Question about F-250SD height
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Question about F-250SD height
Hi,
This is my first post here.
To give a brief intro... I've been helping my dad (he's not a net junky, so I do that part :-)).
He has a truck ready for him:
F-250SD SuperCab, short box, V10, 4x2, 3.73
XLT with some extra options.
year: 2001
The intent of this is to tow a trailer now, and eventually a 5th wheel (using the SuperGlide hitch to avoid contact between the 5th wheel and cab).
What I came to realise is that it is high, dispite being a 4x2.
This truck's bed is 2" higher than the F-150/7700. GM/Chevy are even lower.
This height makes it tricky to chose a 5th wheel due to the needed clearance. This is made even more difficult due to the fact that the SuperGlide hitch is not adjustable, so it is not possible to raise the nose of the 5th wheel a bit to increase clearance.
I had heard that there exist a kit to lower Ford pickups, but that it was only for the 4x4.
Because of this height problem, we're about to cancel the ford.
Any suggestion or comment on the pickup height most welcome.
Thanks,
This is my first post here.
To give a brief intro... I've been helping my dad (he's not a net junky, so I do that part :-)).
He has a truck ready for him:
F-250SD SuperCab, short box, V10, 4x2, 3.73
XLT with some extra options.
year: 2001
The intent of this is to tow a trailer now, and eventually a 5th wheel (using the SuperGlide hitch to avoid contact between the 5th wheel and cab).
What I came to realise is that it is high, dispite being a 4x2.
This truck's bed is 2" higher than the F-150/7700. GM/Chevy are even lower.
This height makes it tricky to chose a 5th wheel due to the needed clearance. This is made even more difficult due to the fact that the SuperGlide hitch is not adjustable, so it is not possible to raise the nose of the 5th wheel a bit to increase clearance.
I had heard that there exist a kit to lower Ford pickups, but that it was only for the 4x4.
Because of this height problem, we're about to cancel the ford.
Any suggestion or comment on the pickup height most welcome.
Thanks,
New User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Question about F-250SD height
a few things to consider
1. the rear of your superduty will sag an honest 3"-4" under the load of the trailer. i own one, they are way undersprung in the rear.
2. there is a 2" block installed in the rear of the 2wd superduty as well, it can easily be removed.
the added height can be challenging, but the emblem on the grille is all worth it!!!
1. the rear of your superduty will sag an honest 3"-4" under the load of the trailer. i own one, they are way undersprung in the rear.
2. there is a 2" block installed in the rear of the 2wd superduty as well, it can easily be removed.
the added height can be challenging, but the emblem on the grille is all worth it!!!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,955
Likes: 50
From: Mesa
Question about F-250SD height
There are plenty of folks towing 5ers with Superdutys. I've never read of anyone with a 4x2 complaining. It's usually the 4x4 guys that have bed clearance problems. Since you are planning ahead(which is good!) try and figure what size 5th wheel your dad may tow. I say this because most 5th wheels have heavy pin weights and can easily overload a F250's rated capacity.(my F250 crewcab 4x2 has only a 1700lb load capacity) A F350 may be a better option. Also, a 4.30 gear would tow much better.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Question about F-250SD height
Regarding the block, I'll have to check again. Could be that I'm blind.
I saw a block under the uper blade, but that blade doesn't do anything unless you put extreme load in the box. Removing that one won't lower the truck.
The other block I saw is the one that is between the axle and the lower blade. I would think this one shouldn't be removed given that it is rounded to keep the axle in place. Or is there some replacement available for this one?
Regarding the 3" drop, that's one I would like to believe. If it was the case under 1000-1200lbs (+290lbs for the SuperGlide hitch), then a 5er with 57" of clearance would be fine. I'm concerned that the pickup - a 2001 - won't sink. Some people have told me it wouldn't. I've read somewhere that the 2001 are stiffer... I think.
Maybe I'm being over paranoid... in the last month it's been crazy for me. All my spare time went into this. I Had to learn a lot about 5er and pickups in a short while. Luckily, the 'net is an incredible source of information.
Thanks, and sorry for my paranoia...
I saw a block under the uper blade, but that blade doesn't do anything unless you put extreme load in the box. Removing that one won't lower the truck.
The other block I saw is the one that is between the axle and the lower blade. I would think this one shouldn't be removed given that it is rounded to keep the axle in place. Or is there some replacement available for this one?
Regarding the 3" drop, that's one I would like to believe. If it was the case under 1000-1200lbs (+290lbs for the SuperGlide hitch), then a 5er with 57" of clearance would be fine. I'm concerned that the pickup - a 2001 - won't sink. Some people have told me it wouldn't. I've read somewhere that the 2001 are stiffer... I think.
Maybe I'm being over paranoid... in the last month it's been crazy for me. All my spare time went into this. I Had to learn a lot about 5er and pickups in a short while. Luckily, the 'net is an incredible source of information.
Thanks, and sorry for my paranoia...
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Question about F-250SD height
Regarding the 5h wheel size, we're looking at 26 footer. Those usually have 1000 to 1100 dry hitch weight. They might be a little heavier on the hitch when loaded. I'm warning them not to go too long to avoid parking issues or longer turning radius, among other things. They're only vacationers, so no point in going too big.
Either we find a 5er they like, or we're getting the hensley to tow there current TT.
I think it's going to be challenging to find the right 5er. They want the bathroom in the middle. And they don't have a large budget.
But in the end, I'll feel better if they tow a 26' TT with a F-250SD rather than with a Safari! RV dealers have got to be stopped. They're putting everyone in danger on the road.
Either we find a 5er they like, or we're getting the hensley to tow there current TT.
I think it's going to be challenging to find the right 5er. They want the bathroom in the middle. And they don't have a large budget.
But in the end, I'll feel better if they tow a 26' TT with a F-250SD rather than with a Safari! RV dealers have got to be stopped. They're putting everyone in danger on the road.
New User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Question about F-250SD height
I own a 99 F-250 4x4 extra cab powerstroke and I pull a 5th wheel with it. I had to raise the 5th by droping the axles below the springs. I now have plenty of clearance and havent had any problems. Ive been towing it this way for 3 years now. I also have larger tires which raised the truck up even more! The 5th wheel is 27'.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
