How to Gain Bed Rail Clearance and Reduce Sag on 2019 F-250 While Towing 5th Wheel at Max Height
Published 01/14/2020
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Question:
Iam wanting to order a new redwood 3401RL 5th wheel its height is 13' 6" and from what I have read thats is a legally high as it can be . The new 5th wheel would measure 62and1/2inch from under the overhang to the ground. My new 2019 ford superduty king ranch 3/4 ton measures 58and1/2inch thats from the factory and includes the 3/4inch rail that my retrax roll bed cover rides on . So bottom line is I want to pull level and plan on installing air bags from you but I only have 4inch between the rail of my truck and the overhang of my 5th wheel. Do you have any suggestions I was thinking that I would have redwood weld longer brackets on the frame where the leafsprings attach but that puts the 5th wheel at 13' 8" inch and from what I have read thats not legal . Please let me know what you think.
asked by: Terry M
Expert Reply:
Starting with the bed rail clearance concerns with your new 2019 Ford F-250 and the Redwood 3401RL you are considering, your best option is really just to raise the height of your 5th wheel hitch (it should have multiple height settings available) and lower the pin box on the trailer if possible. This should comfortably get you to the 5-6" bed clearance measurement we recommend.
The potential issue here, as you pointed out, is that this will technically raise the nose of the trailer slightly above the legal limit. I wouldn't worry too much about this also creating an unlevel trailer, an inch or two isn't really going to cause an issue during travel.
There's not a different or better solution that would both increase the bed rail clearance while also maintaining the trailer's current max height. If you are okay with doing this, you will just need to be mindful of any overpasses on your trips that call for a 13' 6" or shorter height requirement. There are a few good smart phone apps available for RVs/trailers that will help you track this while on the road.
In order to truly stay legal, while also increasing bed rail clearance, your only real option is to consider a different trailer that won't run into these height restrictions.
In either case, whether you decide to stick with the Redwood 3401RL or go with a different option, a rear air bag kit is an excellent idea to maintain a smooth and level ride while you're towing (or hauling cargo in the bed when you're not).
For your 2019 Ford F-250 King Ranch I highly recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F35FV if you have the 4WD or # F2600 if you have 2WD. These are extremely durable air bags that offer great load support and will do a really nice job of creating a comfortable ride, whether you're towing the 5th wheel, hauling material from the hardware store, or just riding empty on the way to work. I also recommend adding a compressor system like the Air Command # F2097 so you can adjust the bags from the comfort of your cab.
I have attached a couple install videos below that you can also check out.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Towing/Load Leveling
- Air Springs
- Suspension Only
- Heavy Duty
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Firestone
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