New Truck Too Tall to Tow

[Stealth13777]

Ford puts the blocks in back on from the factory to account for the raised front height from the 4x4 setup. They can be removed and theoretically you could reduce tire size.

But I agree with others, lift the trailer with 2in blocks, and if it’s time for tires go up a size there too and you could easily raise the trailer 3in without changing the way the truck is intended to work.

You could also put smaller blocks on the truck - swap existing for half the height. With a 150 series trailer that would probably still keep it level when towing since you aren’t maxing it out.

[Easycamper]

Not sure what automakers are doing. Are there really people out there saying “nice truck but I wish the bed rails were higher off the ground. I can still almost reach in.”

[SolarPoweredRV]

[QUOTE] Originally Posted by SolarPoweredRV View Post

That was one of the reasons we bought a Dually, Normal Sized Tires. The single rear wheel trucks have 21" - 22" inch tires in them making them too tall for our 5th wheels. Additionally, the larger tires make the truck harder to get into.

PS: Our Dually has 17 inch tires.

Those are rim sizes which doesn't always corollate to the overall height (the important measurement) which has an effect on truck height.

I stand corrected, I meant tires and wheels. However, since OEMs do not install the low profile tires on those larger wheels my statement is still valid.

The OP could lower his truck by replacing his tires (and Wheels) with 17 inch tires (and Wheels). This would not be a cheap option, however it might be one way to address the issue.

Since the OP's camper is only 12' high, I agree with Second Chance that raising his camper and increasing his tire size might be the best option.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Because of the relative 'weakness' of trailer suspensions, they aren't known for being durable, I'd really want to research the effects of adding blocks to the existing layout. Just to make sure another problem isn't created.

One way I have seen it done is remove the trailer suspension entirely and weld in a length of box steel along the frame then reattach the suspension. If I remember correctly, he welded on a 6' piece of 2"x4" box steel on edge to raise the trailer 4". This was because he had an early 2000's trailer with a new truck - back in 2017. This is probably the best way to modify trailer height, but it sure ain't cheap.

Of course when you raise these trailers they will probably sway more and catch more crosswind....the big three truck makers should start offering bed rail height options. If they keep going the way they are you will need a rope ladder to get in the cab. Or maybe pull out steps like the trailer.

[goducks14]

That was one of the reasons we bought a Dually, Normal Sized Tires. The single rear wheel trucks have 21" - 22" inch tires in them making them too tall for our 5th wheels. Additionally, the larger tires make the truck harder to get into.

PS: Our Dually has 17 inch tires.

21-22"? Unheard of. The biggest rim you can get is 20"
The overall height is with the oem tire on a 275/65/20 is 34.1"
A OEM 275/70/18 is 33.2.
Less than 1" difference but only 1/2" higher for the 20" compared to the 18" tire.

[Wileykid]

Not sure what automakers are doing. Are there really people out there saying “nice truck but I wish the bed rails were higher off the ground. I can still almost reach in.”

Over the last number of years, all the manufacturers have been jacking up the trucks for some reason. In 2020, Chevy actually lowered the bed height of 2500/3500 due to complaints.

[Grandesigner]

The OP has a 150 Series 260RD. GD specs show a height of 12' (I don't know if there's an option for a second AC up front). Sounds like there's room to grow.

Rob

There is an option for a 2nd AC, which we didn't want, to keep the height down. I may have to lift the 260RD or drop the F350, or a little of both.

[Second Chance]

The solution - a low-rider tractor:



DRW, RWD, 17" wheels. 4,560 payload on the scales with hitch, full truck box, fuel, driver (5,120 if you're just considering rear axle). That leaves 1,200 lbs. reserve (GVWR - not rear axle) with the trailer on it.

Rob

[Grandesigner]

How high are the bed rails ?

Here are the measurements...including 18 psi in the old air bags.

[Grandesigner]

I was surprised how close the roof of the new truck came to the garage door, which does sag a bit in the middle. Yet another project to add to the list.