Forum Discussion

RJ_Driver's avatar
RJ_Driver
Explorer
Oct 07, 2017

Lifted truck towing 5er

Looking for help. My wife and I have fallen in love with a new fifth wheel, the Cougar 326RDS. We spent a lot of time going through the trailer and we know we want to buy this new unit. But, I have a lifted truck. I have a 2011 F350 6.7 Powerstroke with a 4" lift on 35" tires. We bought the truck 2 1/2 years ago and have been towing a 32' Hideout travel trailer. My problem is I know the trailer will be nose high with the stock trailer and lifted truck. I plan to use the Anderson Ultimate hitch. If I put a 4" subframe lift on the trailer, will that be enough? I'm worried about stability of the trailer while towing if I lift the trailer. Will it be safe and stable with a 4" lift? What about bed rail clearance? How much rail clearance should I have? The last thing I want is truck/5er damage for not enough clearance. Any and all advice is welcome. I have been reading these forums for years but this is the first time I have posted. Thank you in advance!
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Oct 07, 2017
    Most figure 6"s bedrail clearance as the minimum. Normally, lifted trucks don't make good FW haulers. Raising the trailer will help. You need to do the measuring on the FW you are interested in. Myself, I'd lower the truck for best towing results.

    Jerry
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Oct 07, 2017
    I Have a 97 F350 and it's 4 over stock with an axle flip on 35 x 12.5's. It's high. I did it back in 97 when I bought it so it's no going back. I run a truck camper but I also pull a tandem axle goose neck equipment trailer on the road and I've never had an issue. My goose neck has an adjustable leg however. I just set the leg so the trailer rides level unloaded. When I load it (and I overload it regularly), I crank the air up in the airbags to level the truck.

    Don't know if you can adjust a 5er like that however.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Oct 07, 2017
    Remember the 13'6" is the height limit for a travel trailer. I raised my 2005 Cardinal 29WBLX 3.5" and handling was fine with shocks and all steel ply LT trailers.

    However your truck is 3" or 4" higher.

    Chris
  • southernsky's avatar
    southernsky
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2017
    Lifting the trailer could cause problems with bridge/tunnel clearance. If you do a lot of traveling it's something to think about.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Oct 07, 2017
    Welcome to the forum Rob.
    Just some points on your issues.

    If the truck has a suspension lift their not all created equal even for a one ton truck. Some were made for show and no go.
    Do your home work if the lift is up to carrying heavy loads on a regular basis.

    The 326 RDS Cougar website shows a 13' 2" height. Minimum fed bridge height is 13' 6 " on interstate and NNS roads. Other smaller state hiways and roads and covers over fueling stations can be less. JMO but a trailer that tall isn't a good match for that much lift. Your call there.

    For short bed trucks and a extended pin box I've used a 4"-5" clearance on a couple of 5th wheel trailer. Long beds I would want a 5"-6" minimum. Most folks with lifted trucks usually pull toy haulers off road and need even more clearance.
  • WNYBob's avatar
    WNYBob
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2017
    If you can or want to go that high, you may need to secure the leaf spring attachment points with an additional lateral frame (I did a quick search but couldn't find a link).

    Most trailer suspensions are mounted on the bottom of the frame, and some lift kits are just extensions of the U mounts. I'm talking about a frame that is attached below the frame that will take the lateral forces in a turn.

    Search suspension bent here and I think you will find threads on the issue.

    Personally we love our 2 step entrance to the trailer!
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2017
    Sorry, but I'll cast another vote against towing a fifth wheel with a truck that tall - too many issues. As tall as the manufacturers are making a lot of new trucks, there's even an issue with some of them stock.

    Rob
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2017
    Edd505 wrote:
    Goose neck conversion?


    Won't change the overhang-to-bedrail clearance or level issues. And, in most cases, true gooseneck adapters will void the frame warranty on the fifth wheel. Fifth wheel RV chassis are just not designed or built to handle the leverage stresses imposed by gooseneck adapters. (I know, there will be all kinds of responses from people who have "done it for years without a problem.)

    Rob

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