How to Raise 5th Wheel Trailer Height to Level Trailer with Taller Truck

Question:

I’ve towed a 31 foot fifth wheel with a 2WD Ram 2500 for 20 years with no problems. I recently purchased a 2022 Ram 2500 4WD which is 5 1/4 inches higher than the 2001 Ram. I therefore think I will have to raise the pin box to get adequate clearance between the trailer and the top of the truck bed. If after doing that, and the trailer is no longer level, what can be done? Must the trailer height be raised at the axles? How much trailer out of level is acceptable? Does an out of level condition cause uneven wear between the tires on the two axles?

asked by: Roger D

Expert Reply:

This is definitely something that has been an issue for newer trucks like your 2022 Ram 2500. Pretty much every truck manufacturer started making their trucks sit a bit higher a few years ago which has really changed the game for 5th wheel towing.

If you adjust the pin box for clearance and you find that you also need to raise the height of your trailer then you can do so with a Correct Track kit or Over-Under Conversion kit. You can get by with your 5th wheel being out of level by maybe 1" - 2" but anything more than that and you'll want to look at one of the following:

Correct Track:
Tandem Axle - # RR23QX
Triple Axle - # RR55QX

Over-Under Conversion Kit:
2-3/8" Axle - # K71-384-00 (1 per axle)
3" Axle - # K71-385-00 (1 per axle)

The Correct Track will add about 2" of height max and the Over-Under kits add height equal to the diameter of the axle plus the height of the leaf spring stack.