Solution for Nose High Fifth Wheel Trailer with 6 inches of Clearance Between Bedrails and Overhang

Question:

I understand that he most accurate way to determine the axle weights for my truck and trailer are to take it to a scale, but my concern is the level ride attitude of both. With stock suspension 2016 3500 Ram SRW and trailer hooked up Brookstone 395RL may rear truck height is about 1.5 to 2 inches lower than my front height. My trailer has the six inches of clearance between the truck bed and trailer. The height of my trailer clearance appears to be about 1.5 inches higher in the front than the rear. I have a companion slider and my concern is that if I lower the pivot arms to level the trailer I wont have the clearance on the truck bed. Are these measurements within standard for towing a level truck and trailer. Thanks.

asked by: Topher

Expert Reply:

Since you want to keep at least 6 inches of clearance between the bed rails of your truck and the overhang you really can't lower the nose of the trailer to get it to level out. The best option is going to be to raise the trailer suspension slightly so that you can regain the 6 inches of clearance but also level out your trailer.

Air bags will help with the sag on your rear suspension, but they will also make the trailer sit up higher than it already is. I have a solution though that might allow you to also install the # F2299 in your 2013 Ram 2500.

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.