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Old 10-17-2016, 04:18 PM   #1
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F-450 and 377RLBH thoughts

Hello everyone,
I’m new to the forum and to the Jayco community. I have searched and found answers to several of my burning fifth wheel questions. I think this site is great and I’m excited to become a member of the Jayco family. Now on to my dilemma…

My wife and I have a North Point 377RLBH on order and hope to take delivery of it shortly after the New Year. Although we are not new to the RV community, we are new to the fifth wheel community. We currently have a 32’ Coleman TT (262BHS) with a 2005 GMC 2500 Duramax TV. Obviously we are in need of a new TV for the new 377 as my 2005 is only rated to tow 12,000 lbs.

So I have researched, read forums, test drove several trucks and researched some more – you get the picture… Anyways, I have decided on the 2017 Ford F-450. I think it might be too much truck for my needs – said no-one EVER! I’m a firm believer in getting the truck that not only fits your current needs, but also will fit your future needs. The F-450 King Ranch I drove was by far the most comfortable truck I have ever driven. Not only comfortable, but the feeling of stout, solid and in command! Even more so than the F-350. The 2016 GMC 3500 Denali I drove was very close. But GM has, in my opinion, showed up to the party a bit too late and lacks some technology (adaptive cruise, blind spot info system, ambient lighting, rear air vents, etc) that I find is necessary, at least for me.

I recently contacted Jayco and they sent me some dimensions that I couldn’t find online – I’ll post them in a second post in case anyone wants to print them out.

My concern with the F-450 and the 377 combo is the pin height and the ability to travel down the road with the FW level. I have also read where the rear jacks on the 377 hang quite low to the ground, which means its critical to have the FW level once hitched to the TV.

The bed height from the ground to the floor of the bed in the F450 is 38”. (I went to my local dealer and measured both the 2017 F350 and 2017 F450, both are the same height, 38”) By the way, that is 3” higher than the 2016 models.

I plan on getting the Curt FW hitch which is adjustable from 13, 15 & 17”. Curt is the lowest profile FW hitch I could find. So with it set at 13” and the truck bed at 38”, I’ll be at 51” in the truck. Jayco says the pin height on the 377 from the factory is 48.25”. I’m thinking I may need to add the correct track from Lippert which adds 2” to the FW height. That would give me a pin height of 50.25”. I’m sure the truck will settle a couple inches when hitched up which will allow a bit of leeway for bed rail clearance adjustment and still have the FW level traveling down the road.

Am I figuring this correctly or am I out in left field?? Please, any thoughts will be appreciated. I haven’t ordered the F-450 yet, but plan to this week.
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Old 10-17-2016, 04:20 PM   #2
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Dimensions from Jayco

Thank you for contacting Jayco and of your purchase of the 377RLBH North Point. Welcome to the Jayco family. Below are the spec’s you have requested.

377RLBH
VIN H1LL
SLEEPS 9


Dimensions
Wheel base: 318 - 1/8"
Total exterior length: 42' 7"
Exterior travel length (pin to bumper): 41' 0"
Exterior box size: 42' 1"
Exterior height (with A/C): 158"
Exterior height (with bedroom A/C option): 159 - 1/2"
Interior height (upper deck): 82"
Interior height (lower deck): 107 - 1/2"
Exterior width: 96"
Exterior width with slideouts extended: 167 - 1/2"
Electric brake size: 12 x 2"
Pin box height: 48 - 1/4"
Entrance door: 30 x 72 - 1/4"

Slideout Dimensions
Off-doorside (bedroom): 69 x 22 - 1/2"
Off-doorside (bunkhouse): 67 x 35 - 3/4"
Off-doorside (main living area): 155 x 24 - 1/4"
Doorside (main living area): 149 x 35 - 3/4"

Weights
Approx. total UVW (dry wt.): 13305
Approx. dry axle w/standard equipment: 10385
Approx. dry hitch: 2920
GVWR: 16500
GAWR (front): 7000
GAWR (rear): 7000
Approx. Gross Cargo Carrying Capacity (GCCC): 3195
Tire load capacity: 3640
Tire load capacity (optional G-rated tires): 3750

Capacities
Fuel tank w/opt. gen prep or gen set (gals.): 12.8
Fresh water tank (gals.): 75
Gray water tank (gals.): 50
Gray water tank (secondary) (gals.): 35
Black water/toilet tank (gals.): 50
Furnace (BTU output): 40M
Propane (lbs.): 60
Propane (gals.): 14.2
Water heater (gals.): 10

Seating & Sleeping
Queen bed: 60 x 80
Bunkhouse loft: 61 x 74
Tri-fold sofa (bunkhouse): 48 x 80
Flip-up bunk: 30 x 62
Tri-fold sofa (main): 64 x 80
Theater seats: Standard
Free-standing table with chairs: Standard
Recliners: 2 optional
Capacity of bunk: 300

Miscellaneous
# of outside storage compartments: 3
Tire size: ST235/85R16 E
Tire size (optional): LT235/85R16 G

Insulation values
Sidewalls: R7
Roof: R30
Floor: R22
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Old 10-17-2016, 04:35 PM   #3
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I have nothing to add beside I'm jealous!

Don't forget to consider the bed rail clearance needs to be close to 6".
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Old 10-17-2016, 04:48 PM   #4
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Welcome to Jayco.

If you could possibly find a 2016 F450, you will be better off than trying to make the necessary adjustments to get things to "work" - such as possibly flipping the axles on the unit. We looked at the 2017 F350 and was surprised at the increased height - personally think Ford made a mistake by increasing the height of the trucks.

Something else that you may not be aware of, F450s are considered entry level semis and most auto insurance companies will not cover them.
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Old 10-17-2016, 04:55 PM   #5
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I have nothing to add beside I'm jealous!
Me too!!
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Old 10-17-2016, 05:01 PM   #6
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I have USAA for auto insurance and have contacted them to ensure they will cover the "semi wanna-be". No issues other than an increase of about $400 per year.
I did think about the 2016's. But after seeing/driving the 17s, I have no interest in a 2016 Super Duty at all - I'd go with a 2017 GM before that.
The 16s have outdated interiors as well as the lack of today's technology.
Good thoughts though...
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Old 10-17-2016, 05:11 PM   #7
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Good luck because USAA would not cover our F450.
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Old 10-18-2016, 03:57 AM   #8
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Good luck because USAA would not cover our F450.
I called them again last night just to make double sure.... as long as it's registered and used for personal use, no issues at all.
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Old 10-18-2016, 06:12 AM   #9
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I called them again last night just to make double sure.... as long as it's registered and used for personal use, no issues at all.
We will contact them again. Thanks.
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Old 10-18-2016, 09:23 PM   #10
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Order the F450 with a "hauler" bed. You don't need a pickup body. The hauler bed will buy you 20 inches of clearance.

Try some of the hauler builders, they can serve as a "dealer" when buying a new rig.


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Old 10-19-2016, 04:16 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctbailey View Post
Order the F450 with a "hauler" bed. You don't need a pickup body. The hauler bed will buy you 20 inches of clearance.

Try some of the hauler builders, they can serve as a "dealer" when buying a new rig.


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I did think about this, but I would really miss having a bed. Ordered the F-450 yesterday...
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Old 10-19-2016, 05:54 PM   #12
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Gorgeous truck! I work at one of the aluminum plants for the bodies of the new aluminum Fords! Thanks for ordering one!
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Old 10-20-2016, 04:46 AM   #13
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Gorgeous truck! I work at one of the aluminum plants for the bodies of the new aluminum Fords! Thanks for ordering one!
That's pretty cool. I read on another forum that Ford has slowed several of their production plants that build cars and the F-150, I think sales are down. The Super Duty line is still in full motion though. Have you noticed any slow down in your plant?

Also, can't help but notice that you drive a Toyota...
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Old 10-21-2016, 05:04 PM   #14
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We actually were very slow this spring and early summer when Ford was using up excess coils and selling F150 inventories. Late summer we actually saw production demands increase due to the Super Duty production. Right now it is fairly steady. I bought the Tundra new in '13 before we were producing any consumer trucks. We were just building the lines that finish the aluminum before going to the Ford stamping plants. I love the new Super Duty but it isn't in my 5 year plan...I want to build a garage and buy a hot rod so I am making myself go to the Ford dealers after they close! LOL
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Old 11-03-2016, 12:29 PM   #15
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The SD's we have on our lot aren't setting the world on fire. 70-80 thousand dollar stickers are most likely the culprit. I was gonna buy one but, gonna stay with the older body style. Even my cost on a 16' is incredibly steep.
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Old 11-03-2016, 02:54 PM   #16
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We love our F-450 (2015 King Ranch) so I'm not jealous at all -- well, I would like the adaptive cruise control!

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Old 11-03-2016, 06:52 PM   #17
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I agree, the prices are steep but I think you get what you pay for. I'm not a fan of Dodge/Ram, never have been. Here's some interesting reading on the GM twins:
GM Must Improve Its Full-Size Pickup Trucks | GM Authority
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Old 11-03-2016, 08:05 PM   #18
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I agree, the prices are steep but I think you get what you pay for. I'm not a fan of Dodge/Ram, never have been. Here's some interesting reading on the GM twins:
GM Must Improve Its Full-Size Pickup Trucks | GM Authority
Good read, but honestly the two biggest turnoffs with the GM for me was putting the DEF under the hood and that they wouldn't budge on price (at least at the dealership I went too).
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Old 04-12-2017, 07:14 AM   #19
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My dad has a 2017 F350 and is struggling with the clearance/nose high issue on his Jayco (it's a 2000 MY). Unclear the best options to get the clearance and level needed. Advice, suggestions?
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Old 04-12-2017, 05:51 PM   #20
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My dad has a 2017 F350 and is struggling with the clearance/nose high issue on his Jayco (it's a 2000 MY). Unclear the best options to get the clearance and level needed. Advice, suggestions?
I just had my springs lowered today to get my NorthPoint an inch higher. My 2017 is 2" higher then my old 2012. I think I'm in the zone now.
Couldnt pick it up today, but looked at it. Looks like it's a little higher then an inch.
Now I need the middle and rear levellers lowered. Never thought about that.
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