How To Raise Ride Height of Fifth Wheel If the Axle Cannot Be Flipped

Question:

I am looking to purchase a 2011forest river flagstaff 8528BHSS and the RV center said the trailers axles cannot be flipped and I am looking to get 3 to 4 inches more clearance. What would be my best option? I will also use a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter. for the vehicle to tow I have a 2012 F-250 6.5foot bed and I have air ride suspension on it.

asked by: James W

Expert Reply:

Since the axle cannot be flipped, there's not too many other options, I'm afraid. You can have taller spring hangers installed on the 5th wheel, but a 2 inch taller spring hanger won't necessarily translate into a 2 inch gain in height. The Ford bed sides are taller than GM or Ram, and if your truck is lifted at all, it will further compound the problem.

If you have enough clearance, you might be able to go up in wheel diameter by 1or 2 inches or so, and combined with taller hangers you might be able to gain the height you're looking for. Keep in mind, however that increasing the ride height of a fifth wheel can effect the suspension geometry enough to cause sway or even make the fifth wheel top-heavy.

If the Gooseneck adapter you're planning on using is height-adjustable, you might be able to raise it up to the desired height, but you'll want it to be level in height with the fifth wheel.

If the pin box on the 5th wheel can be lowered (some are height adjustable) you might gain some trailer height that way, as well.

Some fifth wheels have more ride height than others, you might be best off doing some research trying to find one that will give you the height you need to work with your truck without modification.

expert reply by: Mike L