Solution for Lowering Fifth Wheel Trailer Suspension so it can be Leveled

Question

Question:

I am towing a 2009 Dutchman Northshore RL28 with a 2017 ram 2500. After lowering the 5th wheel plate in the truck to it`s lowest setting and raising the pin box as high as possible, the trailer is still nose high by about 5 inches. Any idea on how to get it level and if nothing is done will I ruin my tires and suspension?

asked by: Kevin L

0

Expert Reply:

5 inches out of level with a fifth wheel trailer is too much for it to be safe. Are the axles mounted below the leaf springs? If so, you can move to be above springs and that will help get the trailer more level since it seems to be very tall.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Increasing the tire and wheel size can increase the height of the trailer but it's usually quite minimal. Before you do anything else you should see if the pin box can be adjusted. Although you have to be careful here since This will lower the…

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Answer 2

In order to achieve the full capacity of the ratchet straps and the track, the direction of the pull should be parallel to the direction that the e track is running. How much the capacity would be diminished by pulling 90 degrees to the side will…

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Answer 3

The Duo Therm is made by Dometic. We do offer the Advent Air Replacement RV Air Conditioner for Dometic Setups part #ACDOM135 which is a direct plug-in replacement. It will use the existing distribution box, thermostat, etc. as it's just a…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

The spring hanger placement is going to be determined by your axle spacing. For example, if your axles are spaced 33 inches apart, as shown in the attached diagram, a 7K axle slipper spring, like #e74SR, requires a distance of 28-1/2 inches between…

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Answer 6

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 7

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 8

Yes, axle spread and wheel base by definition are the same measurements. You will measure from the center of one axle to the center of the 2nd axle to determine what you axle spread is. This may be difficult as some wheels and covers will make this…

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Answer 9

I attached a picture that shows the proper position of shackles and equalizers on trailer suspension. Sometimes the shackle will flip up but if you jack up the trailer by the axle that's got the shackle flipped you can usually get it to flip back…

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Answer 10

Finding the correct MORryde equalizer kit will be pretty specific, so I cannot tell you which will be correct without knowing the wheel spacing and axle capacity, unfortunately. With that being said, if you have the trailer's VIN, you may be able…

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Answer 11

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 12

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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