New Truck Sits Too High for 5th Wheel Trailer To Sit Level

Question

Question:

Hi, I have a 1994 Dutchmen 5th wheel that measures 53inch from the bottom of the kingpin plate that rests on the hitch in the bed of my truck to the ground. I have been pulling the Dutchmen with a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 that the top of the bed rails are at a height of 54inch to the ground. With a Reese #30031 in the 1500 Silverado, the Dutchmen sits almost perfectly level when connected. I would like to get a 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax for more towing capacity and power, however the problem I see is the bed of the 2500 Silverado sits at 58 1/2inch from top of the bed rail to the ground. Backing a 2016 Silverado 2500 under the Dutchman the kingpin would almost be on the bed floor to be level, but there would be no chance for turning Im sure you can understand. To get the most clearance from bottom of the Dutchmen front extension to the top of the truck bed rails would leave the Dutchmen at the steepest angle. With the Reese hitch at its max height of 17 1/2inch I would still only have 3inch max clearance from the truck bed rail to the bottom of the front of the Dutchmen. So what options do I have to pull the Dutchmen with a newer higher pick up truck? Thank you.

asked by: Rodney

0

Expert Reply:

The issue you are having with the truck being to tall for the trailer causing it to sit nose high is very common with the latter model trucks nowadays. The best solution and really only feasible one would be to raise the trailer which can be done with an axle flip kit like part # K71-384-00 or part # K71-385-00. If the axle are already flipped then the best option is with the part # RR23QX.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Answer 1

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 7

I spoke with my contact at Trailair and from your serial number we were able to determine that your trailer came with a 1621 HD pin box which is a long pin box style. I was unable to obtain the exact part number for your Trailair pin box but from the…

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Answer 8

Hey Jay. It sounds like you are on the right track here because a sidewinder pin box will be your only option for pulling your 5th wheel since you have a short bed truck with the Rambox. That said, you are right that the Reese Sidewinder cannot be…

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Answer 9

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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Answer 10

As long as the RBW Lil' Rocker mounts to industry standard base rails you'll need the Curt Adapter Rails #C29BR that fit in the OEM puck system on your 2019 Ram 2500 and give you a standard base rail connection. I'm attaching a photo…

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Answer 11

So for your set up, a 2021 Ram 2500 short bed with the RamBoxes, you will need to use a Sidewinder in order to have the clearance to tow a 5th wheel. The Goose Box doesn't move the pivot point and an offset ball just won't be enough for…

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Answer 12

Most standard pin boxes will not make a 90 degree turn in anything less than an 8 foot truck bed, but that is due to being too close to the cab - not the rails. You mentioned you wanted to replace the Rota-Flex with the Gen-Y hitch. Your old pin box…

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