Troubleshooting Raise the Rear End of Trailer With Flipped Axles
Question:
My friend sent me this from you all. I have adjusted the height to the maximum on my Reese 30047. I want to raise my 2009 Cardinal 3100 3 inches so I can back down the incline into my driveway and not drag at the bottom of the incline. I need the same 3 inches at the hitch so my 5er rides level going down the road. My truck is a 2006 GMC 3500 with an 8 ft. bed. How can I get it done? asked by: Willie G Expert Reply: First, you could lower the pin box on the trailer to get some extra height at the front if you have already raised the hitch to the maximum height setting according to the instructions. But to raise the back of the trailer you will need to use what is called an over-under kit. We have 2 different kits and what they do is move the leaf springs from under the axle to above it if they are already above it there is not much more you can safely do. The first kit, # K71-385-00, is designed to fit on 3 inch diameter round axles. The second kit, # K71-384-00, fits 2-3/8 inch diameter round axles. The height gained will be approximately the same as the axle diameter. Please note that raising the height of the trailer changes the location of the center of gravity and can lead to trailer sway. ----------------------- The problem is that its that the leaf spring is already on the top and the suspension brackets do not have adjustment holes. The 5th wheel in truck cant go any lower because height restrictions between bed of truck and bottom of trailer. Is there any other way do do this because most of the weight of the trailer is riding on the back 2 tires. I would hate to have toi rotate tires every couple of miles just to get even tire wear.
asked by: Bob M
Expert Reply:
The Over-Under kit like # K71-385-00 has already been installed and you have maxed the height of your Reese hitch # RP30047.
We used to have a lift kit, but it has been discontinued, so the best option is to replace your suspension hangers on your trailer to give you the additional 3 inches you desire. I've linked the page to your hanger options to assist. This will require cutting off your current hangers and welding on new ones that are longer.
Another option is to use the Lippert Components Center Point by Trailair Air-Ride Suspension Upgrade - Tandem Axle # LC1565391 which will add 2 inches of height to your trailer at your axles.
It doesn't sound like you want to add more height which can only be done by adding a slider base on a Curt model like # C16521 to give you a total height up to 21-1/2 inches. Adding height at the hitch will give you more clearance between the trailer and bed rail, but it will also put more weight on the axles which sounds like the weight is already tilting toward the rear axle.
Raising your trailer height at the hangers whether adding longer hangers or using the Center Point equalizer system will help distribute that weight better and allow you to tow more level so you don't have disproportional tire wear.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
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 >
Lippert Center Point by Trailair Air-Ride Suspension Upgrade - Tandem Axle
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Equalizer Upgrade Kit
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Tandem Axle
- Lippert
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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