Looking at the 8528IKWS, fifth wheel. Not familiar with the Flagstaff line or fifth wh

[stevem4134]

Hello


I have a 2011 F250 with 20" wheels. This came from the factory set up this way. I have not lifted it or modified it in any way.


I want to buy a fifth wheel Flagstaff 8528IKWS and am worried that the bed rail to trailer clearance is not going to reach the recommended 6 to 8 inches.


Per the dealer, the axles on the Flagstaff can not be flipped and must have a lift kit welded on to them and that I may have to replace the existing entrance steps.


Dealer also says that the underbed rails for the hitch causes the pucks to extend 3/8" to 1 inch above the top of the floor ribs making the need to place lumber and plywood into the bed to get a flat floor.


Questions
Does anybody own a 8528IKWS and F250 with 20" wheels?


What did you do to achieve the recommended bed rail to trailer clearance?


Is there a fifth wheel hitch out there that gives true flat bed floor without the need to use lumber and plywood?


What is better, under bed rails or above bed rails for the hitch?


Thanks
Steve

[aquaholic3]

I have an 8528ikws (2015). I towed it home 100 miles with my 2011 F150. I have since purchased a 2011 F250 diesel with 20" factory wheels, mostly because of the payload specs as the F150 5.0l towed the 5th with no problem. I was more worried about being over weight on the rear axle. The F150 was stable and braking was fine. Power was no issue at all. I got a great deal on a low mile f250 so I traded. My comparison measurements between the F150 and F250 showed the top of the bed rails to be almost the same on both trucks.
I didn't measure bed height from the ground but I believe that dimension to be very similar also.
I had zero issues with clearance on the F150 and since the top of the bed rail dimension is virtually the same I am confident I will be fine.

So far every reply has not addressed the bed/rail clearance question. If any of you have the two exact same vehicles F250 w/20" and 8528ikws or similar 5er. Is your clearance ok without modifications?

I'm interested to hear comments from others with similar setups.

[Jestercyco]

Stevem2134,
Al though I do not have the same trailer, I have a 2012 4x4 F250 with 20 " wheels and measured the bed height on Saturday , it was 50.5 Inches to the ground from the top of the bed. I have the extended Mor Ryde hitch on my Cardinal and use the Pull Rite hitch for short bed trucks. I have the clearance of 6 to 8 inches on the set-up.
Jester

[rockport]

Stevem4134

I have a 2013 F250 4x4 with the 20in wheels, and Rockwood 8289ws trailer. Clearance is fine with no modifications. Of course I can raise or lower the hitch in back of truck if needed.

[firedude01]

I have a dodge 2500 with 20" wheels and I have 6" of clearance from the bed rails


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums