How to Select 5th Wheel Hitch with Height Range Compatible with 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I am purchasing a new camper and would like to order the B and W slider hitch setup for my 2015 2500HD Silverado but am concerned over the minimal vertical height adjustments of 17-19s. How do i know if this hitch will provide me the correct vertical adjustment i require? Note: I have to pick and install this hitch before i arrive at the dealer to pick up trailer so i am going to be unable to take any measurements as well as know what adjustments my be on the pin box itself. Are you able to provide any guidance? Thank you.

asked by: Chris F

Expert Reply:

The dealership from which you will purchase your trailer ought to be able to give you the height of the king pin when the trailer is level, as it needs to be for best handling when towed. He also can look at the pin box to see in what position it is installed on the trailer's mounting wings. If it is already mounted at the highest possible position then this tells you that you cannot lower the trailer's nose any further, but you could raise it. Conversely, if the pin box is already at the lowest possible mounting point then the nose of the trailer cannot be raised further, but it could be lowered.

There are simple axle over-under kits # K71-384-00 and # K71-385-00 that allow raising the trailer's height. These bolt-on kits reverse the positions of the leaf springs and axles which lifts the trailer frame higher over the suspension. Often people with lifted trucks need kits like these to keep the trailer level and/or to maintain enough clearance at the bed rails.

expert reply by: Adam R