I currently pull a 30' 4 horse gooseneck trailer with my rig. My wife and I are considering buying a fifth wheel camper. I don't know if it's just me but it seems that the Dodge 2500 4x4 sit higher than the Fords & Chevys (one reason I bought mine). Has anyone had an issue with clearance between the bed and their campers? I do have bed rails that may need to come off.

Anyone with photos of a similar rig with a fifth wheel hooked up?

I will probably go with the B&W Companion FW hitch.

Thanks in advance!
Pete

 

No issues here, neither between the rail and underside of 5er, nor from front cap to rear window. My shortbed could even get close to 90* turns.

 

I got both of my bedrails once crossing an odd intersection. Got some neat bed caps out of it though. Saw a bulletin way back about changing the spring blocks to lower it a couple of inches. It it wasn't for the top heavy nature, it would look cool to lift the camper instead. Front seemed to ride high, but never dragged the rear. Anything is possible.

Chris

 

No issues here. The only time I ever ran into a problem was once last Summer backing into a spot while camping. The spot was really un-level and the top of the bed rail rubbed a bit. I normally have about 6-7" of clearance between the trailer and bed rails.

The fact that we were 12 miles off the highway out in the boonies had a little to do with it. We don't stay in campgrounds,we boondock.

If you stay in campgrounds,I doubt you'd ever have an issue.

 

Most fifth wheels require to be be lifted with Dodge trucks. I will not even dream of hooking onto my brother's unless he flips the axles on his. I had to flip the axles on my GN on the farm.

 

No issues here, we boondock all the time but did install a manual slider hitch because of the short box.

 

I pulled a 31 foot 11000lb fifth wheel with my 05 crew short box cummins 4x4 for 2 yrs, it had 35s dick seapeck fCII on it as well and it never rubbed one time. not to say that it wouldnt if you were off the beaten path like the other guy on the forum, I could see the box rubbing a bit but on the highway and your normal rv parks i had no issues ever.
I did have a 03 duramax with a 6inch fab tech lift and 35s on it and it was to high, I would have had to flip the axles for that setup so i just sold the duramax instead

 

i have 6 1/2 inches clearance. i lifted my trailer a total of three inches with relocating the spring bolting point and with a taller equalizer. the equalizer is the triangle piece between the two leaf springs. i have 33 inch tires and stock rear suspension. i played with the height of the hitch and the positioning of the pinbox and we currently have no problem with clearance except when i get crazy and tow the trailer along the side of the offroad race course.

 

Here's my set up, using the B&W, which I couldn't be happier with. I have it so there is about 8" between tailgate and trailer, could probably be closer but I go on dirt roads.

It's sitting on the hill in front of my house, it really isn't that big of a sag on level ground.

 

I went to larger size tires on the trailer. It got my trailer level.

If you go that route just make sure that you have plenty of clrearance for the larger tires!!!

 

I'm in the RV industry and the minimum recommended is 6" between the trailer and bedrails. The trailer and cab is a different story. Short bed trucks should use a slide hitch. There are manual and automatic slides available.

 

Thanks to all who responded. It sounds like I should be ok if I remove my chrome beds rails. Kinda figured I would have to. I've gotten close to clipping them when I tow my horse trailer accross one particular railroad track that happens to be on a large hump in the road (only cleared by 1/2"). I always get puckered up pretty good. Might as well remove them while I can still reuse them or sell them.

We actually bought a Laredo FW yesterday. It has an extended hitch for use on short bed trucks. I've got the walk through on that today but can't take delivery until my Companion hitch comes in... hopefully before the end of the week.

Thanks Again!
Pete

 

I have the setup in my sig. I have a drawtite slider hitch. It is height adjustable and have it set as high as it will go. Have 6.25 inches of clearance and no issues so far.

 

Well my Companion hitch came in. Installed it and brought home my new toy. It pulls sweet. I love the flip up mirrors on my rig. I never had to use them on my horse trailer since it is only 7' wide. I did take off my chrome beds rails. I'm already shopping for a set of bed rail covers. Can't decide whether to go with the stainless or the diamond plate. The fun never ends...

 

I pull a 34 ft. 5er and have no issues with bedrail clearance. The only issue I had because of the truck's height was that the 5er was nose high. I had to lower the hitch to its lowest point to level the trailer. You should be fine. Enjoy the ride.