Forum Discussion

NewLeaseOnLife's avatar
NewLeaseOnLife
Explorer
Apr 08, 2013

Fifth Wheel Clearance

Just picked up my new 346qbud...but I have some clearance issues. I have approx 5 1/2" clearance from the top of my bed rails but my tonneau cover frame takes up 2" so I realistically have 3 1/2". While backing into my driveway I sheared of the bulkhead door latch :S

What is my best option? Raise the hitch to the top position which is approx an additional 2" or drop the kingpin to its lowest position which will add around 1"?

I am already slightly nose high so I'm trying to get the most clearance without my new 5'er pointing to the moon.

Any input would be greatly appreciated
  • mguay's avatar
    mguay
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2013
    I have 6" after I remove my cover and store it in the pass through as well and I've never hit.
  • Judgerr's avatar
    Judgerr
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2013
    I have 5 inches clearance. Have been towing this camper 10 yrs now w/o any problems. But I have a "short Bed". I do though remove the Tonneau cover and put it in the pass through for travel! It's not that hard to do!
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2013
    Go back to the dealer and see what they suggest as a solution. They should have worked with you to make sure your truck and trailer were setup properly before letting you off of the lot.

    Some 5th wheels have adjustements possible to raise or lower the axle(s) at the 5th wheel spring shackles. That would be your best bet.

    Otherwise you may need to do what is called an axle flip where the axles ride on the bottom of the springs or blocks added to raise the trailer if the axles are already on the bottom.

    Your RV dealer is the best resource.
  • wandering1's avatar
    wandering1
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2013
    treaves wrote:
    Um... remove the tonneau cover?

    Reminds me of the old joke: "A man says:Doctor, it hurts when I do 'this'. Doctor responds: don't do that."


    x2
  • GregK's avatar
    GregK
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2013
    Replace the cover with a low profile model is the best (easiest and cheapest) way to fix it. My Access rollup cover has 7/8" rails.
  • carpetguy2's avatar
    carpetguy2
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2013
    I have lifted truck "7 and hauling a sandpiper 345ret 39ft.
    And I have 8" clearance.
    Have the Reese Pro 15k hitch.
  • mrwacky's avatar
    mrwacky
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2013
    Agree, you need at least 6 inches clearance, remember, you will not always be on the flat and level while traveling.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Apr 08, 2013
    NewLeaseOnLife wrote:
    Just picked up my new 346qbud...but I have some clearance issues. I have approx 5 1/2" clearance from the top of my bed rails but my tonneau cover frame takes up 2" so I realistically have 3 1/2". While backing into my driveway I sheared of the bulkhead door latch :S

    What is my best option? Raise the hitch to the top position which is approx an additional 2" or drop the kingpin to its lowest position which will add around 1"?

    I am already slightly nose high so I'm trying to get the most clearance without my new 5'er pointing to the moon.

    Any input would be greatly appreciated


    Take a look at your spring shackles and see if you have any room to raise the trailer, then adjust the hitch and pin box. If not, with clearance that tight, you can realistically only raise the entire trailer. Best way to do so is to have a sub-frame built over the axles and have the hangers welded to that. Rule-of-thumb is a minimum of 6" clearance between truck bed and FW.

    Lyle
  • treaves's avatar
    treaves
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2013
    Um... remove the tonneau cover?

    Reminds me of the old joke: "A man says:Doctor, it hurts when I do 'this'. Doctor responds: don't do that."

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