Better to lower hitch or raise pin box?

[rjsurfer]

I just installed an EasyFlex equalizer and noticed I lost an inch or so of height, it was a tad lower in the rear before the install so this extra inch is a bit too much.

I can either raise the pin box or lower the hitch.

What do recommend?

What are their advantages and disadvantages of each method?

And of course what's the easiest?, I'm thinking lowering the hitch would be the easiest, let gravity help me out.

Thanks

Ron W.

[rjsurfer]

OP back, I just lowered the hitch today. Measuring the distance between the bolt holes it looks like I lowered the assembly by about 1 1/4". I used a floor jack under the assembly to support it then just undid the bolts and lowered the jack enough to place the bolts through the next vacant holes.

So after everything is done I'm pretty much back to the 5 3/4" tailgate clearance I had before except the overall trailer height has been lowered by over an inch due to the EasyFlex install, not a bad thing.

Thanks

Ron W.

[slarsen]

In my case, raising the hitch made the top of the hitch visible for the first time. Better clearance is why I did it, but I would have done it for the visibility, had I known earlier.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Installing that equalizer caused your trailer to sit lower so you are now more nose high than before.......

Do you have enough bedrail clearance to lower nose of trailer?

Lowering the hitch will be easiest.....raising pin box is heavy/awkward and requires lifting it up into place.
With a helping hand......either

But do you have the bedrail clearance?????

Good advice, suggestions and info.......

However *if* you need to raise the pin box - even "with (or without) a helping hand", the hitch needs to be "suspended" for positioning while loosening / tightening the bolts.
It can be *easily* done with a hydraulic lifting table.
(HF or auto supply stores)

When I did mine (by myself), I borrowed same from a neighbor - used blocks on the table to gain the necessary height.
Handy item for lots of jobs - liked it well enough to purchase one..;)

~

[rjsurfer]

Miles Away wrote:

rjsurfer wrote:
I just installed an EasyFlex equalizer and noticed I lost an inch or so of height, it was a tad lower in the rear before the install so this extra inch is a bit too much.

I can either raise the pin box or lower the hitch.

What do recommend?

What are their advantages and disadvantages of each method?

And of course what's the easiest?, I'm thinking lowering the hitch would be the easiest, let gravity help me out.

Thanks
Ron W.

I'm confused about your initial post. What you are saying is that the REAR of your trailer is now HIGHER than it was before the Easy Flex install, which means that the FRONT of your trailer would now be LOWER. If so, and based on your measurements, I would leave it alone, as it sounds like you have an almost perfect setup. If I'm reading your post wrong, then I apologize and you can again refer to all the other helpful posts.

After the install the rear of the camper is now an inch lower, since it was a bit lower prior its time to adjust it and get it more level.

The funny thing about the installation was the fact that none of the links or bushings where worn! I have pulled this camper about 25k and thought for sure that they would be. After reading all the horror stories about then plastic bushings worn to a nub and shackles with elongated holes, they where for the most part serviceable.

I'm guessing the shock absorption capabilities of the EasyFlex will make it worthwhile.

I don't have any adjusting holes on the spring hangers by the way,sure wish I did.
Ron W.

[Miles_Away]

rjsurfer wrote:
I just installed an EasyFlex equalizer and noticed I lost an inch or so of height, it was a tad lower in the rear before the install so this extra inch is a bit too much.

I can either raise the pin box or lower the hitch.

What do recommend?

What are their advantages and disadvantages of each method?

And of course what's the easiest?, I'm thinking lowering the hitch would be the easiest, let gravity help me out.

Thanks
Ron W.

I'm confused about your initial post. What you are saying is that the REAR of your trailer is now HIGHER than it was before the Easy Flex install, which means that the FRONT of your trailer would now be LOWER. If so, and based on your measurements, I would leave it alone, as it sounds like you have an almost perfect setup. If I'm reading your post wrong, then I apologize and you can again refer to all the other helpful posts.

[TXiceman]

We never have heard back if he has jake plates with extra height holes. That is the simplest solution.

I'd post a photo if my trailer had spring suspension, but I have Mor/Ryde IS.

Ken

[Old-Biscuit]

That 5" bedrail clearance will be real close to being adequate.

I have 7" and have 'kissed' couple times when if off canter sites/transitions etc.

Lower the hitch......check it out/tow it with an eye on the clearance.
If it becomes an issue then you can check out options for raising trailer

[mike1poles]

When you do anything to the pin box (which is easy to do, even by yourself, I've done it) or the hitch, you should replace bolts, nuts and locks. Many times the threats on the nuts and bolts are gulled, and locks are collapsed. Then re-torque the new bolt's to standard spec's. Anytime you mess with any of the bolt's, nuts and locks you should replace. From the factory, they are a grade 5, but have even seen some grade 2, change to grade 8, it's a cheap investment in security and safety. You should be good to go. Safe travels! 🙂

Hope this helps and God bless,
Mike

[TXiceman]

Check to see if your trailer has one or two mores sets of holes on the jake plates. If so, move the springs out to a set that will make the trailer taller.

Ken

[mdamerell]

If you raise the pin box on an extended pin box, the pin box "wings" may become a clearance issue with the sides of the bed. You may have to cut off the back corners of the pin box wings for clearance if the wings extend past the pin box.

[laknox]

Personally, I'd look for a way to raise the FW. 6.5" of bed clearance is, IMO, pushing the margin of safety. I know I tow a touch nose-high and have right at 8" clearance; I've used all but about 1/4" of it a couple times...but that's because of where I like to camp.

Lyle

[Dandy_Dan]

Raise the pin box or lower the hitch should give you the same results. Raise the pin will lower the front. Lower the hitch will do the same thing. What makes the difference other than the amount of work? I would lower the hitch. It is a lot less work and easier that the other. Good Luck and Happy Camping.

[big_buford]

I would probably raise pin box. Lowering hitch will put pin box lower in the bed and reduce clearence if you pack items around hitch?

[dmeck]

On my setup (with a extended pin box and short bed) if I was to raise the pin box that would shorten the distance from the front of the camper to the truck cab. That would increase the risk of hitting the truck in a tight turn.