How do FWs handle uneven terrain?

[hkury00]

We are looking for a used trailer to fulltime in and we are, at times, going back and force between a FW and a TT. The FW seems to have lots of advantages. However, somebody told me that on uneven terrain there is a danger of the FW hitting the bed rails of the truck. How real is this concern? Thanks!

[C-Bears]

I have been in two situations where I thought there was a possibility my FW could touch the bed rails.

In a CG in New Mexico their entrance was extremely steep. As I approached and turned it I was able to take it at more of an angle so I did not touch. I had to maneuver at an angle leaving a few days later so make sure I did not touch.

Another CG down south, can't recall where, had an interior gravel road with a short rise that was very steep. All the roads were one-way inside the park. It was how we were going to have to exit. I honestly thought I wouldn't make it but I just went really slow and even got out of the truck a couple of times to double check my clearance. At the high point on that rise I let almost all the air out of my bags and I still only cleared hitting the bed rails by less than an inch.

As others have said, keep at least 6" of clearance between bed rails and FW when hooked up.

[big_buford]

95% of my trips are offroad. Did a 3" sub-frame lift. Needed it for swap to 16" rims which also netted me 9+ inches of bedrail clearence. No problems off road at all. Actually have better traction with weight over rear axle compared to large tags I've owned before.

Loved having my truck bed empty, but wouldnt trade that for the comforts of a fiver.

[Veebyes]

It is definetly something to keep an eye on. Usually all is OK but sometimes one has to watch out going into & out of small town gas stations where the pitch of the road is steep & there is a slope into the gas station/shopping center. I have lightly touched a couple of times & avoided touching many more by being aware.

[MFL]

Like others have said, if you have the proper bed rail clearance, a FW should work. Keep in mind, they are often heavier, and usually taller. Soft, off pavement roads, lined with trees, will not be your friend. The added height, is what I notice most, when camping in SPs.

Jerry

[campinghut]

I was was worried about that problem when I switched to a fifth wheel. I just made sure I have 6" of clearence between the box rails and the bottom of the trailer and yes I take it off road. But having said that for extreem situations a TT is better.

[Old-Biscuit]

Had our 5vr in some pretty off camber situations........truck twisted/tilted one way and 5vr going the other, major out of level places etc.

Haven't had the 5vr/truck kiss yet......

Bedrail clearance minimum of 6" and 5vr tows level.

[bpounds]

A bumper pull is a better choice if you're planning a lot of rough terrain camping. Most of the fiver owners around here never get off pavement, and then only graded dirt roads. I have always liked the off-road stuff, but I realized I had to give some of that up if I wanted a fifthwheel.

[Us_out_West]

We've been on some 'challenging' roads even with the size of our rig but having 6" of clearance (and level) to the rails and going slow never had a problem.

Key?

Proper setup and going slow.

[Bionic_Man]

With my old truck and first fifth wheel, I did hit the bed on the trailer once. It was in a Forest Service campground, with a VERY steep driveway where I had to turn pretty sharply to get into the spot. I was young and new to the RV, never made the same mistake again.

Before that trip, I actually took the truck and trailer into a National Forest road where I had to have the truck in 4-Low to go up the hills, didn't have trouble there either.

Older and wiser, I know better than to do that stuff now. A little common sense and experience go a long way.

[n7bsn]

I have about 6 inches of clearance and camp in farmers pastures several times a year, no issues to date.

[glazier]

As mentioned, go slow if the ground is uneven they will get close at times. I worry about hitting the inside of my bed, as much as the top, tight turns get close there too. Once again, go slow and watch it.

[rhagfo]

We have just shy of six inches, never given it much thought. It would likely need the very rough.

[Vannnce]

Ive never been worried about my clearance. my hitch is set up properly and i have plenty of room between trailer and bed. If areas are REAL uneven, ill simply keep an eye on it and go slow. Plenty of people take their fifth wheels hunting and such in very uneven terrain with no problems. Its something to watch out for certainly, but a proper set up with smart driving will have no problems