Lowering trailer
Hi- I'm the proud recent owner of a 1993 21' 5th wheel, in excellent shape. 2 things- at some point, I believe someone has raised the rig, probably to gain ground clearance in the boonies. I'm a s...
Forum Discussion
How hard to lower is dependent on HOW it was raised.
Also how much is needed.......does it tow level now when hitched to truck or is it 'tail high'?
How much clearance between truck bed rail and overhang of trailer?
Flip the axles (moved axle so leaf springs are on top of axle vs on bottom........then just reverse -----very easy if original spring perches on axle tube are still there)
Moved location of leaf springs via hole in shackles..........very easy. Just move to upper holes.
Added a sub-frame lift .......more difficult. Axle assemblies/suspension has to be dropped. Shackles have to be cut off sub-frame, sub-frame cut off trailer frame. Shackles welded back on trailer frame. Axle assemblies reinstalled and aligned
Play between pin box and sheet metal of rig.......could be pin box structure failure.
With trailer unhitched......measure from a point on pin box straight up to a reference line on front cap
hitch up and remeasure same place.
How much difference between hitched & unhitched measurements?
More than 3/8" (MAX) you will need to remove overhang cover and inspect sub-structure for cracks. broken welds etc.
Also hitch and unhitch while inspecting for movement.
Also how much is needed.......does it tow level now when hitched to truck or is it 'tail high'?
How much clearance between truck bed rail and overhang of trailer?
Flip the axles (moved axle so leaf springs are on top of axle vs on bottom........then just reverse -----very easy if original spring perches on axle tube are still there)
Moved location of leaf springs via hole in shackles..........very easy. Just move to upper holes.
Added a sub-frame lift .......more difficult. Axle assemblies/suspension has to be dropped. Shackles have to be cut off sub-frame, sub-frame cut off trailer frame. Shackles welded back on trailer frame. Axle assemblies reinstalled and aligned
Play between pin box and sheet metal of rig.......could be pin box structure failure.
With trailer unhitched......measure from a point on pin box straight up to a reference line on front cap
hitch up and remeasure same place.
How much difference between hitched & unhitched measurements?
More than 3/8" (MAX) you will need to remove overhang cover and inspect sub-structure for cracks. broken welds etc.
Also hitch and unhitch while inspecting for movement.
