Can we tow 1998 M28RKB 5er with 06 F350 FX4 DRW?

Discuss with others about towing. What is the best tow vehicle, hitches, brake controllers, etc, keeping in mind that everybody has his/her favorite.

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lisamcy
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Can we tow 1998 M28RKB 5er with 06 F350 FX4 DRW?

Post by lisamcy »

New to everything, did a ton of hopeful research and bought a 1998 5th wheel M28RKB and a 06 F350 FX4 DRW. We were shopping for a hitch (will need a B&W RVK 3000 or 3500 companion hitch since we have a turnover ball in the bed), when we realized we may have made a big mistake! Will we be okay with overpass height clearances?- our trailer seems really tall already. Sitting level it is about 11'6". AND we didn't know about bed clearance concerns... Until now. To get adequate bed clearance, we are guessing we'll need to adjust the hitch up, but then won't our trailer be way too nose-high for traveling?

The trailer came with a Reese hitch, which of course we found out we can't use with our turnover ball setup. But to experiment, we set the Reese hitch in the bed. The ground is not level where the trailer and truck are sitting, it slopes up towards the truck. But we can't move the trailer to a more level spot either with no hitch! So with that in mind, we lowered the weight of the Cardinal on the truck. The bed rail height was 53, changed to 51.5 with the weight. The pin box sits about 15.25 high and we have about 5" of space between bed rail and overhang. The nose of the cardinal is up, doesn't look terrible but it is up.

We originally looked at the B&W 3500 hitch but it's height starts at 16.25 and goes up to 18.25". Maybe we better go with the 3000? It's height is 14.25 to 16.25, to keep the nose from going any higher, but will the bed clearance work?? We've read that somewhere between 5 and 7" works, but then some say 7" is a minimum. Has anyone been able to go up a size on trailer tires with this Cardinal model?

We've read that many folks have had trouble getting the taller Fords to work at all for their 5th wheels and so we are wondering if we need to buy a different 5th wheel or if there is even one made that will work with our truck bed height. We don't have the budget for newer model trailers that might be more compatible with higher fords. Changing out the spring blocks in our truck with all of the other modifications that would be needed also sounds expensive. Not sure what to do or who to ask!!
Last edited by lisamcy on Sat Feb 21, 2015 3:01 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Don Wilson
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Re: Help please- 98 5th wheel and F350 4x4DRW bed height

Post by Don Wilson »

lisamcy wrote:New to everything, did a ton of hopeful research and bought a 1998 5th wheel M28RKB and a 06 F350 FX4 DRW. We were trying to purchase a hitch (will need a B&W RVK 3500 companion hitch since we have a turnover ball in the bed), when we realized we may have made a big mistake! To get adequate bed clearance, we are guessing we'll need to adjust that hitch up, and then won't our trailer be way too high for overpass clearance? I remember reading it measured at 13'6".
The trailer came with a Reese hitch, which of course we found out we can't use with our turnover ball setup. So we haven't bought the B&W Companion hitch yet. Now we are wondering if we need to buy a different 5th wheel or if there is even one made that will work with our truck bed height. We don't have the budget for newer model trailers. Changing out the spring blocks in our truck with all of the other modifications that would be needed also sounds expensive. Not sure what to do or who to ask!!
Welcome to the Cardinal RV Club!

I have the B&W Companion Hitch with my 06 Dodge 3500 dually and am very happy with it. There are lots of people out there towing with the F350 FX4 DRW so unless your truck is raised really high I do not think you will have any problem with bridge clearance as most trailers are under 13 feet. I went under a couple of ralroad bridges in Niagara Falls New York last summer which were 13' 4" and was concerned but I got close and got out and looked and had several inches and the guy in the vehicle coming the other way stopped and watched as I came through and gave me the thumbs up all the way. The thing you may have to work with is bed clearance between the trailer and the bed on the truck. It is recommended you have about 4 inches clearance.

I am sure there will be others on this morning with more knowledge than I have on the issue!

Don
We don't know a stranger only friends we haven't met yet!

Don
2019 Cardinal 3350RLX Luxury Edition
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lisamcy
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Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 7:47 am
Location: Oklahoma
Cardinal Owners: M 28RKB
Location: Oklahoma

Re: Can we tow 1998 M28RKB 5er with 06 F350 FX4 DRW?

Post by lisamcy »

Hi Don, thank you for your reply. I added some details to my original post, in case that might be useful. We appreciate any suggestions or direction given!
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WVcampers
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Re: Can we tow 1998 M28RKB 5er with 06 F350 FX4 DRW?

Post by WVcampers »

I towed mine with a 04 F350DRW and a Reese hitch without any problems. I have a 2011 F350 SRW that sits higher that your truck, plus I have a 2nd A/C in the bedroom and the trailer is 13'4" tall. The Interstates require 13'6" clearance. You will have to be careful if you get off of the main roads. Pay attention in the campgrounds and steer clear of low hanging tree limbs.

Welcome to the club. There is plenty knowledge here about these Cardinals, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
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lisamcy
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Re: Can we tow 1998 M28RKB 5er with 06 F350 FX4 DRW?

Post by lisamcy »

Thank you to all!
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BMullins46
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Re: Can we tow 1998 M28RKB 5er with 06 F350 FX4 DRW?

Post by BMullins46 »

WELCOME TO THE CLUB!
Several members pull their trailer with a 4X4 ford and have no problems, only issue would be as Don stated is if you truck has been lifted.
Another thing to remember when you are out is some campgrounds may have a entrance gate with a top cross piece, the cross piece may or may not clear you trailer. Ones that are lower usually have a place so you can drive around them, use it! We had a member damage his AC and trailer roof because he assumed he would clear.
Bill & Debbie
06 31RKT, MorRyde LRE/4000; 2016 XLR 385AMP
2012 F350 DRW 4X2 Lariat, 6.7 Diesel, TransferFlow aux fuel tank
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Nights camping
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