Getting right height or truck & hitch

mtofell1 wrote:
Truck is a 2014 Ram 4X4 CC 6.5 bed - prospective 5th wheel is a Cougar Xlite but the question applies to pretty much any new brand.

The bed rails and overall bed height on my Ram seem to be higher than on my past truck (06 Chevy Silverado 4X4). I don't want to worry about clearance and do some mild off-road camping from time to time. So, I'm thinking I want to be on the upper end of the standard bedrail to 5th clearance. So, 6" or so would be ideal.

Basically, what is the process to raise a newer 5th wheel a couple inches to get a nice level ride and good rail clearance? Or, are newer 5th wheels set at a height that will line up with my newer truck and give me good clearance?

There are several ways to raise a FW, if needed. First, check to see if the springs and equalizer are in their lowest holes. Second, check to see if your springs are above or below the axle tube. If below, you can get a kit to move the springs above the axle and gain 3+ inches in height. If they're already over the tube, you're out of luck. Third, add a Correct Track alignment system. Not real expensive and gives you 2" lift as well as the ability to align your axles. Fourth, and most extreme, is an actual lift to the FW. I've seen some that only needed 1-2" and opted for heavier, longer spring and equalizer hangers, often with cross-bracing between them for lateral support. The next option is, as previously detailed, a complete sub-frame between the main frame and the suspension. There are a number of project threads and pictures on here if you search them out. This is not as expensive a proposition as you might think, with most 3rd party jobs coming in well < $1k and DIY jobs for much less than this. Personally, we do some boondocking and I have 8" clearance. I've used nearly all this when getting into our usual site, but not yet (knock on my head) hit the bed. I =could= gain a touch more with an axle flip but not going to spend the money as I'm currently trying to sell my FW.

Lyle