Raising Height of 5th Wheel Suspension to Provide Proper Clearance Between Bed Sides and Trailer

Question:

I will be receiving a 1987 Jayco 2450 5th wheel travel trailer. It appears that I may not have the proper bed clearance to my 1996 Ford F250 4X4.The units have not been mated yet. The pickup has an RBW 15,500 hitch.

asked by: Thomas R

Expert Reply:

There are a few things you can try to get the proper 6 inch clearance between the top of the bed sides and the bottom of the fifth wheel trailer loft. One or more of these suggestions might be required to achieve the proper clearance.

If your truck is lifted or has larger than stock wheels/tires, returning the truck to stock ride height will solve the problem in most cases.

Adjusting the fifth wheel hitch so that it is at its highest level and moving the pin box so that it is at its lowest point (if it's adjustable) might provide proper clearance.

Another option would be to use taller spring hangers to provide additional height to the trailer suspension. Keep in mind that because a suspension isn't static, a 2 inch increase in spring hanger height won't necessarily grant you a 2 inch height increase.

If your leaf springs are currently installed under your axle, an Over-Under Axle Conversion Kit like # K71-385-00 for a 3 inch diameter axle or # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8 inch diameter axle would also gain you some additional suspension height.

Keep in mind that changing the ride height of the trailer could have the unintended consequences of making the trailer top heavy, less stable and more susceptible to sway.