Bed height

[newtraveler22]

Have a 2022 chevy silverado 3500 with diesel. I bought a used 2018 Palamino 42'. Haven't connected them together yet. Waiting on a BW slider hitch to come in. Have anyone had problems with getting the trailer level and then being to close to the bed rails. I understand that in 2022 bed heights across the board were raised 2". This would cause you to loose 2" between the bed rails and the cab of the TV. Is this a problem or am I over thinking this?

[Cummins12V98]

Set to 6" bed clearance and go from there. Go no lower than 6".

[newtraveler22]

But shouldn't the trailer be level? You are going to overload one set of tires if it is not. Or how far ought of level can it be before becomes a issue?

[Walt]

I have a 2022 GMC 3500 Dually. My 36' Mobile Suite has a 2" riser on the frame, and it runs level.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by newtraveler22

But shouldn't the trailer be level? You are going to overload one set of tires if it is not. Or how far ought of level can it be before becomes a issue?

YES the trailer should be level or near level. My point is to set it to 6" or a bit more bed clearance.. Tow to a flat area and measure from bottom of RV in front and back, 2-3" higher in front not a huge deal but any more the RV would need to be raised.

If you don't have risers and you have the MORryde IS suspension you will need 2-3" risers added.

[newtraveler22]

Thanks so much That makes a lot of sense.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by newtraveler22

Thanks so much That makes a lot of sense.

You are welcome!!!

[newtraveler22]

I have never done this before. All my previous camping experience was in the army infantry 45 years ago. I hopping for a better experience this time with a 5th wheel. We plan on full timing for 6 months.

[Cummins12V98]

Ask lots of questions. Don't just learn from your mistakes. It can get expensive!!!

[FuShiLuMeitan]

Interesting. 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali HD here with 40’ 2018 Keystone Raptor but I use the GenY Executive Gooseneck rather than the stock trailer connector and 2” clearance has been exceptional fine for us over some very sharp grades and angles in various parks. Just for information purposes.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by FuShiLuMeitan

Interesting. 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali HD here with 40’ 2018 Keystone Raptor but I use the GenY Executive Gooseneck rather than the stock trailer connector and 2” clearance has been exceptional fine for us over some very sharp grades and angles in various parks. Just for information purposes.

Are you actually saying you have 2" clearance from the top of the tailgate to bottom of the RV overhang?

[freestyle freddy]

Unfortunately, this is a problem for many rvers who have older 5th wheels, & try to mate them up with newer trucks. The newer rvs are designed to match up with the newer trucks, but the older rvs come up short. I have a 2008 New Horizons, & originally towed it with a 2008 F450 diesel dually. It towed perfectly level with about 7" of bed clearance. I then upgraded to a 2017 F350 with the higher bed walls. I had to add an adapter to the base of my Hensley Trailer Saver hitch to raise the hitch height, so that I could get a minimum 6" clearance. But the 5th wheel now rides about 2" high in the front. That's not a huge problem, but I'm guessing it has some affect on tire wear & tire weight capacities on the dual axles of the rv, with additional weight shifting to the rear axle.
You have to be very careful, towing a 5th wheel, even with 7" of clearance. Transitioning over uneven ground, especially during a turn, like entering driveways, can quickly cause one side to make contact with the bed rail & damage the truck or 5er. In the 200K miles we've travelled in the last 12 years, my 5er has made contact with the bed rail about 5 times. Four of the times were slow, methodical turns where I was watching the spacing & the contact was very light. The fifth one caught me off guard & caused a slight crinkle in the bed rail, barely noticeable. If you're going to have to live with 6" of clearance, you'll have to be very vigilant about watching your turns into driveways.

[tonyy]

Originally Posted by freestyle freddy

Unfortunately, this is a problem for many rvers who have older 5th wheels, & try to mate them up with newer trucks. The newer rvs are designed to match up with the newer trucks, but the older rvs come up short.

You're so right, remember our family trips and this was a real problem

[newtraveler22]

I ended up with 6" of clearance with it being level. It is a 2018 palamino and the previous pulling truck was a 2018 F250 dually. So mine was within a inch bed height of the ford.

[Notanlines]

Originally Posted by newtraveler22

I ended up with 6" of clearance with it being level. It is a 2018 palamino and the previous pulling truck was a 2018 F250 dually. So mine was within a inch bed height of the ford.

Hopefully a typo and a 350 dually.