How to Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer Level with a 2018 Ford F-350

Question:

I Just purchased a new F350 Super Duty 4x4 to replace a 1999 F250 Super Duty 2WD. My concern is the height of the new truck is significantly taller both the base of the bed and side of bed. The hitch that I was looking to purchase is the B and W Companion for the new Ford with prep package. However the lowest setting on hitch is at 16 3/4. This puts me at approximately 56inch total hitch height from ground to riding plate. My trailer hitch height at its current position is approximately 50inch at level. It appears I have 1 position left to raise trailer king pin approximately 1. What I dont know is how much the truck will settle with the weight of the trailer on it to make up some of this difference, and what my clearance from the top of bed rails, to bottom of trailer hangover will be trying to achieve the 6inch normally required. Also afraid my trailer will be far from level when hitched up. Should I be considering a lower height hitch, like the Reese at approximately 14?? Am I screwed....Do I need to raise my trailer??

asked by: Jerry

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you but you are not really going to know the angle or distance between the bedsides and nose of the trailer until you attach it to your tow vehicle. As you mentioned, you will want to have at least 6" between the bedsides and nose of your trailer. This can more than likely be achieved by adjusting the hitch and or kingpin. The B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch part # BWRVK3300 for 8' beds will offer adjustments from 16-3/4" - 18-3/4" and the B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch part # BWRVK3370 for 6-3/4' beds will offer adjustments from 17" - 19".

Once the bedside clearance has been addressed you can then account for the trailer being level. In order to do this you are more than likely going to need an axle flip kit like part # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8" diameter axles or part # K71-385-00 for 3" diameter axles. The axle flip kit will reposition the leaf springs over the axle and will raise the trailer the diameter of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring pack. By raising the trailer you will then allow for the trailer to be level with the tow vehicle.

expert reply by: Conner L