Hitch and 5th Wheel

[LJJMB]

Would like to know what changes I would have to make. I'm going from a 2001 3500 Chevy CC, 8ft box to a 2012 3500 CC, 8ft box. I have a 20K Reese hitch in truck and a Trail Air ride on Mobile Suite. I want to keep the same clearance between truck and sides of truck box

[Carny Bill]

I went from and 2004 truck to a 2008. Had to extend the pin box out as far as it goes to get good clearance.
Hope this helps


Bill

[terry and jo]

From what I've read on some other forums, isn't there also an issue of clearance between the top of the bed rails and the overhang of the coach?

Terry

[The View 5046]

I had a 2011 Chevy 3500HD DRW's with the pick-up bed and had 6" clearance with a Trailer Saver Air ride with a 3" spacer the front of the Suites a, 38 RSSB 3 with the vanity slide. When on uneven ground area's had to be careful the bed rails could make contact with the over hang of the Suites. Also I have the standard Lippert pin box.

I now have a 2012 Chevy 3500HD DRW's with the CM Hauler bed and now have 22" clearance and the Suites rides level... The Newer GM Trucks does have a issues with bed rail clearance. Good Luck with your choice.. Happy Trails.....

P.S. The improvements and upgrades on the 2011 and newer GM 3500HD's makes the GM HD's the most powerful and the best GM 3500HD's I have owned, this is our 5th 3500HD. The ride is also the best of all my GM Trucks to date.

[anijet]

I'm not sure what information you are looking for but here is what I can offer. The bed rails and hitch can be reused. I recommend you use the custom mounting brackets made for the '11-'12 GM 3500 to secure the rails to the truck frame. I installed the Curt brand myself, they fit right and are plenty strong. You will need to raise the hitch and/or lower the pin box to maintain clearance on the new truck compared to the '01 since the bed sides are about 1.5 inches higher, IIRC. This may also require raising the 5th wheel on it's suspension. On my '07 Suite there are three holes in the spring hangers and I needed to use the bottom holes to lift the trailer as high as I could without major modifications. I also loaned my truck to BellTech to lower the rear end. They came up with shackles that lowered it 1 inch measured at the rear axle. These are now available to the public. Even though it took some doing in the end I am very happy with the outcome.