How to Increase Ride Height of Fifth Wheel for More Clearance Above Truck Bed Side Rails

Question:

I recently purchased a 2015 Chevy 2500HD with 20inch tires. I own a 2008 Sierra 5th wheel camper. I added the BandW gooseneck hitch to my truck and replaced the 5th wheel king pin on my camper to a Reese Goose Box. I have about 2-3inch clearance between my truck bed rail and camper. I plan to lower the Reese Goose Box down to the bottom hole which should gain me about 2-3. What can I do to raise the height of the camper?

asked by: Bud R

Expert Reply:

I'm assuming that you mean that when you drop the Goosebox by 2-3 inches it will raise the front height of the trailer, leaving it a bit high in the front. You want to raise the rear of the trailer so the underside of the loft won't hit the bed sides at the rear of the truck, is that correct?

If the leaf springs for your camper are UNDER the axle, and your axle is 2-3/8 or 3 inches in diameter, you can use an Over-Under kit, like # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8 axle or # K71-385-00 for a 3 inch axle. This will put the leaf springs ABOVE the axle, and gain you a height differential roughly equal to the diameter of the axle.

If your axle is already under the leaf springs, you might be able to go with taller spring hangers (see link). However, keep in mind that going with a 3 inch taller hanger won't necessarily give you a 3 inch increase in height, as the spring shackles have some play in them and will allow some movement. Also, please be aware that altering geometry of your trailer suspension might affect the way it handles, like making it top-heavy or more susceptible to trailer sway.

expert reply by: Mike L