Help Getting 5th Wheel Trailer Level When Towing With 2017 Chevy Silverado 3500

Question:

I have a 2006 Cardinal le 362bhss that I now tow with a 2017 Chevrolet 3500HD. I have towed it in the past with a 2005 2500HD, 2007 2500HD, and a 2011 2500HD. When I got the 2011, I noticed the bed was higher than others in the past My fuel tank in the bed used to stick up about 2 inches from the rails and was almost flush on the new one. Every truck sets taller than the last one. Consequently, the newest truck sets higher and has the taller bed like the 2011 had. Because I was uncomfortable with the space between bed rails and trailer, I raised the hitch one level to the highest one. When hooking up the trailer to the 2017 truck I noticed the trailer sat higher again. The level trailer height is supposed to be 12ft 8 inches. It now measures 13 ft 2 3/8 inches. I may try to drop the hitch one notch. Trying to see if there are any other ideas. Would appreciate any help you may give. Thanks.

asked by: Ed R

Expert Reply:

We see this problem a lot because trucks keep getting taller and taller, as you mentioned. The issue is that 5th wheel trailers are nose high when trying to become level and there is one solution we recommend, which is to add an over/under kit.

What an over/under kit does is move your trailer's leaf springs to the top of your axle and lifts your trailer approximately the same amount as your axle's diameter plus the height of the leaf spring pack (please keep in mind this conversion kit is for use with double-eye springs only).

If you have a 2-3/8" round axle you would need Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00 or if you have a 3" round axle you would need Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00. This option will give you a good amount of height (depending on your leaf springs) and is the best solution to lift your trailer, helping ensure it is level.

I have added a photo a customer sent in showing this kit installed on their trailer so you can see what the end result is. This will lift the back end of your trailer and allow you to tow level.

I have added links to video reviews of these kits for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S