Forum Discussion

crewstx's avatar
crewstx
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014

new ram 3500 4x4 tailgate height and fifth wheel clearance

I recently purchased a 2014 RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 which has a tailgate height of 59 1/2 inches measured. The nose of my Montana fiver is about 59 inches high sitting level.
What did you do to pull fivers with the new high tailgate height trucks?

My hitch installer and rv dealer suggest adding 7 gage tubes under the frame and welding the springs to them. Another suggestion was to switch to torsion axels with a lifter kit from dexter or rotating the axels to get max height. Dexter recommended the welding tubes to frame also instead of torsion axels.
My 2010 3400RL has a pin weight of about 2100 pounds and a gross wt rating of about 16,000 pounds
  • retispcsi's avatar
    retispcsi
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    Hook the fiver up first and see how it sits. I had a 2003 3/4 ton Ram and now a 2012 dually one ton Ram, both 4x4's I raised the trailer with the shackle bolts to allow the highest setting and adjusted my pin box. On the 3/4 ton I had an RBW hitch and on the one ton I put in a B&W 3300 hitch and it is on the highest setting. It was the first one I tried. My trailer rides level and my truck settles about 2 to 2 1/2inchs. I have a lot of clearance between bed and trailer. I will measure next time I hook up but it is at least 6 inches. Have had no issues. Try it and do the simple changes first adjust shackles, pin box and or hitch. Good luck.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 23, 2014
    pyoung47 wrote:
    This was an issue for Ford owners as well. It's frustrating that the automakers seem disconnected from the practical use of their products.


    Higher capacities require larger area hence taller box sidewalls for hauling stuff.
    5th wheelers, although large presence here, are a small segment of truck users.
  • pyoung47's avatar
    pyoung47
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    This was an issue for Ford owners as well. It's frustrating that the automakers seem disconnected from the practical use of their products.
  • larry_barnhart's avatar
    larry_barnhart
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    We would have the same problem if buying a new truck. Our truck doesn't hardly settle any and might just an inch as I have measured many times. A new fifth could solve this problem because of the higher basement heights.

    No plans to buy anything but good luck to you and the new rv.
    chevman
  • George_H's avatar
    George_H
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    Another reason to keep my 01 F350, pin height on my level Carri-Lite is 48in. Match to old dually camper special is right on.
  • Shepherd's avatar
    Shepherd
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    The new trucks need the heavier pin weight, they are soooo beefed up.:C
  • RollandB's avatar
    RollandB
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    Makes me wonder with the ever increasing bed heights how many will opt for replacing the traditional bed for a flat bed. I have a friend who pulls a bumper pull TT and two quads . He loves his flat bed, not just for having the quads on it, but the storage it provides on the sides.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 23, 2014
    Me Again wrote:
    Hook it up once before you do anything. New trucks settle quite a bit. Chris


    X2

    And then if you have to do any lifting to trailer so it tows level....
    1) Are there any adjustment holes in shackles....use lowest hole for max lift
    2)Are springs on bottom of axles...then flip the axles
    3)NO to #1 & #2.......cut the shackles off, weld square tubing on frame, weld shackles back on, weld square tubing across from shackle to shackle and weld plates on shackles to make them 3-sided.

    Get at least 6" bed rail clearance with trailer level

    That pin weight.....is that actual weighed or published 'dry' weight.
    Seems light.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Feb 23, 2014
    Hook it up once before you do anything. New trucks settle quite a bit. Chris

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