Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer Level with a 2008 Ford F-450

Question:

I am looking to buy a 2008 ford f450I need to buy a 5th wheel hitchlooking at a Hensley with airbags. What would the height end up being installed. This then with a level 5th wheel king pin is what I am trying to get set right.

asked by: Bobby L

Expert Reply:

If the 2008 Ford F-450 is the pickup version with the regular bed then most every 5th wheel hitch is height adjustable. Also, most 5th wheel pin boxes are height adjustable. With these two points of height adjustability you should be able to get the trailer level without much problem.

If the truck is a cab and chassis model with a flat bed on it then your adjustability is usually limited to the trailer pin box. Flat beds are typically higher so a low-profile hitch such as # RP30054 should be used to compensate for the extra height. this hitch is height adjustable from 9-1/2 inches to 12-1/2 inches tall measured up from the flat bed.

We do not carry Hensley 5th wheel trailer hitches so I cannot determine what the height would be above the truck bed.

If the height adjustability is not enough to tow the trailer level and it still rides high at the front you can make changes to the trailer suspension to get more height at the back end. For example if the leaf spring stack is under the axle(s) then you could use an over/under conversion kit # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8 inch round axles with double-eye leaf springs or # K71-385-00 for 3 inch round axles and double-eye springs.

If the spring stack is already on top of the axle then you would have to have taller hangers welded on by a professional welder in place of the existing hangers to gain more height.

Adding height to the trailer will make the center of gravity higher and could lead to the increased chance of sway.