Ok, more newbie 5th wheel questions:We've pretty much decided on a 6.2 f250 4x4 gas 3.73 CC 6 3/4 ' bed if we go ahead with our switch to a fifth wheel. Also looking at 5th wheels that have a gross weight of 10500-11000 max, 32-34' max. length. Payload on the truck will run 3100-3200 area so should not be an issue we think with that size 5th wheel.I am reading about bed height issues with f 250 and f350 trucks and lighter 5th wheels, things like flipping axles etc to level up. Don't really want to go there.If we buy the truck first will the height issue be something we need to worry a lot about when deciding on a 5th wheel? Can you determine if this is an issue from the 5th wheel specs without physically seeing the 5th wheel ( some we like on paper are not close by )?Are there hitches out there where you can adjust for the height issue?Would a 2wd be easier to deal with?We have always had a 4x4 although rarely use it. We get snow trace about every 5 years and don't offroad, although with a new 5th wheel we would plan on a cross country trip which may involve some boondocking. Ford truck forums indicate a little better mileage with 2wd but we like the looks of the 4wd better and the insurance of 4wd if needed. Not too concerned about not having enough truck after we find a fifth wheel. We don't want a big 5th to haul around and have found many in our size / weight range that we can deal with. Hope this is not as confusing as we are confused.thanks

riven1950 wrote:Would a 2wd be easier to deal with?We have always had a 4x4 although rarely use it. We get snow trace about every 5 years and don't offroad, although with a new 5th wheel we would plan on a cross country trip which may involve some boondocking. Ford truck forums indicate a little better mileage with 2wd but we like the looks of the 4wd better and the insurance of 4wd if needed. If you are never going to go "off road" I think 4WD is a waste of money. Yes, you get some of it back when you trade in, but that couple of MPG adds up over time. Also, more things that can break on a 4WD.The F150 now comes with an electronic locking rear axle. MUCH better that a limited slip. Not sure if it is available on F250.

I think that is a problem only on older Fivers. I have no problem with my truck and the Titanium so I suspect the problem may exist with fivers built before 2000 but that's just a guess or as engineers call it, a WAG.You really should go with a one tone tho, the price difference is minimal compared to the truck price and you'll get a cushion. Frankly 3100 pounds on a 3/4 ton sounds like it's too much to me. My one ton is rated at 3300 poounds.

Payload is not going to be an issue, even going with a 12K GVWR FW, as it is the RAWR/tire rating that matters.Yes, the newer Ford HDs sit tall, and can be an issue, if you purchase a FW that is refered to as 1/2 ton tow able. In many cases, the larger the FW, the more apt to fit the taller trucks. Most hitches adjust up/down, some more than others. The pin box can be raised in some cases to help also. However the trick is to tow the FW level and maintain 6 inches of clearance between FW and truck bed rails.A 2WD may be a little lower, but probably not enough to matter, when comparing to 4WD. It would be hard to tell on FW pin box height, without actually measuring yourself, or have a trusted sales person do it. Keep in mind, the truck will squat a few inches with 2K pin wt over rear axle.Jerry

So with a pin weight of 20% or about 2100 pounds and a TV payload of 3100 leaves 1000 pounds for you, DW, kids, grandkids, friends, stuff ec.? Toooo close for me.

JMO, but I'd buy the 5th wheel first and then get the truck to pull it, especially if most of the truck usage will be to pull the trailer. Seems to me it's better find the trailer with the floor plan, build, and components you want, then get the truck to fit.We've pulled our 5th wheels with a 2-WD truck for the last 13 years and never felt the need for 4-WD. It adds needless complexity, higher purchase price, and more fuel usage. Lose, lose, lose. My stepson just spent over $1200 getting his transfer case working. A good argument against 4-WD IMO. $1200 will buy a lot of one-time tows if you do need one occasionally, we never have had the need, but YMMV. If you spend most of your time on paved or dry gravel roads, not really necessary.

horse or cart first? | Good Sam Community

MFL
Nomad II
Oct 07, 2018
Payload is not going to be an issue, even going with a 12K GVWR FW, as it is the RAWR/tire rating that matters.

Yes, the newer Ford HDs sit tall, and can be an issue, if you purchase a FW that is refered to as 1/2 ton tow able. In many cases, the larger the FW, the more apt to fit the taller trucks. Most hitches adjust up/down, some more than others. The pin box can be raised in some cases to help also. However the trick is to tow the FW level and maintain 6 inches of clearance between FW and truck bed rails.

A 2WD may be a little lower, but probably not enough to matter, when comparing to 4WD. It would be hard to tell on FW pin box height, without actually measuring yourself, or have a trusted sales person do it. Keep in mind, the truck will squat a few inches with 2K pin wt over rear axle.

Jerry
agesilaus
Explorer III
Oct 07, 2018
I think that is a problem only on older Fivers. I have no problem with my truck and the Titanium so I suspect the problem may exist with fivers built before 2000 but that's just a guess or as engineers call it, a WAG.

You really should go with a one tone tho, the price difference is minimal compared to the truck price and you'll get a cushion. Frankly 3100 pounds on a 3/4 ton sounds like it's too much to me. My one ton is rated at 3300 poounds.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Oct 07, 2018
riven1950 wrote:

Would a 2wd be easier to deal with?

We have always had a 4x4 although rarely use it. We get snow trace about every 5 years and don't offroad, although with a new 5th wheel we would plan on a cross country trip which may involve some boondocking. Ford truck forums indicate a little better mileage with 2wd but we like the looks of the 4wd better and the insurance of 4wd if needed.

If you are never going to go "off road" I think 4WD is a waste of money. Yes, you get some of it back when you trade in, but that couple of MPG adds up over time. Also, more things that can break on a 4WD.

The F150 now comes with an electronic locking rear axle. MUCH better that a limited slip. Not sure if it is available on F250.

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