Rockwood 8289WS Pin Box Clearance on '11 Chevy

[jaygeo1]

We are seriously considering the Rockwood 8289WS with the "Sidewinder" pin box. We have a 2011 Chevrolet 2500HD 4x4, Z71 pkg., Ext. Cab ( std 18" wheels). I have a concern with internet discussions concerning the clearance between the top of the bed rails and the FW. With the 8289WS (or Flagstaff equiv.) with the sidewinder will I have a problem? I would really appreciate FR Forum members comments about this combination being a problem or not. We are getting very close to purchase time and I would really like assurance that this truck will match up to the 8289WS with no concerns about bedrail /tailgate clearance. Can the 6" + clearance be obtainable? Thanks...

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by jaygeo1

We are seriously considering the Rockwood 8289WS with the "Sidewinder" pin box. We have a 2011 Chevrolet 2500HD 4x4, Z71 pkg., Ext. Cab ( std 18" wheels). I have a concern with internet discussions concerning the clearance between the top of the bed rails and the FW. With the 8289WS (or Flagstaff equiv.) with the sidewinder will I have a problem? I would really appreciate FR Forum members comments about this combination being a problem or not. We are getting very close to purchase time and I would really like assurance that this truck will match up to the 8289WS with no concerns about bedrail /tailgate clearance. Can the 6" + clearance be obtainable? Thanks...

5 to 6 is all that's needed.

Do you have a hitch yet?

I've not heard or seen anyone have issues with clearance that wasnt able to remedy the issue. Yet.


Turbs

[jaygeo1]

No, I have not purchased a hitch yet. I'm open to all suggestions as to what should work best with the 8289SW and this truck...thanks

[RodeoGeorge]

Here are some dimensions that 8289WS owners gave me when I was considering the same issue.

Ground to 5th Wheel Hitch Plate - 47-1/2"
Ground to Trailer Overhang (Over Bed Portion) - 58-1/2"

And for my RAM Cab & Chassis Hauler

Ground to Truck Bed - 36-1/2"
Ground to Tool Box Top - 51-1/2"

So I will have 7" of clearance between the top of my Tool Box (the equivalent of your Bed Sides) and the 5th wheel overhang, which is plenty.

RodeoGeorge

[RalphieAdie]

We haven't had any issues with our Reese Hitch and our Rockwood (over 4000 miles & 45 nights camping since 10/9/12). Here's a side photo. We don't have a slider hitch.

[Dave_Monica]

At least with the Revolution pinbox and the fact that it stays stationary, there's no chance of hitting the pinbox on the truck's bed rails which has happened with a conventional pinbox.

wa3pnt gave the measurement of the overhang and hitch plate with a level camper. Measure the height of the bed rails in your truck and calculate what you'd have. I think you can assume rear suspension compression of 1-2" for pin weight in your calculation.

Dave

[jaygeo1]

Originally Posted by RalphieAdie

We haven't had any issues with our Reese Hitch and our Rockwood (over 4000 miles & 45 nights camping since 10/9/12). Here's a side photo. We don't have a slider hitch.

Ralph, thanks for your response. I was wondering if your GMC is a 4x4? What is your clearance at the bed rails & tailgate? Which Reese hitch are you using? Do you have the 4:10 gear? Does the 6.0 handle the load ok? Thank you and have a great 2013

George

[jaygeo1]

Originally Posted by RodeoGeorge

Here are some dimensions that 8289WS owners gave me when I was considering the same issue.

Ground to 5th Wheel Hitch Plate - 47-1/2"
Ground to Trailer Overhang (Over Bed Portion) - 58-1/2"

And for my RAM Cab & Chassis Hauler

Ground to Truck Bed - 36-1/2"
Ground to Tool Box Top - 51-1/2"

So I will have 7" of clearance between the top of my Tool Box (the equivalent of your Bed Sides) and the 5th wheel overhang, which is plenty.

RodeoGeorge

RodeoGeorge, thanks for the measurements ......now I'm really nervous. My side rails are 58" high !! (2011 Chev. 2500 HD 4x4, with 18" wheels). I'm hoping there are some forum members towing a Rockwood 8289WS (or similar) with one of these trucks. Am I over-reacting

[RalphieAdie]

Originally Posted by jaygeo1

Ralph, thanks for your response. I was wondering if your GMC is a 4x4? What is your clearance at the bed rails & tailgate? Which Reese hitch are you using? Do you have the 4:10 gear? Does the 6.0 handle the load ok? Thank you and have a great 2013

George

No our GMC is 2wd; Right now, its approximately 6"; but I don't have the hitch adjusted to the highest setting (our hitch is adjustable to with 4 settings to keep the 5th wheel level); we have a Reese Elite 15k; and our gear ration is 3.73.

Absolutely. I have about 3000 pounds towing weight to spare. I cruise with tow/haul on going 60mph and it climbs a 7% grade at about 50mph with no problems. Obviously, in windy conditions I slow down.

Have a great 2013 as well.