2017 Ford F250 and Eagle HTs

[datx]

I currently have an older 2002 4x4 F250 (no lift, but big tires) that I pull our 29.5 BDHS HT with.. I had ours upgraded with the larger Maxxis tires, and it looks really level to me when attached to the truck.. surprisingly so.

Early next year, I will most likely be upgrading the truck.. Anyone seen a 2017 F250 4x4 hooked up to one of these HTs? They seem pretty tall, and was curious as to how they pulled.. I've read how some people have had to do all sorts of modifications on their trailers to get it level (which is why I was surprised mine seems just fine - we are running the Ultimate fifth wheel hitch), so trying to plan ahead (budget) on figuring out what we might have to do to fifth wheel if I get a new truck.

Thanks for the advice / information!

[lanedawg]

I drive a 2016 F-250 Super Duty,Lariat, SRW, 4x4,shortbed w/ 20" Tires and 20K pullrite slider hitch. Have no problem with the Eagle HT being level. I have a friend who just purchased the 2017 F-250, same trk as mine. The 2017 fords in the super duty are 2" higher . That's from the ground to top rail and also from bed to top rail. Don't know how much effect it will have on the level pull on an Eagle HT. Hope this helps.

[datx]

Thanks, lanedawg!

[thehappycamper]

lanedawg I just recently bought a 2014 eagle ht 23.5 and plan on towing it with my 2016 f250 also with 20" wheels. I've measure my truck, and it sit in the stock height according to the 2016 superduty brochure, 35" at the bed and 55" to bed rail. I haven't looked at the tire size of the camper, but I think it's the stock 15", If I had the axles lower by moving the axle down on the bottom hole of the shackle do you feel this might be alright. I know it is just an opinion, but I will take any input from someone who tows one with the same truck as mine. Thanks.

[repacs0103]

I tow with an 11 F350 which is equivalent to a 17+ 250 (350’s have a 4” rear lift block vs a 2”) and my 17 HT sits close enough to level for my liking with the suspension on the lower holes and stock 15” tires.

Also note that 20” wheels make no difference vs. 18’s- the outside circumference of the tires is virtually identical.

Pic for reference



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[thehappycamper]

Thanks repacs0103, that a nice setup you have there. you wouldn't remember your bed load level and bed rail heights off hand? With the measurements I have of my truck, I trying to figure out what steps are necessary, if any, to be able to tow it with minimum alterations and expense. I feel I will need to at least make sure the axle has been lowered to the lower hole on the factory shackles, providing it hasn't already been done. The dealer I bought it is closed till mid January, they came in on their own time to let me view the 5th wheel. What 5th wheel hitch do you have?Thanks again.

[2nOZ]

I have a 2017 f250 Lariat FX4 with 20 inch wheels and pull a 2018 Eagle HT 28.5 RSTS. The height from ground to bed rail is 59 1/2 inches. The Eagle has 16" tires, Mor/Ryde 3000 and the shackles innhe lower holes. The Eagle sits 1 1/2 inches high. We will call it level. We have 5- 5 1/2 inches from bed rail to bottom of FW. Tows great, turns great and pulls great.

[repacs0103]

I don’t think I’ve ever measured the bed floor, but my bed rail height with no weight in the truck is a shade over 57”. My 29.5BHDS drops it down to ~55, roughly the same height as when I’m working and have my normal load of tools- I only ever empty the truck to go camping.

I have a non-sliding Curt Q16 hitch- it goes about the lowest as any hitch on the market. On its lowest setting I was almost dead level, but it only gave me 5.75” bedrail clearance so now on the next setting up I have well over 7” and feel a lot more comfortable.


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[thehappycamper]

repacs0103, your bed rail sit a bit higher than mine which is what i figured based on the info from ford brochures for the year 2016 and 2017. 2nOZ your truck sits even higher so that give me hope that I should be OK with the axles dropped on the lower holes on the shackle, what hitch are you using? Just wondering if their are any more 2016 f250 owners, and what if anything, was done to be able to tow with it being level or close to level. Thanks repacs0103 and 2nOZ for your input.

[2nOZ]

Originally Posted by thehappycamper

repacs0103, your bed rail sit a bit higher than mine which is what i figured based on the info from ford brochures for the year 2016 and 2017. 2nOZ your truck sits even higher so that give me hope that I should be OK with the axles dropped on the lower holes on the shackle, what hitch are you using? Just wondering if their are any more 2016 f250 owners, and what if anything, was done to be able to tow with it being level or close to level. Thanks repacs0103 and 2nOZ for your input.

I'm using a ProEagle hitch that was provided and installed by the dealer. It's the same hitch as the Curt E16 non- slider. Very happy with the set up.

[thehappycamper]

Thanks 2nOZ.

[The Blue Flock]

Have the exact set up you are asking about. No issues, may be 1-2 inches from “level” towing. Highest point is 13’8” from ground. I assume 14’ for comfort. Pic attached for reference.

[Force]

2017 F250 w/ 6.7 Powerstroke + 2016 29.5 BHDS at your service. 4.5" of bed rail clearance at the lowest point. 20" tires on the truck, 16" Maxxis on the trailer. Reese Revolution hitch. No other mods, tows a couple inches high at most.

[thehappycamper]

The Blue Flock thanks for the picture. According to the Ford brochure 2017 F250 sit 2inches higher that a 2016 model.I called the hitch place that I going to get the hitch and he said is coming across a few problems with the height problem with the 2017 and 18 f250 and 350 being higher than the previous years. He also told me that he has raised 5th wheel campers and quite a few of them came back to have them lowered because the customer didn't like the way it towed and swayed, don't know if he is being totally honest just what he told me. Do you have the axles dropped on the lower holes? Thanks again.

[thehappycamper]

Force thanks for chiming in, the more I get 2017 F250 towing these HT with little to no nose high scenarios gives me more hope that I may very well be OK. Still waiting for 2016 F250 owners to come forward with their experiences.

[The Blue Flock]

Originally Posted by thehappycamper

The Blue Flock thanks for the picture. According to the Ford brochure 2017 F250 sit 2inches higher that a 2016 model.I called the hitch place that I going to get the hitch and he said is coming across a few problems with the height problem with the 2017 and 18 f250 and 350 being higher than the previous years. He also told me that he has raised 5th wheel campers and quite a few of them came back to have them lowered because the customer didn't like the way it towed and swayed, don't know if he is being totally honest just what he told me. Do you have the axles dropped on the lower holes? Thanks again.

I did not do any modifications to the camper (no change to the axles). I would not raise the camper either. As you know, higher trailer means higher center point of gravity which is why I’m guessing others complained about sway. I have 15” wheels as well, 16” would be more like Force’s set up.

I don’t travel faster than 60-65 mph (interstate included). Never sways, smooth riding. That’s saying something if you have ever traveled on SC’s interstate system!

[thehappycamper]

Yes I have traveled through SC on my way back from Florida, love that route, the scenery is beautiful. So he maybe telling the truth. I too do not plan on towing faster than 65 mph, no need with all the weight.

[vcbice]

I also have a 2017 F250 with std wheels. Went from a Dodge 2500. When shopping I measured the beds. Bed height is 36", rails are 57" (IIRC).

The trailer has 15" wheels and rides a bit nose high (about 4") with just at 4" clearance at the tailgate (the hitch is set at 16" high, B&W Patriot hitch).

The truck and trailer are a good match.

[thehappycamper]

vcbice, your bed is 1 inch higher and rails 2 inch higher than mine, 36" plus the 16" hitch height places the hitch plate at 52" high, 5" below the bed rails. My 35" bed height plus 17", the lowest the B&W patriot slider goes, places me at 52" high with the rails at 55", that would place me 3" below the bed rail, which means I should be 2" higher and not necessarily a good thing. Should look at a hitch that goes down to 15" and up to 17" above bed so I have some play. Good thing I'm still waiting on the hitch to come in, may have to change things.

[FordandJayco]

The measurements on our 2017 F350 4x4 short bed are 59" from the ground to the top of the bed rail at the center of the axle and 61" at the tailgate as the 2017/2018s super duty trucks also sit rear high unloaded. We ordered an 2018 Eagle HT and are also concerned with achieving a close to level height. Here is what I have learned so far according to Jayco, they are now assembling all Eagle HTs with shackles in the lowest hole to raise them up for the new trucks which are sitting taller. I did a walk through a dealer and indeed confirmed newer units with both 15" and 16" wheels are in the lower hole and older units that have been sitting on the lot longer are in the upper hole. We also ordered the trailer with the larger wheels to gain as much height as possible. It appears by the pictures that several other in the forum have 2017 F250/F350 and have gotten the set up to work. So far it appears the sit up works, it is probably right at the limit and in a perfect world the trailers would be 2" taller or the trucks 2" shorter for ideal compatibility.