Solution for Fifth Wheel Trailer that is Very Nose High with Hitch Set to Lowest Setting

Question:

I got a 2015 silverado 3500HD dually. I have a BandW Companion. The companion is adjusted to the lowest setting possible. The trailer is a 2015 Forest River Sierra 357TRIP. I installed the flexair in the same bolt holes as my old one was. The air valve to the air bag was not accessible due to the front nose cap being in the way. I tried to couple the trailer to the truck to see how level it would sit and the trailer flexes so much the air valve would end up making contact with the trailer. I ended up lowering it one set of holes. At this point I also removed the air valve and installed a 45* elbow fitting and installed the air valve on that. I then coupled the trailer and it flexes enough that I barely have enough clearance between the air valve and the front nose cap. With no air in the bag the trailer sits a little bit high in the front now, but when I inflate the air bag to the inflation point located on the front shock, it sits really high in the front. There is 6inch of difference between the back of the trailer and the front. If I were to travel down the road, I know the front cap WILL make contact with the air valve even being relocated, meaning it needs to be lowered another set of holes. I do have the availability to do this, however the trailer is going to sit extremely high in the front. I do have the long jaw pin box so I know I ordered the proper one. Ive been working on this for nearly a week and dont know what else I can do to make any more adjustments to get the clearance between the valve and the trailer and to make the trailer ride level. Any ideas?? Btw, I do have pics I can send. Thanks!!

asked by: Ken R

Expert Reply:

The only solution that is going to allow your trailer to be towed level is going to be to lift the trailer as it sounds like your truck sits pretty high up. You will have to have your Trailair inflated to the inflation point that is designated on the pin box when you are towing.

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.