Solution for Raising Trailer Suspension to Tow Trailer Level

Question:

When my camper is level there is only 3 inches between truck rail and camper, I can see where that could be a problem, what is your advice? I have a 2008 F150 Lariat short bed, Rated to tow 9,500 pounds, camper is 7,800 pounds, I have added a Tow Rite spring on the truck, truck is 5.4 triton motor, after the tech installed super glide hitch he said he ran the VIN and it came back that I could tow a 11,500 lb 5th wheel. Book for the hitch said that I need at least 6 inches of space between camper and bed rail. To adjust this, Is it something I can do myself, with your guidance THANKS

asked by: Maurice

Helpful Expert Reply:

You really want to have between 4 and 6 inches of clearance from truck bed rail to trailer overhang. You will need more. You need to either raise the trailer or lower the truck.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C