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How to properly and safely lift a 5er?

Ndcntryboy
Explorer
Explorer
I have a bone stock 2010 f350 srw and just bought a 2000 Dutchman classic 26' 5er and it sits high in front and way low in back! I don't want to buy a lower truck or a higher 5er! The hitch and trailer are right about 6-8" from the bed like it is suppose to be, but still to high? I don't like the trailer riding on the rear axle more. I towed for 10+ yrs and seen a lot of campers always blow the rear axle tire/tires. So how do I properly raise the camper just enough to level? Blocks are not safe, and unsure right now if axles are on or under springs? I know a axle flip is the best, but if my axles are under the spring then what?
Thanks
13 REPLIES 13

Sea_Six
Explorer
Explorer
I had the same problem with my 2007 2500hd and my 2001 Jayco Designer.

I wound up moving the rv wheel ride height adjustment setting up two positions to very nearly level out the fiver. The guy who did the work said he didn't recommend flipping the axles in my case.

michigancougar
Explorer
Explorer
answered - thanks
2014 Ram 2500 5.7 Hemi
Pullrite Superglide mounted on Reese picture frame to factory ram pucks
one wonderful traveling companion - my wife

Peg_Leg
Explorer
Explorer
michigancougar, check you PM.
2012 Chevy 3500HD Dually 4X4
Crew Cab long bed 6.0 gasser 4.10
2019 Open Range OF337RLS
Yamaha EF3000iSE
retired gadgetman

wandering1
Explorer
Explorer
Don't screw the trailer up. Put a lowering kit on the truck.
HR

michigancougar
Explorer
Explorer
getting ready to try lifting mine too - got a quote on the 6" lift from a welding shop then found I could order 4" drop axles from dexter manufactured to be flipped for a 4" raise - should get me most of the way to the 6" with the 1.5" lower feet I ordered from pullrite for the hitch. added benefit is I will have new bearing,brakes, springs on a 10 yr old camper that is probably due anyways. just food for thought
2014 Ram 2500 5.7 Hemi
Pullrite Superglide mounted on Reese picture frame to factory ram pucks
one wonderful traveling companion - my wife

Peg_Leg
Explorer
Explorer
Here's the $86 Adjustable Height Option that came on my 5er.

The equalizer adjust is only 2 positions.


The shock adjust is shown in the middle position.
The holes are spaced 2" apart.


The spring end adjustments are boxed on the end away from the axle. 1/4" steel was used for all mounts.

I sure am glad mine had the option.
2012 Chevy 3500HD Dually 4X4
Crew Cab long bed 6.0 gasser 4.10
2019 Open Range OF337RLS
Yamaha EF3000iSE
retired gadgetman

Ndcntryboy
Explorer
Explorer
Axles are under the springs. Thanks for all the insight. I will be calling some rv/trailer companies tomorrow.

SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Explorer
Dayle1 wrote:
Add a sub-frame, which means cutting off the existing spring hangers, welding steel tubing to the bottom of the frame members (whatever size is needed) and then welding new spring hangers onto the tubing. Extra crossmember bracing to prevent frame twisting. That is the general idea, not that expensive and any good trailer shop can do the work.

Whatever you do, flipping axles or as this knowledgeable poster suggested to lower the spring members, add cross members to the frame to compensate for the added side to side torques.

Veebyes
Explorer II
Explorer II
Trailer lifting is on my list of things to do tomorrow.Done it many times before.

My chore is installation of Equaflex spring hangers.

One side at a time.

Leave trailer on the truck.

Lossen lug nuts

Jack till wheels are off ground.

Block frame to take weight if jack slips

Block under each axcel to support weight so that hanger bolts can be removed &replaced.

Reinstall wheels & set back on ground.

Repeat other side.

Simple. One step at a time.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter

2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel

Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995

agesilaus
Explorer III
Explorer III
You can do what's called 'flip the axles'. My local trailer shop (Texas Trailers) offered to do it for $150 an axle IIRC. And it would be worth it to let them do it since if you do yourself you have to jack up the trailer and support it while you pull the axles and move the mounts.

LINK

That link somewhat explains the process and why you should let pro's do it.

Search google for:

trailer flip axle

And you find more info. Turned out we didn't need to do it on our 5ver.

BK
Arctic Fox 25Y Travel Trailer
2018 RAM 2500 6.7L 4WD shortbed
Straightline dual cam hitch
400W Solar with Victron controller
Superbumper

powderman426
Explorer
Explorer
Dayle1 wrote:
Add a sub-frame, which means cutting off the existing spring hangers, welding steel tubing to the bottom of the frame members (whatever size is needed) and then welding new spring hangers onto the tubing. Extra crossmember bracing to prevent frame twisting. That is the general idea, not that expensive and any good trailer shop can do the work.


I believe this is the best and safest way.
Ron & Charlotte
WD8CBT since 1976
32' Gulfstream Ameri-Camp & 05 Ram QC LB

I started with nothing and I still have most of it left

I never fail, I just succeed in finding out what doesn't work

Dayle1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Add a sub-frame, which means cutting off the existing spring hangers, welding steel tubing to the bottom of the frame members (whatever size is needed) and then welding new spring hangers onto the tubing. Extra crossmember bracing to prevent frame twisting. That is the general idea, not that expensive and any good trailer shop can do the work.
Larry Day
Texas Baptist Men-Retiree Builders since '01
'13 Silverado 3500HD LT 2wd CCSB SRW, custom RKI bed
'19 Starcraft Telluride 292RLS
Rig Photos

glazier
Explorer II
Explorer II
You could install Correct Track and gain 2" , how nose high are you?
2017 Grand Design Momentum 328M
2015 Chevy 2500HD LTZ Duramax CC/SB/4X4
B&W Companion Slider