Suspension Enhancement For Light 5th Wheel Trailer Rocking Side-to-Side When Towing

Question

Question:

Hi there, This is our first time/year that we have had a fifth wheel. Its a 1998 24 ft Nash fifth with a 2011 GMC 2500 Sierra. We love the set up and have a Curt A20 hitch with a slide system. My question is that when we tow it, it seems like the trailer rocks side to side as the road surface varies. Is this a good thing or a bad thing for the 5ths structure. Thanks

asked by: Ryan A

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Expert Reply:

There is going to be some rocking back and forth on uneven pavement, and while it isn't a good or bad thing for the structure as the leaf springs are designed to take on that movement, it can create a bit of an issue with handling, so the best thing to do is add some simple suspension enhancement for the trailer.

The best option are SumoSprings, as they will cushion the load and improve stability to help eliminate the side-to-side movement, or body roll you are experiencing. It looks like your 1998 Nash is a lighter weight 5th wheel trailer, and should have axles within the 3,000 lb to 5,000 lb range of capacity. If so, you would need one of the following kits, depending on if your leaf springs are above the axle - overslung - or below the axle - underslung:

- Overslung: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs # TSS-107-40

- Underslung: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs # TSS-106-40

Since your trailer is a double axle trailer you would need two kits; one for each axle.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

The E-Z Flex Heavy Duty Rubber Suspension System by Dexter Axle - 5-5/8" Equalizers #K71-652-00 will fit with axles rated 6,000 lbs and under. The axle spacing needs to be 33 inches. This system will work with leaf springs up to 2 inches…

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Answer 2

According to my contact at MORryde, the MORryde X-Factor Crossmember for CRE, SRE, or Stock Leaf Spring Suspension #MR33WR will work as long as they have the clearance to allow for the end plate to attach through the frame hanger and no…

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Answer 3

I do have an option but the Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System part #TTRA1032 requires 3" between the frame and axle/leaf springs so it won't work. I can't recommend you raise the frame from the axle to use these…

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Answer 4

For your 2018 Reflection 303RLS the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shock Absorbers #RM-2460-2570 would be an excellent option to upgrade and improve the suspension. You'll get a much smoother ride quality due to the…

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Answer 5

Yep! Since your Grand Design 337RLS has 3 inch diameter Dexter axles that are 6k in capacity the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shock Absorbers #RM-2460-2570 is a correct fit and will give the trailer a much smoother ride…

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Answer 6

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the…

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Answer 7

Hey Michael, thanks for reaching out! The Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops #T28GR you installed on your 2018 Ford F-150 unfortunately have that reputation among users (although Timbren claims their systems provide a smooth ride). Because of this…

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Answer 8

I contacted MORryde and this does happen from time to time as the weight of the trailer can spread out the axles due to downward pressure on the springs/suspension. Odds are the 35" wheel base #MR27ZR will be the correct one for you, but…

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Answer 9

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 10

Yes, the Replacement Cover #PE48UV will indeed fit the 2018 Ford F-150 extended cab with the 67" bed. This is made to be a replacement cover for the Pace Edwards JackRabbit Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover #311-JRFA05A28 which is specifically…

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Answer 11

The 2" receiver for the EcoHitch item #EH87SR sticks out right through the middle of the air dam. I have attached a picture below that will show you what this front hitch looks like once installed. The EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch…

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Answer 12

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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