Posted 2015-11-11 7:46 PM (#165351) Subject: New Truck GN Bed Clearance
New User
Posts: 2
I searched older posts and read what I could. Anyone have a source where I can look up the bed and rail heights of newer trucks? I'm searching for something to pull a 2003 GN. The coupler fit on the second to last hole with a 1999 F250 SD 4WD. It fit on the last hole (can't go higher) with a 2007 Silverado Classic 2500HD, not my truck. I'd like another 7.3L but these are few and far between in my area. I looked at a 2008 F350, not lifted, and the bed and rails were significantly higher. Any new-ish trucks (at stock) lower than others?
Posted 2015-11-11 8:21 PM (#165354 - in reply to #165351) Subject: RE: New Truck GN Bed Clearance
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
I have a new 2015 F350 4WD with a J and I flatbed on it and will not be going back to a regular truck bed if I can help it. Both CM and "J and I" truck beds are made near me and I can say they are fabulous beds. I had planned on getting a CM bed but the truck came with a J and I already on it. You can find 7.3L trucks on this website but due to the age and ability to readily find parts I wasn't comfortable going back to that engine and I had one so I know they were good. You are faced with 2 options, either get a flatbed on a newer truck or block the axles of your trailer up to clear the new rail heights you will encounter. Blocking your axles will also raise your floor height and that might be a deal breaker for your horses when they load/unload. I don't think you'll find a standard guide for bed rail heights as they can fluctuate with year/model/options/tires for each brand.
Posted 2015-11-11 8:54 PM (#165356 - in reply to #165352) Subject: RE: New Truck GN Bed Clearance
Expert
Posts: 2689
I Put a Hillsborough on my 2003 Duramax jst about 12 years ago.
It has been GOOD and road salt hasn't bothered it at all, it DOES get winter use.
Sturdy, it has hauled more than the horse trailer and hasn't suffered.
The design has changed slightly, just be sure to get stake pockets on the TAIL as well as the sides - and those chamfered corners COULD be a problem if you want to haul material, so even though the square corners on mine get in the way when trying to make my way through between truck and trailer I would avoid the cut off ones if I were to do it again - and I might do it again.
Posted 2015-11-11 10:26 PM (#165357 - in reply to #165351) Subject: RE: New Truck GN Bed Clearance
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Leslie Mi
als6h, I do not have any help with truck rail height other than take a tape measure with you when you look at trucks, not at all helpful when your trying to narrow down years and brands. Reg I do have a question about your comment on chamfered corners as apposed to a square end, why if hauling material stay away from the chamfered. Tim
Posted 2015-11-12 2:18 AM (#165358 - in reply to #165357) Subject: RE: New Truck GN Bed Clearance
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Tim & Time on 2015-11-11 1:26 AM
als6h, I do not have any help with truck rail height other than take a tape measure with you when you look at trucks, not at all helpful when your trying to narrow down years and brands. Reg I do have a question about your comment on chamfered corners as apposed to a square end, why if hauling material stay away from the chamfered. Tim
Chamfered corners do not mix well with stake bed sides and rear becasue you have little spots where small stuff can drop out of the back of the truck...you are okay with chamfered corners if you are hauling stuff like hay bales...
New Truck GN Bed Clearance
