5.0 Storage Box Behind Cab in Front of Hitch - how high

[islandr]

I am in the process of putting together a storage box that will sit in the truck bed in front of the fifth wheel hitch.

How concerned do I need to be with height of the trailer frame rails above items in the truck box. It seems to me it would take some very uneven ground with the trailer at a sharp angle for this ever to be an issue.

Have you 5.0 owners out there ever had a problem with the frame rail striking things in the box?

[daveandsandyclink]

I would recommend not going higher than the top of your bed with your cross box or anything you carry. There may be a day in some awkward situation when you need the clearance. The factory will help you get setup for a level pull and the clearance you need.

My close call has been on the tailgate end as my vehicle. As I was getting into position to back into a site, my front end when into a ditch.

I know of two other 5.0 owners who have hit their beds. There are front frame bolts that can do some damage to the top of your box.

[barry]

I put a box in my Ranger and was concerned about the same thing. Mine is about 6" above the rails and I could have gone a bit higher. I've never come close to hitting it.

I also put a flat box behind the hitch and this works well for my table and light odds and ends.

Barry

[jaerikson]

For what it is worth, I am one of the two 5.0 owners who punches holes in their beds because of clearance issues. My truck was a 2010 Chevy Silverado. The other was a 2010 Ford F150. Our trucks measure 54" at the top of the rail at the rear most point on the bed rail. If you drive a full size pickup, I would be very cautious about having anything mounted above the existing bed rail...

[islandr]

I remember seeing yours before Barry.

I really thought that with a "compact" truck the lower bed height would make striking something in the front very unlikely. I have not gone as high as you did but it will carry everything we need at this time.

As I mentioned in the first post, the trailer would have to be at 90 degrees and on uneven ground.

I will post a pic similar to Barry's when the woodworking is done

[daveandsandyclink]

If I may chime in one more time...your tow vehicle, trailer setup, and caution/luck will all pay a part in this issue. As for me , I tow with a Dodge 2500 Ram 2x2. I have removed my overload springs & spacers to give my vehicle a lower/softer ride. My bed height is 50". Our trailer has no factory lift added. My Curt E16 is on the third set of holes and the king pin box is extened one hole for my level pull. And I have 6 1/2 inches of clearance between the box and the frame. The 5.0 appears to be higher at the front until you focus on the frame.
I prefer to air on the safe side and avoid costly repairs by staying low with what I put in the bed.