Solution for Pulling 5th Wheel Trailer Level When Hitch Cannot be Lowered on Truck

Question

Question:

I understand the sidewinder moves the pivot point back towards the tailgate, but does it also raise the pivot point? I have a BandW hitch on my 2016 Sierra 2500 Denali. My problem is my Highland Ridge 5th wheel hooks up and rides on an upward angle. I’d like to lower the hitch so I can get closer to level, but I can’t because the Pin Box will impact the sidewalls of the pick up. Is what I describe possible? Any other methods to get my trailer closer to level?

asked by: Michael W

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Expert Reply:

A replacement pin box like the Reese Sidewinder will not raise or lower the connection point at the hitch, however there are a couple of things you may be able to do to allow your fifth-wheel trailer to ride level without interfering with the bed rails on your Sierra.

I first recommend making sure the existing pin box on your trailer cannot be adjusted vertically. Most pin boxes have this capability, and it may adjust enough to resolve your issue.

If this cannot be done, or it is adjusted as far as it will go, the only other option might be to actually raise the trailer. If the leaf springs on the trailer are below the axle, you can use an Over-Under Conversion Kit to move them to the top of the axle. If you have a 3 inch axle, you can use part # K71-385-00 and if you have a 2-3/8 inch axle you can use # K71-384-00. This will raise the trailer by the height of the axle and leaf spring stack.

I have attached the installation instructions on this kit so you can see exactly how it installs.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

Since you are concerned about dips, RRs, and bumps in curves, I recommend using a shock absorber like #LC283271 or #LC281281 on your 5th wheel trailer. You stated the mounting hardware is already in place, so adding shock absorbers should be easy…

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Answer 2

Ideally you want your trailer to be towed as level possible and still have at least 6 inches of clearance between overhang of the trailer and the bed rails of the truck. Since trucks tend to keep getting built taller and taller this can prove to be…

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Answer 3

I have attached for you below a dimensional drawing of the Lippert 1621 5th Wheel Pin Box part #LC1191191 which was provided by Lippert. This gives a frame of reference for the height by measuring from the bottom of the skid plate to the top of the…

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Answer 4

You covered the basic ways of adjusting the height of a 5th wheel trailer (lowering the hitch and raising the pin box). And since the axles are already below the leaf spring stacks there is one other thing that you can do to get more height at the…

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Answer 5

The easiest solution would be if you could lower the head of your fifth wheel hitch, or raise the pin box of your trailer. Either of these options should allow your trailer to sit more level. You would want to make sure you have between 4-6 inches…

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Answer 6

When adjusting the height of a pin box such as #LC1191191 it is important to support the pin box when removing the bolts. I recommend 2 or 3 buddies to give you a hand and make sure no one is beneath the pin box while raising or lowering it. With the…

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Answer 7

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 8

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 9

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 10

I spoke with my contact at Trailair and from your serial number we were able to determine that your trailer came with a 1621 HD pin box which is a long pin box style. I was unable to obtain the exact part number for your Trailair pin box but from the…

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Answer 11

Hey Jay. It sounds like you are on the right track here because a sidewinder pin box will be your only option for pulling your 5th wheel since you have a short bed truck with the Rambox. That said, you are right that the Reese Sidewinder cannot be…

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Answer 12

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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