Option for Raising Fifth Wheel Trailer so that it Will Sit Level When Being Towed

Question:

I have a 39foot 5th wheel toy hauler which I tow with a 4WD RAM pickup. The back of the trailer is lower than I would like because the truck bed height is higher. I am thinking about adding air bags to both trailer axles to raise the trailer about 2 inches so it wont drag on driveways. Have you heard of anyone else doing this? If so, which air bags did they use? Thank you.

asked by: Mike M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sounds like you need to raise your trailer so that it can be towed level. You can do this by moving the axles from being above the leaf springs to below the leaf springs.

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.

We do not sell air bag kits for trailers to allow them to sit higher.

expert reply by: Jameson C