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09-26-2010, 11:27 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 184
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8280WS Rockwood Pin box height
Our 8280WS arrived, We will be picking it up sometime after the 1st. ( have to move our daughter and husband next week, bummer, but family calls first )
Any way I am a little concerned about the pin box height on the Rockwood compared to our Wildcat. The Rockwood on level ground measured 59" to the under side of the bed over hang area, on our Wildcat it measured 61 1/2". Right now when the Wildcat is hooked up to our F350 I have 6 1/2" between the truck bed-rails and the bottom of the 5th wheel over hang. What is a safe distance between the truck bed rails and the camper over hang? I want to make sure the camper sit level with the truck when I tow, I do not want the tail of the trailer hanging. Can the torsion axle be adjusted for height ? Any suggestions?
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09-26-2010, 11:49 AM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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I wouldn't have less than 6" clearance over the truck's bed rails.
The only way to lift the camper with Alko torsion axles is to add a spacer block between the axle mount and the camper frame. Currently the factory uses a 2 x 2 and a 2 x 5" length of tubing. They don't box in the ends...I'm planning on doing that to strengthen the spacer.
Dave
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Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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09-27-2010, 08:37 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 184
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Dave, question what kind of check list should I have when picking our new 8280WS. I know that we will be in ah of the new unit and will forget to ask question and latter kick ourselfs. Any suggestions? thank you Ken
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09-27-2010, 07:05 PM
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#4
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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We've been lucky in that everything works as it should in the camper...no suggestions there.
Other than checking that all appliances work, I'd be checking over the fit and finish of the camper...it's not your first so you won't need the lessons on how everything works.
You should have the dealer go through the Concertone/TV set-up to make sure that everything works and how it works as the manual isn't very good.
Enjoy the camper...we're really enjoying ours!
Dave
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Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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09-27-2010, 07:07 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 184
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Dave,Thanks again Ken
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09-27-2010, 08:07 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Tacoma Wa
Posts: 182
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_Monica
I wouldn't have less than 6" clearance over the truck's bed rails.
The only way to lift the camper with Alko torsion axles is to add a spacer block between the axle mount and the camper frame. Currently the factory uses a 2 x 2 and a 2 x 5" length of tubing. They don't box in the ends...I'm planning on doing that to strengthen the spacer.
Dave
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I would agree also at no less then 6" , just wounder why no one has ever put shocks on your 5er ??? just a dumb questine
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Hatchet
Chevy 2500HD Diesel
07 SandPiper F305
Days camped 2011 "3" so far,
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09-27-2010, 08:45 PM
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#7
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hatchet58
I would agree also at no less then 6" , just wounder why no one has ever put shocks on your 5er ??? just a dumb questine
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I'm not sure that shocks are of any benefits with a torsion style axle...perhaps someone else can chip in.
Dave
__________________
Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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09-29-2010, 11:30 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 184
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Dave, The RV dealer brought our 8280WS over to make sure I had clearance on our drive. The unit went up ok a little close in one spot but I think I can make it work, anyway we completed the deal and will pick up the camper friday Oct 1. You had said something about making a spacer to change the height, did I understand that correct? The space between the camper and the pickup rail is 6 1/4" front and 5 7/8" in the back, so I should be ok. We can't wait to go camping in our new Rockwood. Thanks again Dave and everyone for their help. Ken
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09-29-2010, 12:59 PM
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,327
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The reference to a spacer was to raise the height of the camper with a torsion style suspension. The attached image shows what I was referring to. Unless you're a fabricator/welder, you wouldn't be doing this yourself.
With the clearance you mentioned, you're good to go.
Dave
__________________
Nights camped in 2013 - 55, 2014 - 105, 2015 - 63
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09-29-2010, 01:26 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 184
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I see what you are talking about, I have done some work like that on street rods, but I am now to the stage in life that I will let someone else do if need be. Thanks Ken
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09-29-2010, 03:14 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Manitoba
Posts: 1,283
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Make sure to check all of the water lines and drain pipes for leaks. I know that the dealer is supposed to do that, but it never hurts to double-check, as water is a camper's worst enemy.
Also check to make sure the slides line up nicely to the body when closed. Ours was perfect, but I have seen others less so.
I am positive you will indeed be in awe of your new pride-and-joy, as we sure were! 
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