Options to Level a Fifth Wheel Trailer that is Being Towed by a Taller Truck

Question

Question:

I just bought a new 2014 F250, when I hooked it up to the fifth wheel camper, the back in of the trailer is real close to the ground and i am concerened about damaging my sewer tanks. Do I have any options in raising the back of the trailer?

asked by: Jerry R

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Expert Reply:

The easiest solution would be if you could lower the head of your fifth wheel hitch, or raise the pin box of your trailer. Either of these options should allow your trailer to sit more level. You would want to make sure you have between 4-6 inches from the overhang of your trailer to the bedrails though.

Another option you have would be to move your axles to below the leaf springs. This is the most common way to lift a fifth wheel trailer to allow the trailer to be towed level if the hitch and pin box adjustments are maxed out.

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Ideally you want your trailer to be towed as level possible and still have at least 6 inches of clearance between overhang of the trailer and the bed rails of the truck. Since trucks tend to keep getting built taller and taller this can prove to be…

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Answer 2

When adjusting the height of a pin box such as #LC1191191 it is important to support the pin box when removing the bolts. I recommend 2 or 3 buddies to give you a hand and make sure no one is beneath the pin box while raising or lowering it. With the…

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Answer 3

You covered the basic ways of adjusting the height of a 5th wheel trailer (lowering the hitch and raising the pin box). And since the axles are already below the leaf spring stacks there is one other thing that you can do to get more height at the…

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Answer 4

Increasing the tire and wheel size can increase the height of the trailer but it's usually quite minimal. Before you do anything else you should see if the pin box can be adjusted. Although you have to be careful here since This will lower the…

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Answer 5

I have attached for you below a dimensional drawing of the Lippert 1621 5th Wheel Pin Box part #LC1191191 which was provided by Lippert. This gives a frame of reference for the height by measuring from the bottom of the skid plate to the top of the…

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Answer 6

Since you are concerned about dips, RRs, and bumps in curves, I recommend using a shock absorber like #LC283271 or #LC281281 on your 5th wheel trailer. You stated the mounting hardware is already in place, so adding shock absorbers should be easy and…

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Answer 7

I went out to the warehouse and pulled Offset Ball for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches #BWGNXA4085 to measure it. The ball itself is about 5 inches tall from the top of the platform. The platform is 3/4 inches thick. The overall height…

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Answer 8

There are two options you can use for a bit of added height when using your B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Hitch #BWGNRK1016. You can get an extra 1" by using the High-Rise Ball for B&W Turnoverball #BWGNXA2050. You can also use the…

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Answer 9

I have attached for you below the maintenance schedule of the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part #C16521 which does indeed entail greasing of the locking jaw mechanism, the pivot points in particular. The Prime Guard Wheel Bearing Hi-Temp Red…

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Answer 10

A replacement pin box like the Reese Sidewinder will not raise or lower the connection point at the hitch, however there are a couple of things you may be able to do to allow your fifth-wheel trailer to ride level without interfering with the bed…

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Answer 11

B and W does offer an offset gooseneck ball for their Turnover hitches that also sits up a bit taller with the part #BWGNXA4085. I attached a picture that shows this ball next to the standard ball and you can see it's noticeably taller. For a…

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Answer 12

The Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider #C16521 referenced in your question features a non-binding slider that will require manual operation before making a tight turn. This is not an automatic slider. If you would like the convenience of…

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