Solutions For Fifth Wheel Trailer that is Too Tall to Tow Trailer Level with Ram Rail Kit Adapter

Question:

RP50054-58 I already own a Reese 20kslider. When I put the picture frame adapter in the bed it makes my trailer to high. I have lowered the fifth wheel hitch all the way and I can not raise my pin box any more. I have a 2016 Ram 2500HD with a 64inch bed. It has the OEM puck system on it. If I remove the OEM Puck system will the Reese rail kit RP50054-58 fit on it without drilling the frame. HELP!!!!

asked by: Larry J

Expert Reply:

The best solution I can make for you would be to go with a shorter fifth wheel hitch. The shortest slider hitch we have for with a 20k capacity is the Pro Series part # PS30121 which is adjustable in height from 13-17 inches. Since I do not know what slider hitch you have right now I do not know how this would compare to what you have.

Otherwise you could raise the trailer suspension with and over under kit. 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.

I would not recommend you attempt to remove the factory rail kit.