To flip or not to flip

blacktop wrote:
The new/used 2011 Cougar lite 5th wheel I recently bought sits low at the rear bumper because my 2014 Ram 2500 sits too high for the light weight trailer.
I could have the trailer axles flipped, but when I did this to a Jayco I once owned years ago, I didn't like the spongy feel of the trailer while in tow.
Is there another way to gain some height for the trailer like a lift system? Thanks for your help.

First, make sure the spring hangars are in the lowest holes. If already in that position, then flip the axles and install shocks. Simple and cheap.

Lyle

Flip axle.......not sure why you had a 'spongy' feel. Position of springs under/over axle tubes shouldn't make a difference in feel of springs.
Box the spring shackle or add fish-plate to strengthen

Sub-frame.....then add lateral bracing across 5vr from spring shackle to spring shackle

Axle Alignment kit.......adds 2" in height

My 2010 had two sets of holes in the spring hanger and was set in the top and lowered to the bottom. Run me around $400 but the EquiFlex was cracked on both sides and had to be replaced. The manager tried to get manufacturer, Lippert I think to replace them, but of course not. They bolts were replaced with wet bolts and bushings replaced with Never Fail or something of the sort. The fiver was 3 years old.
I was kind of perturbed at the time it was taking but the shop was trying to get the EquiFlex replaced buy manufacturer. Looking back I am glad things worked at the way they did.
Although I trust this shop, something I don't trust about welding.
Not a shot at welders, just my thing.

Flipping the axles, if possible, will add lateral stress to your frame it may not be designed for. Adding a sub frame with adequate cross members
to raise your unit would likely compensate for that weakness, and level your unit to your TV. I doubt that in raising your unit you will notice much change in handling.

Yes, it's a 5th wheel. I changed the post's wording.

clotus wrote:

jfkmk wrote:
If it's a bumper pull, why not get a shank with a longer drop? Then you can get the trailer level without messing with it.

I may be wrong, but I assume it is a 5th wheel being that it is posted in the 5th wheel section.

Bumper pull - lower shank

5th wheel - subframe is the only way to go from what I have read

Oops! My bad! I was looking in "new posts" not 5th wheels. My apologies!:o

jfkmk wrote:
If it's a bumper pull, why not get a shank with a longer drop? Then you can get the trailer level without messing with it.

I may be wrong, but I assume it is a 5th wheel being that it is posted in the 5th wheel section.

Bumper pull - lower shank

5th wheel - subframe is the only way to go from what I have read

jfkmk wrote:
If it's a bumper pull, why not get a shank with a longer drop? Then you can get the trailer level without messing with it.

Why don't you take the easy way out? Just drop the ball height and trailer will set level.

Sure, have a sub-frame built to lift the trailer. It involves cutting the existing spring perches off, then welding the sub-frame to the main frame rails, finally adding new spring perches to the subframe. The sub-frame with add strength to the main frame rails and frequently includes cross-members that add lateral rigidity. Not that expensive to do. Sure someone will post some pics of their sub-frame.

If it's a bumper pull, why not get a shank with a longer drop? Then you can get the trailer level without messing with it.