Best way to raise FW

[davisenvy]

I just purchased a 2016 Ram 2500 and pull a 2016 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5bhds. The Jayco seems to be a little low to begin with, but with this new Ram I am towing way high in the front. I'm about 8 in nose high. I have read about people putting 4 in subframes under their FW, but I'm a little weary of this because of warranty reasons. The only other options I see is to get new wheels/tires and a Lippert Correct Track system that says it'll lift 2 in. This gets me closer, but it still won't be level. Any other lifting suggestions? Is a subframe the only way to go?

I called the dealer where I purchased the FW and the owner said that nose high conditions don't really matter anymore because of the CRE3000 suspension that's on it. I don't really believe that to be true, but what do I know.

[azrving]

What did jayco intend for this fw to be towed with, a low rider? Tall trucks are not new. A 6 inch sub frame and the axles are already under the springs? Something is wrong here.

[davisenvy]

My bed rails are 6.5 in at the front and 5 at the tailgate. I'm really hoping I'm overlooking something because I'm really not looking forward to the subframe mod. They quoted me $1,000 for the frame lift.

[Lantley]

davisenvy wrote:
When the FW is hooked up to the truck and all 4 tires on the FW are on 3 inch blocks, the FW is 8 inches nose high. I have been talking with a gentleman on the Jayco Forum that has the exact same truck and FW as I do. He did the 6 inch subframe and has the upgraded 16 inch wheels (mine are 15 inch). His FW is still 2 inches nose high which would be very acceptable to me.

I have an appointment to take my FW in tomorrow and have the subframe put on. Before doing the subframe, the owner and a fabricator are going to look over the FW with me to see if there is any other way to achieve a level towing experience with my truck and my FW.

The extra high bed rails on the truck seem to be contributing a good bit to the problem. I'll report back after tomorrow.

I don't have all your numbers . But I believe your current bed rail clearance is 6"?
If you raise rear bed rail clearance will increase as well. Once the rear is raised you should be able to lower the nose and still have ample bed rail clearance. In other words you should not still be nose high.

[minnow]

What will the overall height be of the RV after jacking it up an additional 6"

[davisenvy]

When the FW is hooked up to the truck and all 4 tires on the FW are on 3 inch blocks, the FW is 8 inches nose high. I have been talking with a gentleman on the Jayco Forum that has the exact same truck and FW as I do. He did the 6 inch subframe and has the upgraded 16 inch wheels (mine are 15 inch). His FW is still 2 inches nose high which would be very acceptable to me.

I have an appointment to take my FW in tomorrow and have the subframe put on. Before doing the subframe, the owner and a fabricator are going to look over the FW with me to see if there is any other way to achieve a level towing experience with my truck and my FW.

The extra high bed rails on the truck seem to be contributing a good bit to the problem. I'll report back after tomorrow.

[laknox]

clotus wrote:
Remember that when you are unhitched your truck will sit slightly higher than hitched up (rear end sag). Best to take your measurements hooked up for more accuracy.

x2! I'd bet there's at least 2" of squat, when hitched. Also, the FW and truck should be LOADED for camping to get a more accurate picture of the numbers.

Lyle

[clotus]

Remember that when you are unhitched your truck will sit slightly higher than hitched up (rear end sag). Best to take your measurements hooked up for more accuracy.

[davisenvy]

There is a guy on the Jayco forum that has my exact truck and FW. He added a 6 in subframe and 16 in wheels and is still 2 in nose high. When I measured from ground to hitch and ground to kingpin I had an 11 in difference. I put my FW on 3 in blocks and it cut my nose high problem in half. My thinking is 6 in would correct most of my problem.

[Lantley]

davisenvy wrote:
With my current set up and the 6 in subframe I should be right at 13 ft at the AC. 13.06 to be exact. Its either nose high or FW high. I'm trying to split the difference.

I'm going to call around this week because we have a busy summer planned. I'll report back with what I find.

6 inches seem like a lot. As you raise the back you will gain bed rail clearance. At some point you should be able to lower the nose(pin) to adjust for level and still have adequate bed rail clearance.
When I leveled my rig I raised the rear but I also lowered the nose.

[davisenvy]

With my current set up and the 6 in subframe I should be right at 13 ft at the AC. 13.06 to be exact. Its either nose high or FW high. I'm trying to split the difference.

I'm going to call around this week because we have a busy summer planned. I'll report back with what I find.

[fj12ryder]

Don't forget to check the overall height of your 5th wheel to the top of the A/C, which is usually the highest part of the trailer. You don't want to drag off your A/C on some low bridge. 🙂

[2naEagle]

Keep us posted. Looking forward to the results before and after pictures if you can. With these new trucks this subject will come up a lot.

[davisenvy]

Just got back from doing some testing on the camper. It looks like a 6 in lift would get me in the realm of an acceptable tow. I guess I'll be pricing out subframes this next week. Thanks for all of the help.

And I agree the trucks are too tall, but my 2006 gave me some nose high issues with this FW also.

[IdaD]

fj12ryder wrote:
The issue isn't with the trailer, it's with the truck builders. They seem to think that little ol' pickups need 3 feet of ground clearance for that macho look. It is just so dumb.

I like the larger tires and extra ground clearance, though. This winter it came in really handy with some of the heavy snowfalls we had, and it also helps with approach/breakover/departure angles out in the woods.

[fj12ryder]

The issue isn't with the trailer, it's with the truck builders. They seem to think that little ol' pickups need 3 feet of ground clearance for that macho look. It is just so dumb.