Forum Discussion

GertiesTravels's avatar
GertiesTravels
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014

Towing a 5'r with a 4X4

We are looking for a new (to us)TV and would like to go with a 2500 4x4 crew cab short bed to tow our Cruiser. We are looking in the 2008 to 2011 range and got a Big shock at the height of the rails on these trucks! Fords seem to run about 57 inches and Chevy/GMC or Dodge are hovering in the 60" range. Problem is our 5'r is 58" under the nose and I have already done the axle flip.Surely people must be hauling 5'rs with 4x4's, how is it done?
Any advise would be surely appreciated.
Thanks
Jim D
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 29, 2014
    Thats one reason I got a 4X2. But you do have to remember that the rear end is going to drop maybe 2 inches to level.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Mar 29, 2014
    Many of the 5ers do ride a little nose high, including mine. But, at least in my case, it is not enough to be a concern. A couple inches nose high is not going to shift any significant amount of weight to the rear axle.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2014
    The truck must be lifted. I have the same height on my trailer and I have enough clearance. The only difference is I have a long bed.
  • ReneeG's avatar
    ReneeG
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2014
    Same here with the long bed. Ours is a 4x4 F30 DRW. Fiver rides level with plenty of clearance.
  • DavisK's avatar
    DavisK
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2014
    When I hitch mine up, the truck settles down a little so it is not too high. It still tows a little nose high. I wish someone made airbags for 5th wheels, so I could raise it after I hitch it up.
  • AZ_T_T's avatar
    AZ_T_T
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2014
    I had to have my FW lifted 4" to have enough clearance to go into some of the unimproved areas. Before the lift we had 5 inches of clearance and now we have 9 inches.
  • Grey_Sailor's avatar
    Grey_Sailor
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2014
    I have a F350 4x4 and Cedar Creek with front A/C. In order to get the rig down to legal height (13' 6" in most states), I had to adjust my pin box shorter and lower the mounting arms on my B&W Companion hitch. Don't know if your equipment allows for this, but something to look at.



    GertiesTravels wrote:
    We are looking for a new (to us)TV and would like to go with a 2500 4x4 crew cab short bed to tow our Cruiser. We are looking in the 2008 to 2011 range and got a Big shock at the height of the rails on these trucks! Fords seem to run about 57 inches and Chevy/GMC or Dodge are hovering in the 60" range. Problem is our 5'r is 58" under the nose and I have already done the axle flip.Surely people must be hauling 5'rs with 4x4's, how is it done?
    Any advise would be surely appreciated.
    Thanks
    Jim D
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Mar 29, 2014
    We have an 01 Ran 4X4 and it is 58" at the TG, I think I measured the 5er at the nose once , but don't remember the measurement. We tow a tad nose high, not so much it is an issue. I am looking at ways to get it 100% level.


  • Gunship_Guy's avatar
    Gunship_Guy
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2014
    I posted this pic on another thread where this topic came up. We have a 4x4 with no suspension mods to truck or 5'er. Ample clearance.


  • kroghville's avatar
    kroghville
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2014
    WE pull a Montana with a 2011 F-350 SRW and it tows level. No Problem!!!

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