Finally got the truck, next will the fifth wheel fit ?.

[tourusa]

Hi all, finally got the f350 dually with 8ft bed, previous owner was doing hot shoting and I have an aux tank and tool box in the bed .

The issue I’m concerned about is which fifth wheel hitch would you suggest , and with all left in place do I have enough clearance for any turns with a 30ft fifth wheel, suggestions on if I need a sliding hitch or suggestions appreciated

My question is do I need to remove all or just the tool box to ensure I have 5th wheel clearance

From the top pin to the tool box I have

3ft from forward pins to start of tank

26 inch height tool box installed with but can be separated from the tank
31 to top of tank caps

Pictures below

[MFL]

tourusa wrote:

While my truck bed is 6'9"s, not long bed, my FW pin is 40.5"s from back of cab. With my EZ-turn front cap design, I've no issue turning or backing.

This may help, when you install hitch, and measure from pin center of hitch to back of fuel tank.

[Cummins12V98]

As President of the "B&W HeavyWeight FanBoy Club" I HIGHLY suggest flat side of supports towards the cab and FULL forward. Keep a minimum of 6" bed clearance.

[tourusa]

schlep1967 wrote:
You are still measuring from the puck mounting point. Watch the video I posted again. You need to measure from where the center of the pin would be to the closest point on the cab. Or in your case the closest point on the corner of the tank.
How high does the tank sit above the top of the bed?

Hi I got the video very good, I went to the dealers over the weekend and measured some of the fifth wheels and will attach some pictures when I measure from the gooseneck

[tourusa]

MFL wrote:

tourusa wrote:
Based on the recommendation of the B&W hitch which installation would you all suggest based on my setup

Normally, with a long bed truck, I'd suggest putting the arms in the farthest forward (3"s ahead of axle).

If you still have the fuel tank installed, with a certain amount above the bed rails, you may want to allow more clearance, so arms installed to rear position (1" ahead of axle center).

In any case, since you don't have a FW yet, to know how much clearance, you need to set the hitch to a height that will likely give 6"s bed rail clearance minimum. Center height, or highest height, would be best starting point.

The B&W hitches are easy to readjust, once you get the FW home, or even on site at the place of purchase, if you have just a few tools with you.

Jerry

@@Thanks Jerry we will be staying in. TT and Naco sites any input appreciated

[schlep1967]

You are still measuring from the puck mounting point. Watch the video I posted again. You need to measure from where the center of the pin would be to the closest point on the cab. Or in your case the closest point on the corner of the tank.
How high does the tank sit above the top of the bed?

[MFL]

tourusa wrote:
Based on the recommendation of the B&W hitch which installation would you all suggest based on my setup

Normally, with a long bed truck, I'd suggest putting the arms in the farthest forward (3"s ahead of axle).

If you still have the fuel tank installed, with a certain amount above the bed rails, you may want to allow more clearance, so arms installed to rear position (1" ahead of axle center).

In any case, since you don't have a FW yet, to know how much clearance, you need to set the hitch to a height that will likely give 6"s bed rail clearance minimum. Center height, or highest height, would be best starting point.

The B&W hitches are easy to readjust, once you get the FW home, or even on site at the place of purchase, if you have just a few tools with you.

Jerry

[MFL]

tourusa wrote:
Phew, I’m getting into the new concept from trailer to fifth wheel ,

I do have a question do you guys see a difference between towing a 36 ft and a 44 ft forth wheel, we are hunting around and I know the truck no problem ??

Not so much difference while actually towing, but some campsites will not be available to the longer FWs.

Another consideration is height. Often times a longer FW will also mean taller. If you stay in large RV resorts, usually not a problem. Camping in SPs, or older private CGs, both length, and height can limit your site options.

Jerry

[tourusa]

Based on the recommendation of the B&W hitch which installation would you all suggest based on my setup

[tourusa]

Phew, I’m getting into the new concept from trailer to fifth wheel ,

I do have a question do you guys see a difference between towing a 36 ft and a 44 ft forth wheel, we are hunting around and I know the truck no problem ??

[tourusa]

[tourusa]

[tourusa]

Hi all battling the 100 degree heat in Florida and wood planks, I removed the tool chest see pictures and let me know if I’m good and if I can get a smaller one, I will be posting my licence plate and fifth wheel picture so if I see any of you I will be getting the beer or whisky…..

[tourusa]

schlep1967 wrote:
The fuel tank could definitely stay. Your concern would be the tool box. If you could cut enough off of the bottom of that to get you to bed rail height you could keep it with a standard hitch. If you remove the tool box you can use a standard hitch.
If you want to keep everything the way it is I would consider an autoslider hitch. The length of your fifthwheel makes no difference. The width is what matters. When you turn 90 degrees half the width of the trailer is going to be in front of the pin towards the cab, or in this case towards the tool box.

Hi the aux fuel tank is L shape with the toolbox on top with some screws, easier to remove and Craig’s list

[tourusa]

schlep1967 wrote:
The fuel tank could definitely stay. Your concern would be the tool box. If you could cut enough off of the bottom of that to get you to bed rail height you could keep it with a standard hitch. If you remove the tool box you can use a standard hitch.
If you want to keep everything the way it is I would consider an autoslider hitch. The length of your fifthwheel makes no difference. The width is what matters. When you turn 90 degrees half the width of the trailer is going to be in front of the pin towards the cab, or in this case towards the tool box.

Jerry thanks much for this recommendation and will be looking at ditching the toolbox to make sure it fits correctly