Forum Discussion

TURNKEY's avatar
TURNKEY
Explorer
Dec 09, 2016

Trucks are too tall for fifth wheel

I'm presently towing a 1999 Jayco 23' fifth wheel. It's total weight is 6500 pounds loaded. My tow vehicle is a 2006 GMC 1500hd with a tow capacity of 7990 pounds with the 6 liter V8 and a 3.73 rear end.
I love the trailer but it's time for a new truck.
I find the 1500HD just does not have the power I want. I drive below 60 mph in 3rd gear with tow haul engaged but the truck just doesn't have the power I'd like especially we tow a lot out west through the mountains.
The problem is all the trucks I've been looking at are too tall for the trailer. The axel has already been flipped and the pin box has been raised as high as I can get it but it's still about an inch high on my present truck and all the new trucks are a lot higher.
So I'm coming to the conclusion I may have to buy a new truck and immediately lower it.
Also does an one have thoughts about whether I should get a half ton (as their tow rating are huge now!) or a three quarter ton. We will never get a huge fifth wheel, we like national parks too much, maybe a 26 foot max.
  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2016
    Manufacturers can claim it because there is always a way to make it work, that's why there is always an asterisk next to the claim. They all have plenty of power to pull the weight as long as they minimize the tongue weight, just like how a Tundra can pull a 300k space shuttle.
  • TURNKEY's avatar
    TURNKEY
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2016
    Thanks for the feed back everybody.
    With the flip already done the trailer is really high now. I have to use a portable step to reach the folding step already, any higher I would have to go to a three step from a two step. I'm a little afraid higher would equal more tippy!
    Another benefit of lowering the truck would be to make it easier to get into, the wife is a little short on one end.
    camp n family stated "Today's 1/2 tons have huge tow ratings but they are just a gimmick, as you'll far exceed their payload ratings well before getting anywhere near it." I am surprised by their claims as well but there has to be some truth to it or they would get sued into the stone age.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2016
    If I'm not mistaken, isn't the top of the Chevy/GMC bed higher off the ground than a Ford's bed?
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 10, 2016
    Rise the trailer via square tube blocks welded to frame

    Spring hangers cut off..blocks welded to frame...hangers welded back onto blocks....cross tubing supports welded to hangers

    Just have to figure how much too raise and use that size of tubing...2", 3", 4" etc




    IF..only need to rise trailer 2" then purchase/install 'Correct Track' Kit. Axle alignment kit that raises trailer 2"

    Correct Track Kit
  • KKELLER14K's avatar
    KKELLER14K
    Explorer II
    Dec 10, 2016
    Trailer supplier's have the blocks and longer spring hangers to raise your trailer more... I have the same issue since the 5th wheel I have already has the flip and pin as low as it will go. It is only a 8800 gross weight rating. I have a Dodge dually and those trucks have an incredible amount of spring travel. There is just not enough pin weight to even engage my overloads.. and of course the trailer sits tongue high. I personally would not even think of trying to lower a new trucks suspension when the trailers can be modified for a fraction of the cost. Go check out Trailerblocks.com this will just give you an idea but I have seen parts at my local trailer place for much less... good luck!
  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2016
    Today's 1/2 tons have huge tow ratings but they are just a gimmick, as you'll far exceed their payload ratings well before getting anywhere near it.
  • salem's avatar
    salem
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2016
    My 2016 Chevy D/A is right at 6 inches higher than my 2005. I had some real concerns when I switched my hitch over. Fortunately, it fits just perfectly. My trailer tends to set up just a tad higher than most.
  • The_real_wild1's avatar
    The_real_wild1
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    If you were to get a 3/4 diesel you would absolutely love towing that trailer. Nope don't need it but you would love towing. You would still feel good after towing as well instead of feeling worn out. As for the trailer they can add blocks. Check out a few rv dealers and suspension shops in your area for ideas.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    I'd get a heavy duty truck but I prefer them in general so you're probably asking the wrong guy. You just get far more truck for basically the same money - heavier components, stronger chassis, larger brakes, more power (diesel, anyway), stouter trans, etc. Even when not towing they're better equipped to haul large loads of wood pellets or materials for landscaping projects or whatever.

    As far as the height goes, I have an older trailer and had to axle flip it to get it level with the truck. To me that's a much better solution that screwing around with lowering the truck. Since yours is already axle flipped you might need to enlist the help of a suspension shop to install longer spring hangers or axle blocks or whatever, but those are still easier, cheaper and better options than lowering the truck, imo.

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