5th wheel. It’s suppose to add 2 inches of lift to the 5th wheel.

tomkatb · 09-28-2018, 01:54 PM

Maybe taller tires next time you need them.

lesptr · 09-28-2018, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey r

I lowered my 5th wheel as low as it would go. Raised my pin box as high as it would go. Still have about 5 inches nose high. This weekend I’m installing the Correct Track system on my 5th wheel. It’s suppose to add 2 inches of lift to the 5th wheel.

Please report back when the install is complete. I’ve been considering doing this myself.

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