8286 Clearance Above F250 Bed Rails

TopTiger · 02-16-2014, 10:19 PM

Picking up new 8286WS this week. Just realized I didn't check bed rail clearance height while under tow. Anyone know what is clearance of trailer bottom above bed rails? My F250 has hand rails installed on top of bed rails that add about 2.75" above the bed side rails. Wondering if I will be able to keep them on or not. Hope to hear from someone who has measured the clearance height.
Guess most 8200 series Rockwood FW's would be about same clearance height above the rails. If you have measured or are towing with hand rails installed on your bed rails I would appreciate hearing from you about any clearance issues. Thanks.

moorecrew02 · 02-17-2014, 04:29 PM

I am very interested as well. I am waiting for my flagstaff 8528 to be built. I have a cummins 4wd and wondering about clearance myself.

moorecrew02 · 02-17-2014, 04:31 PM

I measured one at the dealer and from ground to underside of upper area was 58"

TopTiger · 02-18-2014, 01:04 PM

Thanks for the measure. I measured ground to top of hand rail and got just under 54". Think I need minimum clearance of 6" above hand rails. Will have dealer adjust height of hitch receiver (Reese 16K) 2" minimum. Read somewhere it has up to 4" max adjustment. Other option is to lift trailer if not level. I could always remove hand rails but I like the way they look on truck.

moorecrew02 · 02-18-2014, 01:10 PM

Your in better shape than me. Top of my bed is 58" bottom of my camper is 58". Maybe the dealership techs have magic dust. I asked them about it and hey said not to worry. Really?

TopTiger · 02-18-2014, 01:17 PM

Are they going to lift the trailer with that "dust"??

moorecrew02 · 02-18-2014, 01:20 PM

Funny thing, I was told flagstaff has a factory lift for the 5er. I thought should put it on the order so it can be added when built. They said we will wait and see.

TopTiger · 02-18-2014, 02:04 PM

BTW, have they given you a quote on the cost of lifting the trailer? Any idea what all that would involve? Is it a kit they install? My understanding is that can be done at factory or at dealership. I haven't asked yet. Would like to compare your quote against what they tell me. Going to call their service dept tomorrow to get quote. Thanks!

moorecrew02 · 02-18-2014, 02:18 PM

I have not got a quote from them. Couple of spacers for each axle couldn't be much. Maybe shouldn't have got one with torsion axles....could do it myself like last camper I had. I'm suposed to call first of march to get my off line date. I'll ask them then.

TopTiger · 02-23-2014, 08:48 PM

Took delivery Saturday Feb 21. Husky 16k installed. Only 4.75" Clearance above hand rails. Too close for comfort. Once removed clearance moved to close to 8". Will reinstall hand rails during long periods of no towing. Trailer tows

quite nicely.

moorecrew02 · 02-24-2014, 05:24 AM

Congratulations! I'm glad it worked out. I'm still waiting on mine. When is first trip?

TopTiger · 02-24-2014, 09:49 AM

April 21 will be first trip. Going to Port Aransas in South Texas. Beach and fishing. Taking 5yr old grandson. He's the reason for this floorplan with bunks. Took him to trailer yesterday and he staked his claim on the bunkroom!
Spending time now getting new trailer setup. May take it out before first trip to practice backing it up. I got pretty good with getting our bumper pull into tight spots. But it was only 27ft. Will have to get proficient with this 32ft FW. Already notice some difference in backing up. Seems to lag in response. However, towing FW much better experience going down the road. You have much FW experience?

**dcheatwood** · 02-24-2014, 09:59 AM

Glad you removed them. I have no rails but my 5er has dimpled both sides of my bed sides from contact during uneven turns. You will appreciate the 8".

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TopTiger · 02-24-2014, 06:24 PM

Yes, I think it was a good decision. On the way home from dealer stopped at BBQ place. When I viewed the parking lot entrance dip in rear view mirror I realized my hand rails would have been ruined. They are not that difficult to take on and off (about 5 mins) so I figure I will put them on truck when I know there's going to be a several weeks before next trip.

Ford Idaho · 02-24-2014, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopTiger

Yes, I think it was a good decision. On the way home from dealer stopped at BBQ place. When I viewed the parking lot entrance dip in rear view mirror I realized my hand rails would have been ruined. They are not that difficult to take on and off (about 5 mins) so I figure I will put them on truck when I know there's going to be a several weeks before next trip.

Is the front of the trailer nose down just a touch or is it just the way it looks in the picture?

TopTiger · 02-24-2014, 08:07 PM

Good question! I don't know with 100% certainty. The service people had just installed the wedges on the revolution and said I was good to go. We talked about not raising hitch too high so the rig could remain level. Concern was it might be tilted back, not forward.
Now that I look at the picture I am going to have to check closely on level ground when I load up next time. Attached is another picture which is from different angle. looks level there, but won't know for sure until I hook up again. Thanks for the observation and bringing to my attention.

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