Height Concerns for 5th Wheel Hitches

Question

Question:

I am looking at the Reese RP 30921. I have a 2017 F250 with the high capacity towing option 27,000# combined weight rating. I am purchasing a fifth wheel RV that has 14,500# loaded weight. I am concerned about the height of the hitch. The tires on my vehicle are a little smaller than the stock tires. I have 275/65/18 which dropped the height of the vehicle about an inch. Will the RP30921 be able to compensate for the lower vehicle height?

asked by: David L

0

Expert Reply:

Yes, the 4-inch height adjustment range of the Reese M5 Series hitch # RP30921 should allow you to keep your hitched trailer level and maintain enough clearance at the bed rails with your 275/65-18 tires that have a 32-inch overall diameter.

The M5 hitch head can be as much as 18-inches above the top of the bed corrugations. For reference the linked diagram shows the recommended minimum trailer clearance at the bed rails and bumper. You just want to measure your level trailer king pin height above ground; then measure from the bed up to the 14- to 18-inch height range for the Elite; this will tell you if the king pin will engage and still give you the bed rail clearance you need.

In recent years as trucks have become taller and taller many have had the opposite problem, with their bed rails being so high off the ground that the hitched trailer cannot sit level. In these cases where the trailer needs to be higher up to both clear the bed rails and remain level the use of an over-under suspension kit, part # K71-384-00 or # K71-385-00, allows clearance and a level trailer.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

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.…

view full answer...

Answer 2

There are two ways to install the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part #DM8550043 on your 2019 Ford F-250 which will depend on whether or not you have the puck system (see photo). If you don't have the puck system then you can use the Demco…

view full answer...

Answer 3

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…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

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…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Great question, Jeff! When the Rota-Flex first came out it renovated what a pin box could do and be, but at this point in time that technology is a little more dated and the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box #325-GH-8040 is the "new…

view full answer...

Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 8

So for your set up, a 2021 Ram 2500 short bed with the RamBoxes, you will need to use a Sidewinder in order to have the clearance to tow a 5th wheel. The Goose Box doesn't move the pivot point and an offset ball just won't be enough for…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

view full answer...

Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Yes the Curt hitch part #C12130 is a confirmed fit for your 2008 Mercury Marquis. Then for trailer wiring the Curt harness part #C59236 would be a great option. It's a universal style harness that will require hardwiring to the taillight wiring.

view full answer...