Getting right height or truck & hitch

mtofell1 wrote:
Truck is a 2014 Ram 4X4 CC 6.5 bed - prospective 5th wheel is a Cougar Xlite but the question applies to pretty much any new brand.

The bed rails and overall bed height on my Ram seem to be higher than on my past truck (06 Chevy Silverado 4X4). I don't want to worry about clearance and do some mild off-road camping from time to time. So, I'm thinking I want to be on the upper end of the standard bedrail to 5th clearance. So, 6" or so would be ideal.

Basically, what is the process to raise a newer 5th wheel a couple inches to get a nice level ride and good rail clearance? Or, are newer 5th wheels set at a height that will line up with my newer truck and give me good clearance?

Here's what I did in Mach 2014.
"Here's an update. Got my Pullrite hitch installed today. Set the FW on it and got another inch on the weight. The estimated clearance with the FW level is approx 5 inches. Still looking for at least 6". Could have the front end up an inch which would work. I've decided to go with a two inch subframe. Here's why. Didn't know what to do with $1600..kidding. I talked to rep at Airborne. He stated should be running at least 7 inches. Think he is covering his ***. His approach is for a 5 degree lest you need 7.3" on a 48" span. He stated no issues running your rig up 2 to 3 inches in the front. Suspension will cover that variance. Other reason, I'm a bit risk adverse and would like the added clearance. Also I get a level FW. Interesting as the 2012 RAM is 2 inches lower than the 13 and 14 RAMs, according to RAM specs. Would have been perfect. Getting the sub frame installed Monday and hopefully in our back yard late afternoon. I'll get pictures out as soon as the snow is gone and warms up. The shop I'm having the work done wasn't fussy about the Correct Trac as there preference was to weld to the frame. Did not get into a debate with them as three installers seem to agree best approach was a subframe but could adjust to get 5" level. "

Update:
Today, after 20k miles, I'm very happy with my decision. I have 7" clearance and never worry about touching my box. The 5W pulls great, with no side wind pressure when meeting semi's on the highway...no sway. I believe the carriage height allows some of the draft to go under the 5W. I have a tight back-in to my backyard to park the 5W. There is a 10" cavity in the centre of the back lane for water drainage. When I back in, I can end up with only 1 to 2 inches of clearance. In addition I have a level TV and 5W. This is just my experience. Others will claim you are OK with 4".

One other note. You can adjust your pin for height. I did not as 5W would not run level. Hook up your 5W to the truck, measure the differences in height on your TV and front and rear 5W frame. I also used a level on the 5W..I was parked on a level pad. Stand back and view the complete rig. Be comfortable with how it looks. I also added forklift stable load to engage my overload springs which resulted in a level TV..reduced sage. Air bags would be ideal.

Good luck and wise to consider clearance issues.