Truck too tall for 5th wheel

Learned from the purchase of my first 5th wheel. With tape measure in hand knowing the height of my bed rails and the plate on the 5th wheel hitch I measured a lot of 5th wheel trailers and some would not even come close to working

Trumpetgolf wrote:
Help requested. Newbie just getting setup. Got a Durango 1500 5th wheel and a 2014 F-350 LB crew cab. I figure the truck is too tall for the RV. Have a Reece 15K Pro Series hitch not yet installed per rails. I see four ways to fix: 1. raise RV at axel, 2. go to 16" tires, 3. level truck, 4. change king pinbox. Anyone have other solutions? Thanks

First off, I haven't seen a new FW in several years that didn't already have the axles under the springs, or "flipped". That being said, some mfrs install spring hangers with adjustment holes for this purpose. Check and see if the springs (and equalizer) have extra holes lower than the springs.

With a LB truck, you shouldn't have to worry about the rear of the pin box contacting the bed sides, but =do= check.

16" tires will get you =maybe= 0.5 to 0.75 inches of lift. Much beyond that and you can run into wheel well clearance issues.

Assuming you have a stock truck (no lift), check to see if you have blocks in the suspension that can be removed to lower the truck.

Some people would install the Correct Track alignment system, which gives a 2" lift to the FW, but I believe they are no longer being made, so may be hard to find.

If you're still 2-3" nose high, and have a minimum of 6" of bed clearance, I'd say go camping. That little bit off level really won't hurt things, IMO. I towed close to 4" nose high on my old Komfort for 13 years and the fridge worked fine, wheel bearings showed no significant wear (front or rear) after 10 years and I had no odd tire wear on either axle.

Remember, too, that your truck will squat some, so that will also reduce any nose-high issue.

Lyle

I had the same problem with my Chevy 2013 25500HD. The solution was easy for me. I replaced the trucks rear shackles and dropped the rear of my truck. It gave me all the room I need and my 5th wheel rides level and not nose high at all.

Total cost having them professionally replaced was less than $200

Here is a link to the shackles for your specific truck. I just posted the first one I found. You might do better on price if you look around.

Shackles

Good luck and happy travels!

Dave

Don't mess with spring blocks on a multiaxle trailer. If you notice trailer mfg and axle mfg don't offer blocks as OEM or a option. Blocks simply add much more stress to the longer axle U bolts....spring keepers and top plates while tires side scrub while making sharp turns or shrp backing maneuvers.

The safest way is to use a cross braced box tube frame welded to the main frame rails...then spring hangers can hang from the new tube frame. This would be the safest way to raise the trailer if thats what will have to be done. WE have members who have pictures of their tube frame. If I can find one I'll post it up.

Whatever you do. make sure the highest point on the 5er isn't over 13'6"

Ford spacers are not completely removed, but the 4” spacers may be able to be replaced by 2” spacers dropping the rear 2”. I did on my last F350. But I did not on my current F350 and although my 5er runs slightly nose high, it is not enough for concern.

If your hitch has height adjustment, you may be able to set it to its lowest point as long as you maintain 6” clearance for your bed rails.

Check your trucks rear spring mounting. Many fords have a spacer to increase truck height. Spacer can be removed lowering the rear by at least two inches.
Check pin box for adjustment.

Flipping the axle raises your COG. Be aware.

Is the kingpin box adjustable? That's where you start. Of course, because you didn't mention it, you don't have a lift kit on your truck, right? "Flipping the axle" on the 5th wheel is also an option.....and maybe the cheapest alternative if your pin box isn't adjustable.

Not a new issue. Measuring before purchase is critical. Can the FW be raised via axels easily? Mention your dealer. Should have addressed this issue.

PS...posting help you don’t need. Wrong forum.