Solution for Allowing Fifth Wheel Trailer to be Towed Level

Question

Question:

Just purchased new dodge ram 2500 long box crew cab with a cummins diesel, problem with this truck compared to my Ram 1500 is the fifth wheel is no longer level. It is leaning rearwardfs putting more weight on the rear axle. I want to keep my sidewinder hitch for the possibility of folding the arm in when parked in the driveway, other wise it would stick out into the street. Because I want to fold it in I can not raise the pin box up to lower the front of the fifth wheel because I will not be able to fold it due to lack of clearance. The fifth wheel is a Flagstaff superlite Model 8528 RLSS 2012 with Al-Ko torsion suspension, I cant seem to find a model number but have found a p/n : 1441775 , I do have the serial number if that can help. 044-46337-001-0354290-00102. How do I or what do I need to raise the suspension by approx 3 inches? I did see on your site kits for some models but not for the Flagstaff. Please give me any suggestions on how to remedy this situation before our camping season starts.

asked by: Michael G

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Expert Reply:

I am not sure what fifth wheel hitch you have, but basically all of them are height adjustable. You can raise and lower the head of the hitch which can help lower the nose of your trailer so that it can sit level.

It also might be possible to lift your trailer as well.

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 axles have 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

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Answer 1

I attached a dimension picture I got from Lippert for the Replacement I-Beam Jack Bracket #LC349975 that you referenced.

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

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 6

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 7

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 8

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 9

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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Answer 10

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 11

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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