Correct set up of 5th wheel hitch
What is the appropriate distance between the top of the truck bed and the bottom of the 5th wheel trailer?
Forum Discussion
bikentom822 wrote:
What is the appropriate distance between the top of the truck bed and the bottom of the 5th wheel trailer?
I have my Companion set as high as it will go and have about 8" bed clearance. I do tow a bit nose-high, but that's a small sacrifice for not bending something when I drive into my usual boondock site.
Lyle- Nice!
krusegroup wrote:
I'm hoping so! I'll make momma and the kid/dogs a step! (I'm 6'4"). It will most likely be another Boondocker/Off-road Edition! :)
Four step stairs
- I'm hoping so! I'll make momma and the kid/dogs a step! (I'm 6'4"). It will most likely be another Boondocker/Off-road Edition! :)
krusegroup wrote:
We are currently in process of going from a TT to a 5th wheel. I've got a 2014 Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4 CC SB. This subject has been on my mind a lot! We ended up ordering a 2016 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5 BHXB. It is the longest/heaviest/biggest in the "half ton towable" HT line. After reading some of the posts on being nose high, I had our dealer check with our Jayco rep regarding height. Jayco is apparently trying to address the issue for 2016. They added a 2" square spacer between the spring pack and axle (axle already on the bottom side), and put a 2" lower hole on the spring shackle brackets which they will set up if requested on order ( I did). Plus, I specified the 16" E rated tires and wheels, which should get me another 1.5". The Jayco rep assured my dealer the only trucks that are a problem have been lifted. Mine is stock height. I'm already figuring I will most likely have to remove my Truxedo tonneau cover. If not for the inch it adds to rail height, for the 2.5 it extends inward! When it's here, set up level, 6-8" of clearance above the bed, etc. THEN I'll rest easy! :)
You might have a high 1st step getting in.- We are currently in process of going from a TT to a 5th wheel. I've got a 2014 Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4 CC SB. This subject has been on my mind a lot! We ended up ordering a 2016 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5 BHXB. It is the longest/heaviest/biggest in the "half ton towable" HT line. After reading some of the posts on being nose high, I had our dealer check with our Jayco rep regarding height. Jayco is apparently trying to address the issue for 2016. They added a 2" square spacer between the spring pack and axle (axle already on the bottom side), and put a 2" lower hole on the spring shackle brackets which they will set up if requested on order ( I did). Plus, I specified the 16" E rated tires and wheels, which should get me another 1.5". The Jayco rep assured my dealer the only trucks that are a problem have been lifted. Mine is stock height. I'm already figuring I will most likely have to remove my Truxedo tonneau cover. If not for the inch it adds to rail height, for the 2.5 it extends inward! When it's here, set up level, 6-8" of clearance above the bed, etc. THEN I'll rest easy! :)
- Some manufacturers are catching on but definately not all. Mine is a 2015 model and is still axle over spring.
- Newer 5ths seem to be more capable of accepting the newer taller trucks. My 2014 ram 2500 bed height seems ridiculous but my 2016 Keystone Hideout came out with 8" of clearance. I think the worst combination would be a new truck with an older 5th. Conversely, the best would be a new 5th with an old truck.
IdaD wrote:
N-Trouble wrote:
Getting 6" of bedrail clearance AND getting trailer level with many of the newer (taller) trucks is **** near impossible unless you raise the trailer. MANY struggle with this. My 5er is in the shop as we speak getting the axles flipped.
Yep. I've got a pair of the Dexter axle flip kits sitting in my shop ready to be installed when I finally get an open weekend to do the install. With my hitch at its lowest setting I have both inadequate bed rail clearance and I'm dragging the back end badly and the only fix is to lift the trailer.
Be sure to take it to a good welding shop and have those flip kit spring pads welded after you install them.
Chris- It takes a bit to get to 6" clearance and a level 5er, I just got there with a Correct Track system, and installed a Heavy duty shackle kit at the same time.
