I am interested in getting a 5500 4x4 for my truck camper. I need to know from someone who owns one, what the height is from the ground to the top of the frame rail. If you have a flatbed on it what is the dimension from the groud to top of bed and top of bed to top of cab. I want to put a basic flatbed on it with some tool boxes for storage. I have a 04 F-550 setup like that now. I want to get out of the ford for reasons you all know. If you want to see my setup that I have now please go to the link below. I would like to set the 5500 up just like my ford.
Thank You,
Jim

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?&p=3&uid=2644295&gid=5866855&&imgid=69003209#top

Ahhh another convert from thedieselstop.com (where I first saw your truck pictures) I too went from Ford to GMC..

I don't have my truck with me here at work right now, but will get you a measurement on Sunday when I return home.
The 5500 is alot more truck than 550. Plus you get 2k more in GVW

http://chtucker.home.bresnan.net/newtruck1.jpg

Also be aware that the shortest bed that you are supposed to put on a 4x4 is 11'...

Why is that, I thought I saw a 60" cab to axle in the literature? Thanks for taking the time to get the measurements, I will spring for the cold ones if I ever pass thru your location.

Jim

I am looking at the specs right now and I see c4500/5500 Crew cab WB 169", CA 60" bed length range 8-10'. It does not specify 4x2 or 4x4 maybe that is the difference.

Jim

The reason is poor planning on GMs part. The gas tank was in the way of the transfer case and it got moved behind the axle. I have the shortest 4x4 at 152" wheelbase with a 84"CA They are requireing 5' of overhang to protect the tank... i am sure an ingenious person could mount the tank in the bed and have a shorther bed... on the otherhand I see 10' dumps being fitted regulary.

I have a couple of points...

If you buy a 5500 be aware that the truck has to be worked on by a GM medium duty dealer and not the podunk chevy dealer. Not a big deal in my mind.

Buy either the 4500 or the 5500 from a medium duty dealer becuase they know what they are talking about.

If you head through denver, I can recommend a VERY good dealer that has 10 5500s 4x4 in stock

Howard

We have a home in Steamboat Springs and will be there in a month or so. Denver would a good place to look at them, can you tell me the dealer name.

Jim

Transwest GMC off of I-76 96th avenue... and/or you can come take a look drive mine in Leadville.

Thanks I will keep in touch.

Jim

Also be aware that the shortest bed that you are supposed to put on a 4x4 is 11'...That is true for a single cab. With the CC that takes up that extra bed length. On my CC it is 60" cab to axle.

jimandsue60
You might also look at the 4500. There is plenty of spring on the 4500. Unless you have other purposes with needing the extra springs in truck. I think you will have to have the flatbed sitting pretty high above the frame for it to work with your camper. The cabs are pretty tall.


My bed height is 42" from ground to bed and 54 from bed to top of cab. I realize that my custom bed is not a flatbed, however, the bed is 1/4" plate and is basically a flatbed with a fiberglass body around it. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I switched from f350 dually to this truck.

My Lance Camper (now for sale) is 47 from bottom to under overhang. So if you built the the flatbed with enough height or better yet, build an platform of some type that you could either mount to your camper or insert on the bed, it is doable. With only 7" more overall height, you won't have any problems with being overheight.

Thanks for the info, it does seem doable, although I think I would max out a 4500. My 550 weighed in at 17,200 full everything. What is the GVW on the 4500 CC 60"CA?

Thanks Jim

Thanks for the info, it does seem doable, although I think I would max out a 4500. My 550 weighed in at 17,200 full everything. What is the GVW on the 4500 CC 60"CA?

Thanks Jim
17,500 GVW, 26K GCWR

My truck is 12,000 lbs.

Are the dimensions for the 4500 4x4 and 5500 4x4 the same, height wise, frame wise?
Like the F-450 vs F-550.

Jim

Are the dimensions for the 4500 4x4 and 5500 4x4 the same, height wise, frame wise?
Like the F-450 vs F-550.

Jim
Yes, exactly the same.