Forum Discussion

okiejoe's avatar
okiejoe
Explorer
Jan 08, 2017

Some thoughts

Just replaced my tow vehicle with a new to me 2013 Duramax RWD 3500, I had a 2006 Dodge Ram with the 5.9 Cummins, Well, the dodge bedrail sat at 55 inches tall the Duramax sits at 57 inches so what do you think? It's 2 inches higher but when I hooked up with the dodge and raised the legs on my 5er it sagged to the helper spring (barely) then I would have to run the air bags I had on it to level the trailer and truck for towing then I also have a trailersaver airride hitch that I air up to raise the trailer nose another inch or so. So my question is what do you think, do you think the 2 inches higher on my new to me truck will make much difference? Before I had about 5 inches between bedrail and trailer.

Oh the reason I haven't hooked it up a tried it yet is I had back surgery and my hitch is in the other truck which I get the hitch tomorrow but just wondering, I think it will be fine when I put the weight of the trailer onto the truck.
Tow Vehicles
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Jan 08, 2017
    I don't personally think 5" is enough rail clearance and I doubt you'll have even that if your new truck is 2" higher. There are a variety of ways you could go about lifting the trailer up a bit so it rides level with adequate clearance.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Jan 08, 2017
    I have a Curt 20K hitch and it sits in the highest setting and my toy hauler rides fine with no clearance issues.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Jan 08, 2017
    I have a Curt 20K hitch and it sits in the highest setting and my toy hauler rides fine with no clearance issues.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 09, 2017
    okiejoe are you saying the GM is at 57" AFTER the RV is attached? That seems high.
  • okiejoe's avatar
    okiejoe
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    No that's with no trailer on it, stock hieght. My previous truck a Dodhe Ram 3500 RWD was at 55 inches, I think I can make some adjustments to either the hitch pin or the 5th wheel hitch itself.
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    Chance of some added chucking but your hitch will take care of that. One thing to consider: If the new truck's height is due to additional bed height (bed to rail) then you might run into clearance issues since you started with 5" to begin with. Do you air up your hitch higher for bed clearance reasons or just up to the towing line? I believe Trailersaver can supply you with mounting risers to raise your hitch if necessary.

    Hope the new truck squats the right amount and you are good to go.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    The newer trucks have deeper beds, That allows them to claim more cubic feet for payload.

    Most recommend at least 6" of clearance between the 5ver and the bed rail. So you need to fix this. Most will raise the 5ver to do it.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    Jan 09, 2017
    The F350's have about a 3" block between the rear leaf spring and axle that the F250 doesn't have. I suspect the 3500 GM is the same. I wonder if you could lower the rear of your new truck by removing that axle block?
  • okiejoe's avatar
    okiejoe
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    Yea I've thought about seeing if there is a block to remove between rear axle and spring and bed depth is the same as previous truck, yes I did air hitch to gain some space but mostly for cushion, yes I ask know I can get risers from trailer saver and I also have a little adjustment left on the hitch. The problem with my trailer is it has the MoRyde IS Suspension System, no axles to flip but I could take it back to MoRyde and have them put a bigger spacer in it to get it to hieght.
  • alboy's avatar
    alboy
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    I went from a 06 ram 3500 to a 15 gmc 3500 ,same hitch set up ,i lost about 2 inches of clearance at a level tow.

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