2008 F450/MS TA Shackle Setting or what?

[Mikey]

Rig: 2008 F450 Dually - 2007 MS36TK3

I have minimal clearance between box and bottom of "gooseneck." (under the bed/bathroom) 4" - 5". I've almost put holes in it twice! Thank goodness for a bit of flex in the fiberglass and a great "spotter" - Maureen.

Shackles on TA 17.5 wheels in middle location. (could raise one hole)
TA pin box in top holes. (could lower one hole)
Reese hitch at lowest adjustment. (could move up)

If I adjust just the pin box or the hitch, I'm going to put extra weight on the rear axle. I want to keep the trailer as level as possible.

I know a couple of you have a similar "rig."

What's the best way to increase the clearance?

[keithandpenne]

The best is to raise the whole coach. Move the shackles, then the pin box or hitch head as needed to keep the trailer frame level.

[igotjam]

I have a similar problem. ( I have Mor-Ryde IS suspension though) I have been lucky so far...hope it holds. I realize this is no help...it's just my situation. I don't plan on changes at this time.

[hitchup]

When we had the new Reese hitch installed in our F450, we had them raise the hitch. Have 7+" of clearance. That's even with a bed cover that increases the height another 1/2" or so. No need to adjust the TA pin box.

[Mikey]

HitchUp

Is your trailer reasonably level with the raised hitch?
When I first discussed the idea with the dealer he felt that there would be too much weight transfered to the rear axle.

Mikey

[Motor31]

Raise the entire rig if you are trying to remain level. Eventually you are going to run out of "luck" and do some damage if you don't. You might want to try it one thing at a time at first. Set the hitch up higher and check the level of the rig hooked up, then do the pin box. If it sets the height you want above the truck bed and the rig is mostly level you can probably just go with that. If the rig is pretty well tipped nose up, swap the axles to under the springs. Raising the nose of the trailer should shift weight away from the truck, not towards it. Nose down would add weight.

[rverdlm]

My MS is about 1-1/2" high at the front and the heaviest tire is the left front. For this reason I don't think an inch or 2 will make a big weight transfer and from my experience trailers tow the worst when nose down and the best when just slightly nose high (an inch or 2). Have your trailer weighed at each wheel position and then make a couple of inches of adjustment and re-weigh. That is the only way you can know. BTW 2" in 40' is only a quarter of one percent.

[hitchup]

Not quite sure. It's hard to find a level spot where I can stand back & see. Will try to remember to check tomorrow when we hitch up & move it again.

Yesterday, I noticed that the rear of the F450 sink a few inches when 5er locked into hitch. First time I've noticed that. But we also have installed the 200 lb generator in the front compartment along with the F450 bumper in the basement. So I think the front of the ES is heavier than we've usually been running.

[rverdlm]

The rear of your 450 is bound to sink a few inches when you load 4K pounds on it unless you have an air suspension like on a HDT where it has a leveler device to always maintain the same level regardless of load. You don't need a completely level spot only a spot that is straight. Just measure the hieght from the pavement to the rear of the frame and then from the pavement to the front of the frame.