Transitioning to 1st Fifth Wheel
Well, retirement is almost upon me (December if all goes well) and we're looking hard at a 5th wheel and a new tow rig to start things off right. Problem is, I'm not sure how to get started. I've towe...
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You've picked a nice size rig. 3/4 ton capable with a gas engine if you prefer, 10k gross weight, size accessible to almost any place you want to go. Make sure you get a truck with LT tires load range E. There are a lot of nice looking wheels on trucks with tires that won't carry a load. You'll love towing a 5er. So much easier to hookup. Like towing any trailer for the first time, a bit of practice in a lot just to get used to how it handles cause there all different.
You want to tow level but you need clearance between the rig and the bed sides. I shoot for a 5" min. Hitch head height is adjustable. Trailer pin height is adjustable. You can get a headache trying figure it all out.
Raising the trailer to get the level ride is where problems arise. My 5er came with a $86 option that allows for 3 different ride heights and I thank whoever ordered all the time. I've raised mine 2" and it worked fine. You can search "flipping the axles". You can have a someone with metal fabrication skills to remove the spring shackles, weld in a sub-frame of steel tubing and add back the shackles. All of this is just to raise the trailer so it's level and you have bed side clearance.
Consider a pin box with some cushioning mechanism. Some have air bag ride, or elastomer links they all help with the concrete road rebound.
Once your setup and on the road your gonna have a heck of time wiping that smile off your face.
You want to tow level but you need clearance between the rig and the bed sides. I shoot for a 5" min. Hitch head height is adjustable. Trailer pin height is adjustable. You can get a headache trying figure it all out.
Raising the trailer to get the level ride is where problems arise. My 5er came with a $86 option that allows for 3 different ride heights and I thank whoever ordered all the time. I've raised mine 2" and it worked fine. You can search "flipping the axles". You can have a someone with metal fabrication skills to remove the spring shackles, weld in a sub-frame of steel tubing and add back the shackles. All of this is just to raise the trailer so it's level and you have bed side clearance.
Consider a pin box with some cushioning mechanism. Some have air bag ride, or elastomer links they all help with the concrete road rebound.
Once your setup and on the road your gonna have a heck of time wiping that smile off your face.
