I've been reading for weeks trying to get pertinent information on my situation, I'm hoping someone here can help me. I was just given a 1986 Elkhart Traveler 5th wheel. Lucky me right, well now I'm trying to figure out how to tow it. I currently have a 2004 Chevy Duramax with a 4-6 inch lift on it. I've read enough to know that I need to "flip the axles" and probably put a lift on the trailer. The bottom of the 5th wheel sits at 53 inches and the top rails of my truck sits at 58 inches. I know it's not ideal to lift a trailer but lowering the truck is out of the question, just too much money involved. So my question is will I be able to get enough lift without the trailer being totally unsafe and funny looking. Obviously funny looking not being too big of a deal. Or should I just sell the trailer and look for something newer that sits taller stock? Any and all help is appreciated, even the people that will tell me to lower the truck ;)

You will not find a stock fiver tall enough to fit on that truck and tow level (and/or with bed rail clearance). Lifting any trailer that much may raise the center of gravity to where it is unstable in crosswinds or when meeting a semi.I don't have anything to recommend, but it just seems like that particular truck is not meant to be a tow vehicle for a fifth wheel.A

I hate it when someone comes on and gives me a common sense answer;) Stupid lifted truck. If it matters at all it would only be towed a max of an hour away from home to and from deer camp.

I'm going to be one of the people who tell you to lower the truck. If my arithmetic is correct, and your truck "squats" 2" with weight on like mine does, you're still looking at raising the trailer about 9" to get sufficient clearance. I think you'd be looking at real stability problems as well as practical problems with raising it that much. Getting a new trailer isn't going to help either. You'd still have the same problem with height difference. Maybe you could trade the truck for one with a stock suspension. Look for a 2006 LBZ. It's the best year they made. Just my opinion, others may vary. Good luck and welcome to the forum.Bob

Another possibility is to sell the FW and purchase a TT. Purchase a drop hitch with enough adjustment to keep the TT level. Then, you can keep your lifted Chevy, and still tow level. As an added bonus, you'll free up the truck bed for a camper shell or tonneau cover so you can increase your storage.

Why is it so much to take the lift kit out of the truck unless you have a lot of additional suspension parts as well

Will it work | Good Sam Community

Greentreena
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
could try to find a cheap older 2 wheel drive truck and use it for towing. I'm sure it would be way cheaper than modifying your current truck.
sayoung
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
ryno2base wrote:
I hate it when someone comes on and gives me a common sense answer;) Stupid lifted truck. If it matters at all it would only be towed a max of an hour away from home to and from deer camp.

If thats all the towing youll do , you know a buddy that could take it there?
there is a local that extended a goose neck to use a "bumper hitch",
v10superduty
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
Sounds like you bought the truck already lifted?
You have been "given' a fifth wheel that you cant tow..
You probably havn't got a lot of towing experience with something as wild as that combo would be "IF" you were able to get it hooked up.

My powers of deduction figure if you are in an area an hour away from hunting grounds, there is lotsa trucks in your area? :W

Most guys don't go hunting alone and if you are supplying the hunting "shack" surely one of your hunting buddies can arrange to "tow" it to the hunting area?? :B

Theres your solution...safe and cheap...
JEBar
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
Bob Vaughn wrote:
Tow Buddy is the name of the 5th wheel hauler

5th wheel tow dolly

Jim
turner66
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
Aside from everything already mentioned, an axle flip/lift on the trailer will increase your overall height there as well. I don't know what it is now, but if you're around 13 ft already, then you're really getting close to the "rip your AC off the roof" limit by adding more ;)
john_bet
Explorer II
Sep 23, 2013
Remember the truck will settle aproxamently 2" when you put weight of 5th wheel on it. Now your bed height is only 56". This helps a little.
Peg_Leg
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
You need 5" of trailer lift just to equal the bed height. Another 5" so the tailgate and back corners won't hit the trailer when going up or down inclines. 10" of lift and you'll just be looking for a place to lay it on it's side. I've seen one TT about 30' flipped just sitting in the driveway from straight line 60 mph wind.

Take the bed off the truck and go to a flat bed.
Trade trucks.
Get a TT.

Good news, there are many options.
Bad news, they all take money.
Money to change things.
Money to repair things.
Your choice.
Bob_Vaughn
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
Tow Buddy is the name of the 5th wheel hauler
mudfuel07
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
Taking a lift off a Chevy would be very expensive since it porbably had to be modified to fit the 6" parts. As said above, I would probably look for TT or see if you can find someone who would want to swap out a 6" kit for a 4". I tow a 1993 Dutchmen with a 4.5" lift and 37's with mine. Haven't ever measured the bed height, but the trailer does sit a little nose high.
Bob_Vaughn
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
There is a tow dolly on the market that has its own wheels and the king pin sits on it, then you just hitch it to the receiver on the truck via a drop down ball type hitch. I do not remember the name of this but it might be your cheapest option...

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