Suggestions for Leveling Fifth Wheel Trailer that Sits Nose High

Question:

Will this adapter make pulling my 5th wheel better than mind Reese 20,000 lb. hitch. With my 5th wheel hitch, my trailer sits high on the front and low in the back. Can the adjustment with the adapter make my trailer sit level ? Oh yea, I drive a 2016 F250.

asked by: David J

Expert Reply:

The Convert a Ball adapter part # CAB-C5G that you referenced was not designed to level a trailer so it would not be the ideal solution for you problem. Also keep in mind that 5th wheel hitches are better overall than adapters mainly because these adapters typically void the warranty of the trailer frame.

So you need to lower the height of your fifth wheel hitch or raise the pin box on the trailer frame to allow the nose of the trailer to come down. If you are already at the lowest setting you'd need to look into lifting the suspension of the trailer to bring the nose down. Ideally your trailer sits as level as possible and you have 6 inches of clearance between the trailer overhang and the truck bed rails.

You can lift the trailer by moving the axles from being above the leaf springs to below the leaf springs.

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

Some refer to this process as "flipping the axles," but since axle has a slight bow to it you can't just flip them and reinstall them under the springs using the same spring seats. You have to install new spring seats on the opposite side of the axle so that it can be moved below the spring.