Pin height?

Nope. No standard.

Too many different builds to have any kind of standard. Tire size, spring length, frame dimensions, basement height, etc. can all affect the pin distance from the ground.

So, basically I just have to find one with the highest pin available so it will be level? Even though my truck is stock, it is still pretty tall. We will be looking at fivers once the weather warms up a bit and don't want to have to deal with raising one to match my truck or have one tilted up while going down the road.

Pardon my ignorance on this subject, we have been in motor homes, so this is an entirely new ball game for me.

There is a certain amount of adjustability in the actual hitch height and pin height. They can be changed some depending on the model of hitch. But you have to be sure you still have clearance for the hitch/pin to clear the bed when maneuvering. Many people have raised their trailers to adjust for height. It can be a fairly simple job, to a fairly complex one depending how high the trailer needs to be raised.

Some have commented on lowering their truck, but those are fewer in number.

Sadly there is no standard. When we went looking for a new truck I did measure my fiver. Ended up with a 4X2 dually against wifes desire for a 4X4 for loaded height. Back when the difference was about 3 inches. Even at thst I ended up changing axle position to raise my fiver another 2 inches to be safe.

Ok, thanks for the help guys. Another relatively minor issue, is we have a nearly enclosed cover that our MH is under. It is about 12'6" in the center, so raising a fiver would really aggravate that problem. Fortunately, it is on a dirt/gravel floor and can get a tractor in there and remove a few inches if needed.

Looks like this process is going to take a lot of thought. There is a small RV show this weekend an hour away from here. I think I will go check it out and take a tape measure with me so I can see exactly what I am dealing with.

I think the later model FWs generally have a higher pin than older models. If you look at mid size and up FWs that are 5yrs old or newer, you should be able to tow fairly level with a stock 10yr old truck.

IMO, it is not a problem, if towing a FW a couple inches or less nose-high. Keep in mind, the more pin wt added, will make the truck squat more.

Jerry

MFL wrote:
I think the later model FWs generally have a higher pin than older models. If you look at mid size and up FWs that are 5yrs old or newer, you should be able to tow fairly level with a stock 10yr old truck.

IMO, it is not a problem, if towing a FW a couple inches or less nose-high. Keep in mind, the more pin wt added, will make the truck squat more.

Jerry

Just ordered Air Lift bags and compressor kit for the sag issues Jerry. ;)

I just measured the floor of the truck to the floor in the garage and it is right at 3ft, maybe a half inch less. I plan on going with an Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel hitch, which according to the specs is around 16-17 inches tall with the ball.

So, somewhere in the 52-54 inch range from the floor would be perfect pin height if my calculation are correct.

I wouldn't worry as much about the pin hgt as I would about the actual overhang on the front. Thats where you need to have at least 6" of clearance with your bed rails on the truck. A normal 5th wheel will drop your truck be around 2"+/-. I would measure the bed rails empty, then minus 2" and use that as a gauge when shopping. 5th wheel pin boxes can usually be moved up or down a set of holes which could give you 2" either way. The 5th hitch also has vertical adjustments.
Another thing is not all 5th hitches have the same height settings. Some start higher than others. Like 14" at the lowest to say 16" at the lowest.

Our 2014 Keystone Alpine 3500 RE when level the pin plate is 50.5 inches from the ground. B&W companion height from ground is 52". With 50 psi in airbags on our 2010 Ram 3500 4x4 megacab it is level going down the road and 6.5" bed rail clearance. These figures are for our truck and 5ver and your numbers will be different. Hope this helps you figure this out.