Bed Height pulling 5th wheel

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Nov 7, 2010 | 07:30 AM

jojolima

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Bed Height pulling 5th wheel

My new 2011 F350 is 4 in. higher than my former F250. The new truck is 4x4. I remember that Ford did provide a free dealer modification to lower the 4x4 for those that were pulling 5th wheels.

Is this free modification still available on the 2011? My former truck was 34 in. to the bed. The new truck is slightly over 38 in. I have about 1.5 in. adjustment on the RV pin.

Thanks for any assistance.

Nov 7, 2010 | 09:26 AM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

The modification is to replace the F350 blocks with F250 blocks on the rear spring perch. That lowers the rear about 1.5", and with the 1.5" you have available in your pin box that would put you pretty close. I don't think Ford will do that for free, but maybe they do. Not sure. But it is not a big job. Just new blocks and new U-bolts.

How does the truck sit when you load it with the pin weight? If the rear is still high, then the above block swap might be a good idea. But if it sits near level when loaded, then you might want to lift the trailer instead.

If you decide to do the blocks, you can probably find someone here with an F250 that wants the taller blocks, and do a swap. Both parties would just need new U-bolts.

Feb 22, 2011 | 02:02 PM

trofyhunter

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I recently looked at a F250 4X4 with the FX4 package; it has the 20 inch tires & rims. Would I have any trouble hooking a fifth wheel to this truck? I was a little concerned at the bed height.

Feb 22, 2011 | 02:30 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by trofyhunter

Would I have any trouble hooking a fifth wheel to this truck?

No one can answer that, because it depends on the trailer. In my view, newer trailers are taller than older trailers. Trucks have been getting higher and higher from the factory, and trailer manufacturers have been raising their products to keep pace. So if you buy a 2011 truck, and a 2011 FW, chances are excellent they will match up great with any stock wheel/tire. But if you try that with a 1995 trailer, you will more than likely have a problem. It usually means you have to lift the trailer, either by flipping the axles, installing a lift kit, etc.

Feb 22, 2011 | 02:36 PM

trofyhunter

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Thanks, it is a 2006 truck and a 2006 Keystone Outback. I will run some measurements tonight just to be sure. I would hate to sell this truck cause it looks sooooo gooooodddd; but, it will not do me much good if I can't tow.

Feb 22, 2011 | 03:20 PM

bpounds

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Sounds good. My 2006 FX4 matches great to my 2011 Keystone. I think all Keystone probably have the same height under the loft. I currently have 18" wheels and stock tires, which are about 33" diameter. If you have stock suspension and stock 20" wheels, I bet it will work great. Your tape measure will tell the tale.

Watch your pin weight on an F250!