Bed clearance between truck & fifth wheel

[flyinguy68]

Searched for previous topics to no avail. I have about 4 inches give or take of clearance of the fifth wheel over the sidewalls on my truck bed. It seems to sit & ride level.

My problem is that I camp at a ATV campground that has some pretty awful roads. Getting to a camp site often means encountering some grade changes that cause contact of my fifth wheel with the sidewalls of the truck's bed. I'm afraid if I haven't already caused damage that I will someday.

I've looked at the hitch(Pro Series I think) and I don't see any way to adjust for more elevation. I thought about going to an autobody and see if the bed can be cut down a couple of inches. Now I see where using a flat bed truck really shines but losing the sidewalls can be a bummer too.

Just wondering if anybody else has encountered similar issues, what options are available etc.
Thanks!

[d-mac1]

With a helper on the ground, I put a straight 2x4 on top of a/c and extended it to the edge of trailer with a level on top and had helper get tape measure to ground and determined height. Do it unloaded.

What year is your truck? I think the higher bedrails on some of the new ones are making the older ones with lower bedrails better for clearance reasons.

[Stefonius]

Instead of raising the trailer, have you considered lowering the truck a couple of inches?

[flyinguy68]

Thanks D-Mac. Yep I got the Rand GPS, though I'm not really pleased with it's performance, so I run a Garmin too. Anyway, I'm not sure of the actual measured height only the advertised height of 13'6.

I like the way the truck and fiver sit. I hate to change anything that will alter that.

With all the folks on here that are so handy or pioneering, I thought for sure someone would have already trimmed down the bed walls at an autobody shop.
I see the trucks that are flat bed fiver pullers and think that must be real nice when towing, but when you are not towing and need to haul stuff. A hybrid would sure be nice!

Anyway I have lots of time before my next camper trip, so I hope to visit a body shop and run it by a pro. I'll definitely update this thread if I find that is an option.

[d-mac1]

4" is not nearly enough clearance so you are on the right path seeking more. I had about 6" and it wasn't enough...now I've got about 8". Much better.

Something to keep in mind. If you are already 13'6" tall, you are at the height of big rigs. Taller and you will possibly have other issues.

I had a subframe constructed under ours which raised it 2" and now we are at 13'3". Before I did that I hit a bridge once and even going slow the damage was done. I DON'T recommend it!

Do you know the actual height of your trailer? Not advertised height, how tall it really is? For off-road and uncertain clearances, I bought some pvc pipe and a couple joints and can assemble a measuring stick for if I'm ever in doubt.

If you haven't already, suggest you get a trucker GPS and trucker atlas and plan your routes with them. I've also got an AllStays app which has clearances in it. I didn't have these when I hit the bridge.

If you never vary from the same route, you probably don't need the above, but if you're going to go to new places, I think you'll appreciate them. Cringing is not good, but I can relate...big time.

[Sledge_Hammer]

I have never seen a Pro Series Hitch that wasn't adjustable. Perhaps yours is adjusted as high as it can go. As others have pointed out, you should be able to adjust the pin box. My Fuzion 315 has 6 bolts in 2 rows. There are 3 rows of holes allowing the pin box to be lowered 1 set of holes. While level is best, a little nose high is better than hitting your side rails.

[flyinguy68]

Thanks Folks, I appreciate the suggestions. As 720Deere pointed out the Springs are already above the axles. I will have to take another look at the pin box- I changed it out and put a Mor-ryde in. If I recall correctly there were 6 bolts & 6 holes per side so unless you give up 2 bolts per side there wasn't any adjustment. Sorry the rig is in storage & not immediately handy. That correct track item looks like an option to consider. I'm just a little reluctant to raise the height of this monster- I still duck when going under bridges as is or maybe cringe is a better word.

Thanks for the links to the archives Y-guy, I'll give them a look too.

[ksss]

My last two Fuzions have come with the pin box in the middle holes. Allowing for me to drop the box to the last holes, it buys a couple more inches. I have about 8" of clearance. I have put 235/85/16's on the trailer which buys me some more trailer height to level it out. That correct track looks like a good option as well.

When I had my 322 I was going over some rough ground and hit my box on the trailer. I tore off the trim on the bottom edge of the trailer. That was with about 6" of clearance. Personally I think 8-9" is about right if you go off road, still have to be careful, some of those BLM and FS campground access areas are in real poor shape, at least out here.

[720Deere]

The Fuzions already have the springs over the axle. You should still have one bolt hole left on the frame to lower the pin box. Judging from your picture, it looks like your rig sits pretty level the way it is now. I have the same problem, but anything I do to gain bed clearance is going to make the trailer nose high. I have the same problem with mine and it is exaggerated by having the rails for the tonneau cover. It has been a problem once which resulted in some serious scuffing of the underside of the trailer where it made contact with the truck.

My solution to be installed this Summer is the Correct Track II axle alignment system. Not only does allow you to properly align your axles to run straight and reduce tire wear and resistance, it raises the height of the trailer 2". If you raise the trailer suspension 2", you can lower the pin box which I think is 2.5" per bolt hole and keep the trailer fairly level while increasing your bed clearance.

[poncho62]

They usually call for at least 6 inches.......Like you said, rough terrain is going to want good clearance

[Y-Guy]

This search of the archives may help you. Bed Clearance

[romore]

We have not encountered the problem...yet. Could you consider a spring over axle conversion if it has not already been done and raise the hitch?