Raising the Height of a 5th Wheel Trailer Towed Using Gooseneck Adapter on a 2015 Chevy Silverado

Question:

I have a 2015 chevy silverado 2500 HD with gooseneck. My 5th wheel also has a gooseneck adapter.Iam not able to make sharp turns with out hitting the side rails.I adjusted gooseneck adapter and got 3inch not sure if thats going to be enough. Do I need to adjust 5th wheel hitch also? Also will I need to lift the trailer as well?

asked by: Abel

Expert Reply:

Adjusting the pin box on the 5th wheel trailer could help since most are height adjustable. If making that adjustment still gives you issues then there are other things you can do to make the back of the trailer taller.

First, on a 5th wheel trailer you will need at least 5 or 6 inches from the top of the truck bed sides to the bottom of the trailer overhang so that is our goal. I am not sure what adapter you are using though so I am not sure if getting to that 5 or 6 inch minimum would solve the issue.

To raise the height of the trailer at its axle(s) you might be able to use an over/under conversion kit. You can use one of these kits if the trailer has a 2-3/8 inch or 3 inch diameter round axle that is mounted on top of the leaf spring stack and that uses double-eye leaf springs. The height gained will be the diameter of the axle plus the thickness of the leaf spring stack.

For a 2-3/8 inch diameter round axle use # K71-384-00. For a 3 inch diameter round axle use # K71-385-00.

If the axle(s) on the trailer do not meet the above criteria to use an over/under kit then you would need to have the suspension hangers cut off and new, taller ones welded on by a qualified professional welder. I have included a link to the hanger main page for you.

Raising the height of the trailer will also raise its center of gravity. this makes the trailer more susceptible to sway.