How To Increase Ground Clearance for Front Jacks on a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

Hello, I have a 2001 F350 2x4 DRW with a Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford part # C16448-204 and a Curt E5 5th wheel hitch Item # C16116. I have the hitch raised up on its highest setting. My problem is that I only have 4 inches of ground clearance on my 5th wheel front jacks. They are up as high as they can go. My bed squatting isnt terrible. What do you suggest I need to have better ground clearance? Airbags? A taller hitch pedestal?

asked by: Weston E

Expert Reply:

In order to achieve more ground clearance for the landing gear legs on your 5th wheel trailer, the only real option you have is to raise the trailer. The reason for this is that the more you raise the nose, the more unlevel your trailer will be which will then cause sway issues. Therefore, you will need to raise the trailer that way you can obtain more clearance for your landing gear legs while also still staying level.

In order to raise your trailer I have a few options for you but the most popular of which is an axle flip kit assuming your axles are not already flipped. For this, we have the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8" diameter axles or part # K71-385-00 for 3" diameter axles. If your axles are already flipped then the next best option is a taller wheel/tire but I would need to know the size you have now in order to recommend options.

expert reply by: Conner L