Recommendation for Fifth Wheel Trailer that Only has 2 Inches of Bedrail Trailer Overhang Clearance

Question:

I have a 2014 Ram 2500 and the bed depth is 20.5. The the distance from the ground to my pinbox is 51.75leveled and the ground to truck bed is 37.5. That means for the 5er to ride level, I need roughly a 14inch height for the hitch but that would only leave a 2inch gap from bed rails to 5er....the pinbox skid plate is 8.5inch from 5er underside. So to get enough clearance I need at least four more inches, 17.5-18inch hitch.....would that make the 5er too nose high? If I lower my pinbox, does that make the 5er even more nose high? One last question, is the Curt A16 head pivot side to side more than the E16 head?

asked by: Eric T

Expert Reply:

Basically you want to tow your trailer totally level with between 4 and 6 inches of clearance between the overhang of the trailer and bed rails. You should note that your rear suspension will compress a decent amount when the pin weight of the trailer is on the hitch. This could give you the 2 inches of additional clearance you would need for the trailer clear the bed rails significantly enough.

Otherwise you will have to lift your trailer by either moving the axles below your leaf springs or by installing taller suspension hangers. Having the trailer sitting taller will allow the nose of the trailer to be adjusted high enough that you have bed rail clearance while allowing the trailer to sit level.

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

Some refer to this process as "flipping the axles," but since axle has a slight bow to it you can't just flip them and reinstall them under the springs using the same spring seats. You have to install new spring seats on the opposite side of the axle so that it can be moved below the spring.

The Curt A16 # C16521 will be able to pivot more from side to side than the E16 hitch # 16516.