Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation 2015 Ram 3500 and Solution for Only 3 inches of Bed Rail Clearance

Question:

Need recommendation on a hitch. I have a Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 long bed with the factory 5th wheel option. Its 63 inches from the ground to the bottom of the trailer. Where the upper bedroom is. Its 50 inches from the ground to the bottom of the pin. I made these measurements with the trailer perfectly level. Its 60 inches from the ground to the highest point of the truck bed. The GVWR is 12,353 pounds. I am concerned with the clearance between the bed and the trailer. It looks like I can adjust the pin height on the trailer. Thank you very much.

asked by: Jessie B

Helpful Expert Reply:

For bed rail to trailer overhang clearance you want at least 6 inches when the trailer is perfectly level. Since right now your have 63 inches from the ground to the overhang on the trailer when level and 60 inches from the ground to the top of the truck bed rails you would only have 3 inches of clearance which wouldn't be enough.

The only solution you have would be to raise the trailer suspension so that when it is sitting level it would have enough clearance for the bed rails.

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.

If you do think raising the trailer in the back is the way to go then you may be able to use an over/under conversion kit if:

The trailer leaf spring stack is currently mounted under the axles
The trailer uses double-eye springs
And the trailer has 2-3/8 inch or 3 inch diameter round axles

If you cannot use an over/under conversion kit then the only other way to raise the height of the trailer is to have the old 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.

For your 2015 Ram 3500 with hitch prep and a long bed the B and W Companion Hitch part # BWRVK3600 would be an excellent option. Many consider the Companion hitches the best hitches available so I would recommend it highly.