How To Lift Trailer with 3-1/2 Diameter 8k Axle With Center Point Suspension Already Installed

Question:

Hello, I am looking for ways to raise the rear of my 2009 Mobile Suites fifth wheel. My tow vehicle is a 2017 Ram 3500 Dually which when hitched to a BW in-bed fifth wheel hitch, causes the rear of fifth wheel to bee approx. 4-6 inches lower than I need to safely navigate my sloped driveway. What would be the best method of raising. I will check pin block to make sure it is low as possible. If I decide to install axle flip kit, will my center point suspension system parts be in the way ? Thanks for any advice.

asked by: Randall S

Expert Reply:

You can lift your 2009 Mobile Suites 5th Wheel trailer, but since you have 8000-lbs Dexter Axles that are 3-1/2" diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00 will not work since they are only designed for 3" diameter axles. It's also worth noting that the Lippert Components Center Point Suspension Upgrade # LC1565391 already raises your trailer approximately 2".

You could add the Tandem Axle Lift Kit # RR23QX which will add approximately 2-1/4" of lift to your existing setup. This kit actually bolts onto the new hangers to elongate them and provide additional lift for your 5th wheel trailer, but isn't going to provide you with the approximately 4-6" you're looking for.

For this reason, you're likely going to need to cut off your existing hangers and change them to longer (taller) hangers that will provide the desired amount of lift. For example, if your current front and rear hangers are 2" tall, swapping them with the # E4139 (4-1/4" tall) would add roughly 2-1/4" of lift to your trailer. You would need to provide measurements of your hangers in order to determine which hangers will replace your current ones and maximize the lift. If there are not available hangers that will get you to over the 4-6" threshold, you can pair new hangers with the Lift Kit # RR23QX I mentioned above to get into that range.

The # E4139 is for double eyed leaf sprigs, but if you can provide me with the length of your current hangers and confirm the type of leaf springs used in your suspension I can help you locate the correct parts to get your trailer lifted up high enough to reduce or eliminate the bottoming out you're experiencing.