Clearance Question

I am at about 5.5" and have not had a problem yet.
Keep in mind the location of the hitch head plays a big par i this.
My 5er pin box is at it's tightest to the 5er location. My hitch head is near the bed rail level.
If the hitch head was lower in the bed and the pin box lower, the same bump that isn't an issue may become an issue.

I'm at 6" now. Interesting development over the summer. Wife and I were cruising thru a CG looking for a spot. At the end of the loop was a real tight turn to the left that also went up hill. On the underside front over hang on the 5th is a light for night time use. As I turned the corner I took a look in the left mirror to check on things. The bed of the truck was less than a 1/2" from hitting that light that hangs down on the underside of the over hang. 5" and I'd have a smashed light. I would've never thought that that light would even remotely be an issue.

When you go over a bump (like going over a RR for instance) that puts the truck on a different plane than the 5er you may need every inch. A long bed will need more clearance over the same bump than a short bed. 6 inches may generally be enough but it may not always be. Just keep it in mind as you go through washouts, over RR grades, over speed bumps, etc. You can always back up Or just do not worry about a dent or two in the bottom of the overhang--it does not hurt anything and most folks cannot see it anyway :)

BTW a dent puller does a pretty good job of fixing them,

I'm currently at 6" and will need to adjust my kingpin to get another inch of two. I barely miss hitting while leaving my driveway. So more is definitely better.

Before getting my FW lifted I had 5 inches and that was not enough for how I camp. I now have 9 inches and still get close at times.

5" is the absolute minimum...6" to 8" is better.

Ken

2X on that 6 inches.

I would shoot for 8", wouldn't go any less than 6". Less than that will give you trouble.