Forum Discussion

IdaD's avatar
IdaD
Explorer
Jan 23, 2016

Nose high

What sort of options do I have to help level an older fifth wheel with a newer truck? Pic below - is that too far off level? The pin is sitting on an Anderson at its lowest setting. I've only got about 5" between my bed rails and the trailer so I'd love to move the hitch up a notch, but that makes it way out of level.

It needs new tires and I think I can gain about an inch and a quarter there but I'm wondering if an axle flip or some sort of lift kit may be necessary. Any input is welcome.



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  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2016
    MFL wrote:
    IdaD wrote:
    Lantley wrote:
    I'm concerned about the bedrail clearance. How much space is there between truck bed and 5'er.
    Looks close but maybe picture is deceiving.


    Only about 5" at the back. Which is why I'd like to lift the hitch up but that makes me even more nose high.

    I can do an axle flip as the springs are currently below the axle. Are there kits for this? DIY or do I need to take it to a suspension shop?

    Appreciate all the info, guys.


    Not really a kit, but you will need new spring perches welded on top, same as bottom. If you are a DIY person, and can weld, you could do it. Me, I would take it to a suspension shop that has prior experience doing this. I don't think it would be too costly.

    Jerry


    Yeah I was just starting reading through the install instructions and thinking I may want to just have a shop do it. I might call around for some quotes this week. It really would match the truck better with a lift on it.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 23, 2016
    IdaD wrote:
    Lantley wrote:
    I'm concerned about the bedrail clearance. How much space is there between truck bed and 5'er.
    Looks close but maybe picture is deceiving.


    Only about 5" at the back. Which is why I'd like to lift the hitch up but that makes me even more nose high.

    I can do an axle flip as the springs are currently below the axle. Are there kits for this? DIY or do I need to take it to a suspension shop?

    Appreciate all the info, guys.


    Not really a kit, but you will need new spring perches welded on top, same as bottom. If you are a DIY person, and can weld, you could do it. Me, I would take it to a suspension shop that has prior experience doing this. I don't think it would be too costly.

    Jerry
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2016
    Lantley wrote:
    I'm concerned about the bedrail clearance. How much space is there between truck bed and 5'er.
    Looks close but maybe picture is deceiving.


    Only about 5" at the back. Which is why I'd like to lift the hitch up but that makes me even more nose high.

    I can do an axle flip as the springs are currently below the axle. Are there kits for this? DIY or do I need to take it to a suspension shop?

    Appreciate all the info, guys.

    Edit - Okay, I found a kit on etrailer. I think I may make this my late winter project. I'd really like to bump up the bed rail clearance and it seems to me that the only way to do it lift the trailer.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Jan 23, 2016
    I'm concerned about the bedrail clearance. How much space is there between truck bed and 5'er.
    Looks close but maybe picture is deceiving.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 23, 2016
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Nose high......

    Unstable towing
    Lighter pin weight which can cause 'chucking'
    More weight transferred to rear axle/tires/suspension


    As suggested......
    Axle flip (moving springs from under axles to on top of axles-----really more of a 'spring flip' :B )

    IF springs are already on top of axles.....
    Then frame lift via square tubing
    Cut spring shackles off of frame
    Weld on square tubing (3", 4" etc)
    Weld shackles back on
    Then weld cross tubing from one side to other side at shackles fro reinforcement


    X2, Old Biscuit covered all the bases!

    By the pic, it sure looks like you'd benefit by moving the springs up top. That is a nice looking rig!

    Jerry
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 23, 2016
    Nose high......

    Unstable towing
    Lighter pin weight which can cause 'chucking'
    More weight transferred to rear axle/tires/suspension


    As suggested......
    Axle flip (moving springs from under axles to on top of axles-----really more of a 'spring flip' :B )




    IF springs are already on top of axles.....
    Then frame lift via square tubing
    Cut spring shackles off of frame
    Weld on square tubing (3", 4" etc)
    Weld shackles back on
    Then weld cross tubing from one side to other side at shackles fro reinforcement

  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Jan 23, 2016
    If your axles are currently above the springs you can gain about 4" by placing the axles under the springs. You will need new spring saddles.

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