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View Full Version : How Much Clearance Needed?

Dean
03-02-2017, 04:48 PM
We recently took delivery of our 2017 DRV 38RSSA. We have now made a couple of short trips and are pulling it with a 2017 3500HD Dually Crew Cab. I am using a Hensley Manufacturing TS3 Trailer Saver hitch with the 3" spacer kit. Our DRV has the 2" riser on it as well.

After years of pulling bumper pull travel trailers, this is my first 5th wheel trailer. The clearance between the top of the bed of the truck and the underside of the nose of the 5th wheel is closer than I would have expected; especially when I am pulling out of driveway where there is an elevation change, or through a dip in a road intersection.

Is there a rule of thumb for how much clearance is needed when the truck and trailer are setting level? I'd sure hate to have the underside of the trailer nose come in contact with the top of the side of the truck bed - that would be a problem.

Comments appreciated.
Dapperdan
03-02-2017, 06:19 PM
Welcome to the fifth wheel world Dean, I believe 6" is the standard or "norm". We have about that on our '15 38 RSSA hooked to our '15 RAM with a B & W hitch.

Some are comfortable with a bit less but I like to have at least 5" and 6" is even better in MY book.

Dan
wingnut60
03-02-2017, 11:00 PM
I also think 6" is the 'norm' if there is one--any less, and during sharp turns that happen to be off-level, some contact may occur. Makes a lot of difference that you don't tow nose-high. And be particularly watchful when backing sharply into campsites that might have the trailer off the pad, or the truck rear wheels--that is when contact is most likely to happen.
Joe
Cummins12V98
03-03-2017, 10:38 AM
Personally 6" is a minimum clearance.

http://i.imgur.com/FWqve3ml.jpg
Stevencoles
03-07-2017, 04:03 PM
Anybody have an F350 Dually 2017 towing a 38Rsb3 , just traded trucks and haven't hooked up yet but have some concerns.
Cummins12V98
03-07-2017, 08:09 PM
Anybody have an F350 Dually 2017 towing a 38Rsb3 , just traded trucks and haven't hooked up yet but have some concerns.

What are your concerns? It should handle the load without air bags, unlike most 16 and earlier F350/450's.
Stevencoles
03-12-2017, 08:11 AM
Seems like the bed sides are a bit higher and clearance might be compromised.
Cummins12V98
03-12-2017, 08:34 PM
Seems like the bed sides are a bit higher and clearance might be compromised.


Hope your RV has the 2" risers. 2016 and older Fords did not need the risers, now all three trucks will require the 2" risers on the RV.
Stevencoles
03-13-2017, 06:32 AM
Ouch, I don't , how would I get them installed?
Cummins12V98
03-13-2017, 12:45 PM
I had mine added at MORryde in Elkhart, IN last Summer.

Call Rob Kolean.

http://i.imgur.com/6IGp81tl.jpg
Stevencoles
03-21-2017, 08:59 AM
I'm parked now but willl be moving in a month. I bought the 2017 F350 Dually and have not hooked it up. I have a Reese 22k hitch and I can raise it one notch which is about an inch. My 38RSB3 3014 has lippert independent suspension. I m hoping that I will have just enough to move this, or I don't know what I'm going to do? Any comment or suggestion?
Dapperdan
03-21-2017, 01:04 PM
I'm parked now but willl be moving in a month. I bought the 2017 F350 Dually and have not hooked it up. I have a Reese 22k hitch and I can raise it one notch which is about an inch. My 38RSB3 3014 has lippert independent suspension. I m hoping that I will have just enough to move this, or I don't know what I'm going to do? Any comment or suggestion?

You'll know right away when you hook up if you're nose high or not. If after your adjustment you're still too high it's going to be "live with it" or get into MorRyde for the risers. Rob Kloean at MorRyde can fix you up if the need arises. Good luck.

Dan
Cummins12V98
03-21-2017, 07:38 PM
If you are nose high be careful the rear axle weight starts adding up!