How to Level Trailer that Sits Nose High After Adjusting Hitch Height for Bed Rail Clearance

Question:

We had to adjust the hitch to the highest level to clear the side rAils on the truck bed. Now the trailer nose is 5 inches higher the tail. This is a 39 foot trailer. Is this ok and if not, how can we level it out and keep the clearance

asked by: Shan

Expert Reply:

Ideally your 5th wheel trailer sits as level as possible and also there's at least 6 inches of clearance between the overhang of the trailer and the bed rails of the truck. In a situation like yours where having the needed bed rail clearance causes the trailer to sit nose high you would have to lift the trailer suspension, or if the truck happens to have a lift kit you'd need to remove it and go back to stock ride height.

For a tandem axle trailer like yours we do have a 2-1/4 inch lift kit part # RR23QX that can help as well. I attached a picture that shows what this kit looks like installed as well. If your leaf springs are under your axles another option would be to move them to the opposite of that with an over under kit.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C