Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 Short Bed with B&W Gooseneck

Question:

I pulled my last 5th wheel 2012 heartland 291 torque using a 13inch gooseneck adapter that the dealer placed on the unit to connect up to my bandW rollover ball. This particular setup worked based on the heartland having unique front corners where it could be towed with a short bed but the toy hauler 5th wheel I am purchasing next week does not have this so an offset or slider ill be needed. I would like to go with a fifth wheel set up for the unhooking and hooking up convenience plus a better ride. My old toy haulers gooseneck converter traveled terrible most likely due to the fact that it was just a solid piece of steel with no cushion. I am open to all suggestions whether it be an adapter plate then fifth wheel hitch connected but the only issues is the overall set up needs to be 14 inches or less in height to ensure that minimal lifting of my new trailer is needed. Also looking for suggestion on lifting the 2016 forest river xlr 29udql5 1.5-4 inches. Thank you in advance

asked by: Justin

Expert Reply:

Since you have a B and W gooseneck hitch installed in the bed of your 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 the easiest and best solution is going to be a Slider Companion hitch # BWRVK3400-5W.

This will install in the gooseneck ball socket of your hitch and will give you a slider hitch that will allow you to make tight turns. Many refer to the Companion as the nicest fifth wheel hitch around so you will have a comfortable, smooth ride with this hitch.

Another option you have would be to lift the trailer. 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.

As long as your trailer matches the following three criteria an over-under kit would work well.

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.