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

ferretgrandpa
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
"or have a friend (or pro driver) tow it to/from your camp."

X3

Does the DW need a new Truck???
Dayle1
Explorer II
Sep 23, 2013
laknox wrote:
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.

Get a TT or have a friend (or pro driver) tow it to/from your camp.

Lyle

X2
mudmaker
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
I'm guessing here but I bet if it's a 6 inch lift it probably has a four inch suspension lift and two inch body lift. Getting rid of the body lift is easy. Unbolt and remove the puck like pieces and lower and rebolt. Suspension is most likely different a arms and torsion bars in front, blocks under the springs in the back. You would have to find some parts as well as new rims and tires.
Went through that phase and had a lifted truck. Worst truck I ever had. Looked great... As long as it sat in the driveway. Tires cost more. Suspension parts cost more. Cost more to turn those wheels. Cost more to clean. Cost more for purchase.
Doesn't seem like raising the trailer that much will be practical. My first thought is travel trailer instead. Will probably need a custom built ball mount as a standard one will never adjust that low.
laknox
Nomad
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.

Get a TT or have a friend (or pro driver) tow it to/from your camp.

Lyle
ryno2base
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
I think the expensive part would be buying new rims and tires. Plus I have no idea how to take the lift off, I'm sure that could get expensive. I guess I haven't paid anything for the 5th wheel yet, might as well sell it and look for a TT.
Dtaylor
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
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
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Sep 23, 2013
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.
MainerBob
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
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
ryno2base
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
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.
Allworth
Explorer II
Sep 23, 2013
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

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