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.

[goducks10]

Maybe 5th wheel MFG's need to start taking a look at whats being sold for trucks. Adjusting the over hang height would rectify this. But then I guess they've never really put 2 n 2 together for the customer.

[High5er]

^^^^^^^^^ So very true!!

[minnow]

One has to wonder if the truck manufacturers are aware as to the reason many of their 3/4 and 1 ton customers buy their vehicles. I guess they all think that we just buy them to get one up on the guy next door. And the only thing we do with them is run to the grocery stores and cruise the boulevards on Friday nights. When one has to take a brand new RV and take it to a speciality shop to have 5" of additional framing welded to the RV and then end up with rig that's darn near 14' in height just to get the rig to tow level, something, somewhere is outta wack.

[High5er]

I posted this on another string but I think it applies to this conversation:

This is my 13 Ram that was 60" to the top of the Tailgate. The Cardinal was 62" when level. (big problem) I ended up taking it to a professional axle shop. They lifted the fiver an additional 5 inches by removing the axles and welding a 5-inch tube frame parallel to the original frame (Very sturdy). I have been driving with this setup for 3 years now and here is what you may need to consider if you are pondering raising your rig.

* It rides like a dream. No issues with high winds or rocking of any sort.
* It's 13.7"ish at the AC so it's extremely important to know your top height at the AC before you lift so you don't end up donating an AC to a bridge. I have an excellent phone app that keeps me informed of all bridge heights in the US. (Gas stations are still a concern so I only use truck stops)
* You will need to remove and lower your leveling jacks. (This is easy as they simply unbolt and adjust can be re-mounted in a lower position. The base/foot of the leveling jacks should be directly in line with the center hub of your wheels.
* I also replaced my three step entry with 4 steps. (Love that too)
* I think It looks a bit funny sitting so high but the setup works quite well.
* MAKE SURE YOU GET A PRO WELDING SHOP THAT CAN INSTALL AXLES ON PERFECTLY STRAIGHT AND ALIGNED. Truck trailer axle alignment shops are best.
* Lastly...Heart medication for traffic lights that look too low);-)

Happy RV'ing all!!!

[BarneyS]

davisenvy wrote:

minnow wrote:
Any chance of a picture of the new blocks installed ?

Sure! It may take a day or so to take the pic and figure how to put it on here.

To post a photo:
1.Go here.

2. Upload your photo.

3. Copy/paste the resulting URL directly into your post with NO alterations.
Barney

[davisenvy]

minnow wrote:
Any chance of a picture of the new blocks installed ?

Sure! It may take a day or so to take the pic and figure how to put it on here.

[tinner12002]

davisenvy wrote:
Lantley was right on the 6 inches being an awful lot. I ended up going with 4 inches instead. The fabricator talked me into blocks instead of a subframe. He said 4 in is the max he would go with blocks and when it is time to sell the FW, it would be much easier to return to its stock height.

He didn't just put in 4 in blocks. He did some kind of cross member and upgraded the U bolts. Anyways it saved me a couple of bucks and it pretty much leveled out my FW. Now the only problem is my 15 inch wheels look dinky. Guess its time to go wheel shopping now.


Let me know if this question is for another thread, but how big of a tire can I safely put on my 15 in wheels? I now have 225/75-15 tires.

Good luck on your new lift...thinking 4" is more than I would have gone with blocks but if they are reinforcing and upgrading everything appropriately then you should be ok. I would have went 2" blocks max and then upgraded tires and wheels, much wider range of available tires in 16", but that's just me.

[mtofell1]

My 2016 Keystone is the exact same way. Axles under the suspension and it tows 1-2" nose high on my 2014 Ram 4X4. I'm just living with it for now. The biggest problem for me is the low clearance at the back of the trailer. I ripped a jack and my spare off on a gravel road last year but now can take them off. I've scraped the bumper pulling into parking lots. Seems stupid it has to be this way.

[minnow]

rjxj wrote:
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.

Jayco isn't the only RV manufacturer that hasn't looked at the new truck lot in the past 5 years. I've got a 2015 Reflection that would need a subframe to get it to tow level on my 2016 Ram 3500 2WD.
Just another example of buyer beware. I guess one needs to back their tow vehicle underneath any potential new RV and see if it will tow level.

[minnow]

Any chance of a picture of the new blocks installed ?

[Lantley]

davisenvy wrote:
Lantley was right on the 6 inches being an awful lot. I ended up going with 4 inches instead. The fabricator talked me into blocks instead of a subframe. He said 4 in is the max he would go with blocks and when it is time to sell the FW, it would be much easier to return to its stock height.

He didn't just put in 4 in blocks. He did some kind of cross member and upgraded the U bolts. Anyways it saved me a couple of bucks and it pretty much leveled out my FW. Now the only problem is my 15 inch wheels look dinky. Guess its time to go wheel shopping now.


Let me know if this question is for another thread, but how big of a tire can I safely put on my 15 in wheels? I now have 225/75-15 tires.

Correct on the wheels I would have gone with a 16" rims and a taller tires if possible prior to adding any lift. Glad to see things are working out

[rhagfo]

davisenvy wrote:
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.

Once again best way to find the correct lift (sub frame size needed);

Well as far knowing how much sub frame you need Old_Biscuit is close, but missed an important step.
1st find a level parking lot not used on weekends so you have some time.

Then with TV and 5er hooked up park on the level area. At the pin location measure from ground to top of bed rail, call this "Measurement1".

Now chock the 5er wheels and disconnect the TV from the 5er, pull TV clear of the fiver, then level the 5er. Then at the pin measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the 5er over hang, call this "Measurement2"

Now time for math (measurement1 + 6") - measurement2 = needed lift at axles.

Russ & Paula

[davisenvy]

Lantley was right on the 6 inches being an awful lot. I ended up going with 4 inches instead. The fabricator talked me into blocks instead of a subframe. He said 4 in is the max he would go with blocks and when it is time to sell the FW, it would be much easier to return to its stock height.

He didn't just put in 4 in blocks. He did some kind of cross member and upgraded the U bolts. Anyways it saved me a couple of bucks and it pretty much leveled out my FW. Now the only problem is my 15 inch wheels look dinky. Guess its time to go wheel shopping now.


Let me know if this question is for another thread, but how big of a tire can I safely put on my 15 in wheels? I now have 225/75-15 tires.

[davisenvy]

Do a quick search on "Jayco Eagle HT nose high" and see what you come up with. A 1998 F150 2WD would be the perfect truck to tow this FW with. I know they say they are half ton towable, but mine is upwards of 9,000 dry.