Trailer Ride Height Adjustment with In-Bed Hitch

Question:

ride height calculation for tridem trailer. Goose neck dimensions in frame vary based on ride height. How does the ride height vary for different fifth wheel coupling heights

asked by: Baladhandapani V

Expert Reply:

5th wheel trailer hitches offer height adjustment so that you can keep the hitched trailer level. Trailers tow much better when they are level. There tends to be less sway with a level trailer and the clearance between the tow vehicle and trailer also tends to be better when the trailer is level.

For some examples, the B&W 5th wheel hitch # BWRVK3370 can be adjusted to have 17 to 19 inches of height above the bed, and the Curt A16 hitch # C16521 offers an adjustment range of 17-1/2 to 21-1/2-inches.

If you refer to the linked diagram you can see the recommended clearance dimensions between vehicle and trailer when towing with an in-bed hitch.

When necessary a trailer's height can be raised to ensure enough clearance between the overhang and the truck bed rails. We offer axle over-under kits # K71-384-00 and # K71-385-00 which lift the trailer by switching the positions of the axles and leaf spring stacks. These two kits fit different axle diameters but both can give several inches of height gain.

The actual trailer height increase will be the sum of two dimensions, the axle diameter plus the height of the leaf spring stack. For example, with the kit # K71-384-00, which fits 2-3/8-inch diameter axles, if the leaf spring stack were 3-inches tall the total trailer height gain would be 5-3/8-inches. The included photo shows one of these kits installed; after installation the axle is positioned below the springs rather than above them.