Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2013 Chevy Silverado with 6 Inch Lift

Question:

I have a 2013 chevy Silverado Crew cab, My truck came with a 6 inch lift kit on it will I be able to tow a 5th wheel with it being lifted? Im thinking of buying a Forest Flagstaff 5th wheel.

asked by: Bob P

Expert Reply:

You might be able to tow a 5th wheel trailer with your 2013 Chevy Silverado with the 6 inch lift. If it is a body lift meaning the bed is further away from the frame than a stuck truck then no. If it is a suspension lift where the frame and bed are still the same distance apart then it is possible.

You will likely have to raise/lower the 5th wheel hitch height and pin box height on the trailer as needed to compensate for the lift. And if that is not enough to tow the trailer with 5 inches of clearance between the tops of the bed sides and the overhang on the trailer, you will have to raise the height of the trailer.

To raise the height of the trailer you may be able to use an over/under conversion kit. The leaf spring stack on the trailer would have to be mounted under the axle. The conversion kits move the stack to the top of the axle.

The trailer would also have to have round axles and use double-eye leaf springs, which is very common. For a 2-3/8 inch diameter axle you would use # K71-384-00. For a 3 inch diameter axle use # K71-385-00. One kit is needed per axle.

And if you cannot use an over under kit then you would have to have taller suspension hangers welded on by a professional welder. Please note that increasing the height of a trailer will make it more susceptible to sway.

So if the stars align and you can tow a 5th wheel trailer then you will need an installation kit and a hitch. I would need to know the bed length and the series of your truck (1500, 2500, or 3500) to make the best recommendations.