5th Wheel Trailer is Not Level When Hitched to Pullrite 4100 Superglide Hitch in 2015 Ram 3500

Question:

I have a 2015 Ram 3500 with the fifth wheel prep package. I have installed a Pullrite 4100 superglide hitch using the Pullrite universal mount and adapter, parts 4409 and 4439. The hitch now sits 3 inches higher than it did in my F250 and there is no adjustment available in the pin box and the axles on the fifth wheel cannot be adjusted. Net result is the trailer will not ride level. Assuming it tows OK Ill be checking it this week can I expect other problems i.e. excessive wear on the rear tires? Any alternatives?

asked by: Bill R

Expert Reply:

If your 5th wheel trailer is 3-inches out of level when hitched to your Pullrite 4100 Superglide hitch there will be potential handling and wear issues. It is possible that you will feel a bit more jarring and chucking at starts/stops than if the trailer were properly leveled; this occurs because the angle of the king pin in the hitch's jaws will be a bit off the ideal alignment for full contact.

Since the trailer will be tipped backwards slightly this will put more of its total weight load on the rear axle. This will lead to faster tire wear on the rear axle. You may also find a greater tendency for sway from the weight being biased toward the rear of the trailer.

Most pin boxes offer some height adjustment but it sounds like you may have already used up the available adjustment range. Even if you could adjust your axles' height this would raise the center of gravity of the entire trailer, which would NOT necessarily help your ride quality even though it would help level the trailer.

As you noted, the proof is in the towing and hopefully your first trip with the new truck will find you satisfied with its towing performance. If not you may want to consider a new hitch once manufacturers confirm the fits in the new 2015 model year Ram.

expert reply by: Adam R