Lowering the Front of a 5th Wheel Trailer Towed by a 2017 Ram 3500 with Factory Puck System

Question:

I currently have a Reese Titan R16 sliding hitch, mounted on the Reese rail adapter for my 2017 RAM 3500 with the puck system. The problem is the hitch sits 19inch high 17inch hitch minimum + the 2inch adapter. I need to find a solution to lower my trailer nose - it is at least 4inch too high. I have a Trailair Flex king pin assembly, mounted on the highest possible position on my trailer. I was looking at the Curt Q24, which looks like it will mount on the Reese adapter is a minimum of 13inch high, which would give lower my nose by 4. I realize I would lose the slider capability, which I believe I could live with by being very cautious. I can nearly make an 80 degree turn without putting my current hitch in the maneuvering position. My question is - will the Curt hitch work with the Reese rail adapter? Do you have any other alternatives that would offer the slider, but yet be at least 4inch shorter that my current hitch?

asked by: Bob H

Expert Reply:

You definitely want to tow your 5th wheel trailer level! Towing nose high can have a negative impact on tire and suspension wear and put too much weight on the axles. Even though you can make a relatively tight turn now without sliding your hitch back a slider is still what I recommend. Even if you can't get it down the full 4 inches even just a couple of inches lower would be beneficial.

For this reason I recommend the Pro Series slider # PS30121. The lowest setting can't be used so you won't get the 13 inch minimum height. It would instead be roughly 14-1/4 or so. This is the highest capacity slider hitch that is just the hitch by itself and no rail kit included and that has one of the lower height ranges which is why I recommend it.

The other option is to raise the height of the back of the trailer. If you do think raising the trailer in the back is the way to go then you may be able to use an over/under conversion kit if:

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

For a 2-3/8 inch round axle use # K71-384-00 and for a 3 inch diameter axle use # K71-385-00.

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.