Are There Options for Lifting a Fifth Wheel Trailer?
Question:
Background I bought a 2018 3/4 T Ram. It is so tall I am having trouble finding a 5th wheel trailer that will fit under with the proper clearance. I am looking at trailers that are a few years old. I have maybe 1inch of clearance now not hitched up to the ones I have looked at. I presently do not have a 5th wheel hitch in the new truck so Im going on how much clearance there is when I back up to the trailer. I know the truck will squat some, but not 7-8. The axles are already on the bottom side of the axle. I have flipped the axles on my last 2 trailers so I know that trick. Im suspecting I will need about 6inch of lift. What Ive seen so far for solutions is to either flip the axles or install taller hangers. Questions I think hangers 6inch tall would be out of the question so I see 2 possible options. 1. Using a piece of rectangle tubing the width of the frame and the correct height, making it long enough to install new hangers in the same position/spacing as what is originally on the trailer. Mark the trailer frame where the new piece will have to be for the hangers to be properly lined up. Cut off the old hangers. Weld in the new piece, with the hangers already in place, making sure the hangers are aligned properly. I would have U channel or angle iron welded in in 3 places both ends and the middle on a tandem axle, going from the new piece to the original frame so as to provide additional strength. 2. Install a lift kit/block, like they do on off road trucks. Your thoughts? Are there other options out there besides flipping, longer shackle hangers, and either of my suggestions? Thank you
asked by: Rick C
Expert Reply:
You clearly know your stuff so you probably already know the answer to your question, but apart from taller hangers or flipping the axle (an over/under conversion kit) there really are no other options. I am unaware of any lift kits that are available like on off-road trucks and I would not recommend adding a piece of rectangular tubing to the trailer frame like in your first option; it may or may not be durable enough and would also void any warranty.
So "flipping the axles" will truly be the best option, and will lift your trailer approximately the same amount as your axle's diameter plus the height of the leaf spring pack. If you had a 2-3/8" round axle you would need Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00 or if you had a 3" round axle you would need Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00.
This could give you the approximate 6 inches of lift depending on the setup of the trailer and will be the best way for you to give it lift.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 3 Inch
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Raise Your Travel Trailer Height
- Q&A: How to Raise a 5th Wheel Trailer so it Rides Level
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Q&A: Can 3,500 lb Axle Trailer Leaf Spring 25-1/4 inch get Replaced with 5k Rated Spring
- Q&A: Recommended Suspension Enhancements for a 2022 Grand Design Imagine 2910BH
- Article: Slipper Spring Trailer Suspension System Review
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: 5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trailer’s Leaf Springs
- Article: How to Accurately Measure Trailer Leaf Springs
- Q&A: Is it Possible to Raise Suspension of Trailer that Has Slipper Springs
- Q&A: Installation of Dexter Kit # K71-385-00
- Q&A: Do Spring Seats Have to Be Welded to Install Axle Over Under Kit
- Q&A: Replacement Leaf Springs and Wet Bolt Kit For a 2007 Fleetwood Redline 33 Toyhauler