Lowering trailer

Good news.......glad to hear no pin box damage!

Thanks for the update

That is good news, good luck with you 5th wheel!

So, good news to report- I had a pro from a shop that specializes in RV crash repairs come out today. He had a good poke around the area where the pin box attaches to the 5th wheeler's frame- no sign of any flexing, bad welds, etc. All as good as gold! Definitely worth the work of pulling off some siding, (and now to replace) and paying a pro for an hour or so of labor. He says it is not uncommon to see some movement between the outer siding and the steel frame- as the siding is attached to a wood frame, which is attached to the the steel frame, that is not surprising. Wood does flex! So, next week, I will do the best I can to reinstall the siding I removed, and see if I can sneak in one more trip before it gets too cold.

I hope this experience might put someone else's mind to rest about what could have been a massive repair bill.

Ah, I get it. Well, I have the flat area that is under the pin box down far enough to peer into where the pin box is attached to the frame, and cannot see any damage, broken welds, etc. The front cross member that supports the sheet metal is (I think) wood- wonder if there is some rot there, causing the sheet metal to flap in the breeze, and that is the movement that I am seeing? Hope so- I will peel more sheet metal before declaring the war over, but I would much rather replace a piece of 2x2 than call in a welder!

Bombers wrote that quote, not me! Suspect he meant no disrespect to your ability to remove the sheet metal and inspect the frame, when he suggested that you hire an expert.

Thanks for the advice, guys. @Coachman- not sure what you mean by 'no disrespect, suspect this is not you'... I am definitely me.

Sounds like I will have to peel back the sheet metal around the pin box and explore where and how it attaches to the frame. Would be great if it is bolted, and there are just loose nuts in there.... I have never removed and replaced trailer sheet metal..... any advice?

Coach-man wrote:
Two comments stand out, first you suspect the trailer has been raised so the previous owner could traverse back roads, and you notice play between the pin box and the sheet metal. As old biscuit mentioned measure the travel since I suspect there is frame damage at that is why it was sold. Any question or problem in doing it, get a professional involved before there is a real problem. Good Luck!

What CM and OB said.

Major investigation required.

No disrespect, suspect this is not you - so.....
have it inspected by someone who knows RV frames and suspension.

~

As far as lowering it...if the trailer is level when hooked up, how much space is there above the truck bed rails?

You want to keep it all level and bare minimum 6" clearance to the truck. That's the main reason you see trailers lifted. The newer trucks are taller, so to keep it all level and to keep the clearance, you need to lift the trailer. It's not about off roading.

Yeah, get the pin box checked out.

delted

Two comments stand out, first you suspect the trailer has been raised so the previous owner could traverse back roads, and you notice play between the pin box and the sheet metal. As old biscuit mentioned measure the travel since I suspect there is frame damage at that is why it was sold. Any question or problem in doing it, get a professional involved before there is a real problem. Good Luck!