How To Prevent Bedsides From Hitting 5th Wheel Trailer While Backing Down Driveway
Question:
I have a 2017 Ram 2500 and a 2018 Flagstaff 524 RLBS 5th Wheel. I have a Reese 16,000 hitch installed. My problem is my driveway is a steep angle and the trailer is hitting the top of bed rail when trying to back down it. So we gave up and parked it at a friends. Is there any way to raise the hitch and still make it stable so I can get more clearance? Thanks in advance....
asked by: Mark D
Expert Reply:
Yes, you can raise a Reese 16K 5th Wheel Hitch like part # RP30051 or part # RP30047 for example to sit a maximum of 18" above the bed. The only thing you need to do to do this is move the center section up a set of bolt holes assuming you are not already maxed out. The minimum clearance needed between the besides and loft is 4-6" so if the above max 18" does not give you what you need then you may also be able to adjust the pin box.
However, more likely than not you are going to need to raise the trailer as the issue you are having is pretty common for late model trucks because they sit too high off the ground. In order to raise the trailer I have a few options for you which I have attached below.
If your leaf springs are already over your axle tube then you will need to use the Tandem Axle Lift Kit part # RR23QX but if they are under then you can flip them using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-385-00 for 5,200 lb - 7,000 lb axles or part # K71-384-00 for 3,500 lb axles.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 3 Inch
- Dexter
more information >
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Tandem Axle
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Slipper Springs - 2 Inch
- Tandem Axle
- RV Ride Control
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
- Article: How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: 5th Wheel Hitch Installation | The Ultimate DIY Guide
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Q&A: How to Determine Fifth Wheel Hitch Height Setting Needed
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Q&A: 5th Wheel Hitch With Maximum Height for Most Trailer-to-Truck Bed Rail Clearance
- Q&A: Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for 2017 Ford F-250 4x4
- Q&A: Recommended 5th Wheel Rails and Hitch for a 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Short Bed