Can a Fifth Wheel Trailer be Lifted to be Towed Level

Question:

I have a 2015 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 in the bed is a REESE manual slider purchased from you that connects to a 2012 Keystone Cougar 28SAB 5th wheel thru a 5th Airborne air bagged pin box. The hitch is currently set as low in the bed as it will go and the pin box cannot go any higher, this configuration pitchs the trailer back putting more weight on the rear trailer axle and less on the forward axle. This pitch also puts very little clearance between the trailer wheels and fenders. I have pictures I can send Is there a lift kit I can put on the trailer to raise its height a few inches and level the trailer to equalize the weight on the rear axles and increase trailer tire and fender clearance? Thank you

asked by: Clae T

Expert Reply:

There is a way to lift trailer suspension. 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.