Community Forums

ChadSmeltzer · 07-17-2018, 01:04 PM

I have a 2013 3500 Sierra long bed dually and a 2015 primetime spartan. I hadn't measured the bedside clearance to the bottom of the 5th wheel but it seemed enough, well I was wrong. I was pulling into the gas station by our house to fuel up and heard a nasty crunch, the bed and camper hit. I measured while I was fueling up and have 6.5" on one side and 7" on the other, that's seems like a lot to me. The turn/slope into the gas station didn't seem that bad, small enough that I didn't even watch the clearance while I made the turn. The worst part is that I had just picked up the camper from getting the front cap replaced because of the paint fading.

So how much clearance do you have?

chaps2018 · 07-17-2018, 01:11 PM

I would have thought you were good. Mine is 5.5-6.0

Etrailer recommendations (diagram): https://www.etrailer.com/question-135429.html

jw60 · 07-17-2018, 02:24 PM

I have a 2018 Chevy 3500HD long bed with 6" clearance and haven't hit the bed rails yet but have come close.....I was told 6 inches is the norm but I'm considering raising it up an inch. My 5th just sits just slightly high from level so another inch shouldn't be an issue.

Bob_C · 07-17-2018, 02:57 PM

Always try to crab up a driveway that has a fairly good water run off area....gutter...

RoadEyePie · 07-18-2018, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jw60

I have a 2018 Chevy 3500HD long bed with 6" clearance and haven't hit the bed rails yet but have come close.....I was told 6 inches is the norm but I'm considering raising it up an inch. My 5th just sits just slightly high from level so another inch shouldn't be an issue.

If you raise it to get more clearance above the bed rails, you are raising total height of trailer, inching toward that 13'6" limit? Correct?

Searching_Ut · 07-18-2018, 08:21 AM

After I had to replace my pin box and hitch I ended up going from 6.5 to 9.5 to 10 inches. The nose high situation resulted in significant pin weight increase and 1500lbs more weight on the rear trailer axle vs front. This is even noticeable on the tpms when underway as the rear tires run slightly higher. Myself I find getting level is probably more important than more bed rail clearance. So far I’ve always been able to find an angle where I can make things not hit, but there isn’t anything I can do really for being un-level as I’m already pushing the 13.6 foot height limit.

jw60 · 07-18-2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manwithnorv

If you raise it to get more clearance above the bed rails, you are raising total height of trailer, inching toward that 13'6" limit? Correct?

Yes that's correct.....I'm only at 11'-7" so plenty of room to mess in that regard. As mentioned I'm right at 6" BR clearance and no issues of hitting but I've gotten very close though. My 5th sits just a hair high at the front and the rear axxle/tires look fine but maybe going another inch will screw with it, need to make the adjustment and see how it looks.

MtnTrek · 07-18-2018, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manwithnorv

If you raise it to get more clearance above the bed rails, you are raising total height of trailer, inching toward that 13'6" limit? Correct?

Yes indeed.
It can be skill and an art-form. With a 2" frame riser, several adjustments of the hitch and pin box, We're level and been able to arrive at 6>" clearance @ 13'4.5" OAH. Your axle loading requires weighing individually, and nose high will definitely load the rear tandem axle. (It can be done on a CAT Scale, with patience) Pin high can be a detriment to your equipment if there is no reserve capacity.These behemoths require constant attention, and we won't hesitate to pass up any road surface(s) that looks too irregular.

Old-Biscuit · 07-18-2018, 03:10 PM

I have 7" bedrail clearance
5vr is level when hitched and measures 13'4"

With the 4-way head on my hitch I have come close to 'kissing' but that is from being at extreme angles....truck pointed up and going left/trailer tail end pointed up and going right

Usually don't get close if one goes sideways across dips/slopes etc

chaps2018 · 07-19-2018, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtnTrek

...With a 2" frame riser...

Did you use correct trak to raise it 2in?

MtnTrek · 07-19-2018, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjlakatos

Did you use correct trak to raise it 2in?

No, it was done by MorRyde using 2" square tubing spacing welded between the frame and the MorRyde I S components (Torsion type axles).
They do a 3" version also due to all the modern high sitting trucks.
They also lower the leveling jacks the same amount, and extend the brake components.