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?

[GD350M]

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?

I was in the same boat as you. I went from a 34' TT with a dry weight of 7100# to my 40' 5th Wheel with a dry weight of 13,900#. That's almost double. When I took deliver, I was so nervous pulling that unit that I took my dear sweet time. But once I got moving I found that it pulled way better then the TT. There was no sway, it felt solid and rode so much better. Well I then got home and had to unhitch it from the truck...Let me tell you, it took me 4 hours before I unhooked it from the truck as I was so damn scared of what would happen if I didn't do something right. But once I got over that fear, and did it, it was so much easier then again unhooking the TT. So, I hooked the truck back up, moved it a bit, then unhooked it again. (I have the 6-point Hydraulic leveler) and did that a few more times, each time thinking of how it will be when I get to a campsite and then leave.

Now I am more comfortable with it and I know that I will never go back to a travel trailer again.

I have a 2013 Ford F-250. I personally installed the following on my truck, Firestone Ride-Rite Airbags with the Airlift Wireless compressor, Helwig Sway bar, B&W Turnover Ball and the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch, Line-X spray in bedliner, Roll-N-Loc Bed Cover, Titan 50 Gallon Mid Ship Tank, Viair Onboard Air System. I have a toy hauler and when we go camping, I have 14 tires that could potentially need air, so that's why I put on the onboard air system. The Fuel tank was replaced because ford finds it funny I guess to give these big diesel trucks meant for towing only a 26 gallon tank, which while pulling only get me maybe 200 miles, where as the 50 will get me 400-500 miles between fill ups.

[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.