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IBcarguy's avatar
IBcarguy
Explorer
May 11, 2017

Leveling 5th wheel question

I've got a new Jayco 5th wheel and I'm using a Andersen Ultimate hitch. The trailer is just about level however the edge of the pin box is very close to the bed rail when in a tight turn into a driveway or when the trailer is crooked to the truck. I don't want to raise the upper ball one hole and loose my level rig. The pin box has several mounting holes and I think I can adjust the pinbox to set closer to the bottom of the trailer. Then I think I can raise the ball one hole, giving the pinbox more clearance to the bed rail without changing the height of the front of the trailer. It sounds a little confusing but my son came up with this and after explaining it to me like I was a six year old, it made sense. Question is does changing the position (up/down) of the pin box in the mounting bracket effect anything? I don't think it will change anything but I'm no expert.

15 Replies

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  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    May 11, 2017
    Which way is the adapter flipped? If your pinbox is close to hitting the bedrail you can switch the adapter around which would move the trailer forward and presumably move the pinbox forward and away from the bedrail.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    May 11, 2017
    IBcarguy wrote:
    Jerry, it's a little hard to explain what I'm asking but I think you got it. If I raise the ball, then lower the trailer by dropping the bracket down over the pinbox, I'm creating more clearance from the pinbox to the bed rail. I just didn't know if I was changing any of the dynamics of the hitch/pinbox by doing this.


    Your plan will do what you want and won't change any towing dynamics. (We towed with an Andersen for 15K miles...)

    Rob
  • IBcarguy's avatar
    IBcarguy
    Explorer
    May 11, 2017
    Jerry, it's a little hard to explain what I'm asking but I think you got it. If I raise the ball, then lower the trailer by dropping the bracket down over the pinbox, I'm creating more clearance from the pinbox to the bed rail. I just didn't know if I was changing any of the dynamics of the hitch/pinbox by doing this.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 11, 2017
    Only thing that is going to change is pin box mounting holes and hitch height.

    5vr is still going to have same bed rail clearance



    To increase bedrail clearance and tow level you have to raise the 5th wheel at axles AND then make adjustments to pin box and/or hitch


    (leaf springs moved to top of axles IF under----'axle flip', relocate leaf springs in shackles IF you have adjustment holes, a subframe channel lift OR use the 'Correct Track Kit' By LCI----aligns axles BUT raises 5vr 2")




    How much bedrail clearnace to you presently have?
    6"
    Less
    More

    Trimming back corners of pin box has been done on many to increase pin box clearance for tight off slanted turns
    Provided 5vr overhang clearance to bedrail is at least 6"
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    May 11, 2017
    Yes, moving the pinbox up/down will make a difference. However, it will not help anymore than raising the ball for more bed rail clearance. Once you are too close with clearance, towing nose high, or raising the trailer are the options.

    On edit, I think I misunderstood what you were asking. It may help to move the pin box up, and then raise the ball. In some cases, the rear of pin box can be trimmed in an upward slant, to keep from hitting bed rail.

    Jerry

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