Getting the truck ready

[Aazahn]

We are about to purchase our first fifth wheel. It has been decided that we go with the 323bhs. It is going to be around the limit of the truck I think but it is what it is. What should I do to ready the truck. I have a bed rug now and a topper. Those have to go, but what about a spray bed liner? What kind? Also I was thinking air bags to help a little. Any thoughts?

[thompsons 369rl]

We are about to purchase our first fifth wheel. It has been decided that we go with the 323bhs. It is going to be around the limit of the truck I think but it is what it is. What should I do to ready the truck. I have a bed rug now and a topper. Those have to go, but what about a spray bed liner? What kind? Also I was thinking air bags to help a little. Any thoughts?

Knowing the year/make/model of the truck would help............

[huntr70]

Definitely do the spray in liner, and get it done a few weeks before you want the hitch installed. It will need to cure before mounting rails through it.

Air bags will help bring the back end back up to level, if it squats when you set the 5th wheel on it.

[Aazahn]

2011 gmc 2500 denali hd. Duramax. Sorry I forgot that. Is one spray liner better than another?

[Cate&Rob]

I chose Line-X bed liner (based on advice of others) and have been really pleased with it.
Whatever kind you choose, you MUST have the through bed bolts re-torqued after a week or two.
You will likely find that you need a half turn on the bolts to reach torque again, because the bed liner material squeezes out of the joint.

Just remember that airbags can adjust angle of the truck, but can't increase the carrying capacity of the rear axle and tires.

[Aazahn]

That's what I thought about the bags. I am not sure if I even need them. Thanks for liner info. I am a little nervous about the change from tt to 5er. What can I expect for a difference?

[thompsons 369rl]

Sound like you definitely have enough truck for the 323. Not sure if air bags will be needed but I'm sure there are folks out there that have the same truck and can tell you.

[Cate&Rob]

Before you "sign on the bottom line" have your dealer set the 323 on your truck, even if this is on wooden blocks over the rear axle, and size up how it looks. As long as the box rails are no lower than level, you can probably make this work.
But, you do need to make sure you are on the right side of rear axle capacity.

[Aazahn]

Good call. I think that is a great idea. It's the gvwr that worries me more than gawr of the rear. Seems all these guys are hauling monster campers with what seems to be my truck.

[Bamaman]

My 323BHS weights about 500 lbs. more than GD says in its website, and the Kingpin weight is about 2100 lbs. But when I hook up my trailer, my squat is only 1-2" without pumping up the AirRides--not bad for a 3/4 ton diesel crew cab.

I would say you're at the max pin weight for your truck, but you'll be okay. Most diesel trucks have plenty of tow power, but it's the weight in the pickup box where come up short.

Many of the bunkhouse models on the retail market end up 41' and 14,000 lbs. dry. That's 1 ton dual rear wheel territory. The 323BHS is manageable in size and weight.