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GoFishing's avatar
GoFishing
Explorer
Dec 29, 2013

New TV Old FW bed rail clearance solutions

I have a 2010 Silverado HD 3500 long bed and a 2003 fifth wheel that has had axles flipped (and is as high profile that I think is safe). I am still having issues with clearance (4inches). I have adjusted kingpin/hitch and am not comfortable with a nose up position. I have spent several days searching solutions for this. I would prefer not to lower the truck if possible.(but will as last resort) Not sure what size blocks are in back suspension but I have read newer trucks have higher bed rails vs higher suspension. My question is has anyone considered placing weights in the truck bed (I am thinking about a truck water caddy and also attempting to increase pin weight inside the FW to help level rig and achieve more clearance by increasing the "sag" in TV? Hope that makes sense. My hope is with the extra weight it will result in a nose down then I can adjust my hitch/king pin to level. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

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  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 29, 2013
    IF you have the payload for the additional 400# then give it a try.
    Added benefit is having the extra 60(+) gallons of fresh water.

    You really need 6" or better of bedrail clearance.
    Axles flipped then the next step is having spring mounts/shackles cut off, square tubing (2,3,4 inch) welded onto frame and then spring mounts/shackles welded back in place and having cross tubes welded side to side at mounts. Anything else would just be a bandaid.
  • Moki's avatar
    Moki
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    Not that familiar with the Chevys, but I had the same problem when I had my 350. Found that the 350 used a 4" block and 250 used a 2" block. Went to the 2" block and 250 U-bolts and problem solved. Only negative would be less room for truck to settle under huge dirt or gravel loads. I put over 4,000 lbs in back and not even close to any problem. Might check out what's available in the Chevy brand. Inexpensive and not overly hard to do.
  • GoFishing's avatar
    GoFishing
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    Thanks for the suggestions. I actually looked into the bed conversion but it is pretty expensive. Does anyone think the water caddy idea would work as a temporary fix?, (not sure how to make a link??

    http://www.sandiegotank.com/index.php?option=com_fjrelated&view=fjrelated&layout=blog&id=0&Itemid=742

    I know it is not the best option but we have not gone RVing for a year because I do not feel comfortable about the current condition of this rig.
    Thanks again.
  • Brodie3Az's avatar
    Brodie3Az
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    Another potential option is a flatbed conversion for the truck, possibly with removeable stake bed sides if you need the box feature.
    Clicky
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    I'm not a fan of carrying around extra dead weight simply for the purpose of lowering ride height. A better option would be to install a set of drop shackles on the back leafs. Sulastic shackles tend to squat more as well when loaded and improve ride when unloaded. Another option would be lower profile tires on the truck. Doesn't sound like there is much you can do with the trailer since the axles have already been flipped.

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