Update: New truck/ 5th wheel height issue

[Lilliemae30]

Last month I asked for help regarding the new truck (2016 Dodge Ram 2500 - 2x4 Hemi) sitting 3" higher than the old 2003- 2500 Dodge. The problem was we no longer had the 6" clearance needed for proper hookup.

Our 2011 Laredo fifth wheel camper has a pin weight of 1800 pounds.
When hooked up, the '03 truck with leaf springs dropped the height about 1".
The 2016 truck with coil springs drops it about 2 1/2". That still left it about 1 1/2 inches high.

I hooked up, ( we are still using our original Reese hitch- had new rails installed in New truck), found a level spot and used a couple of 2x8's it looked good and level.

My trailer axles are under the leaf springs which made it simpler.
I took my fifth wheel to Walker Welding & Trailor in Pooler, Ga, off I-95. They ordered the longer U-bolts and installed a 1 1/2 " iron bar between the leaf spring and axle raising the trailer.

It was ready to take home in just a few days. The ride home -less than an hour- was smooth. We now have the 6" clearance we needed with this taller truck.

Thank you again for your help. Will be camping soon.

[Lilliemae30]

Yes, they ordered the heavier duty bolts. Good to know someone else did this and it worked out fine. This was the most cost effective solution. We really did not want to modify a new and costly truck. The camper is only 1 1/2 " taller. Thanks for the reply.

[tinner12002]

Lilliemae30 wrote:
Last month I asked for help regarding the new truck (2016 Dodge Ram 2500 - 2x4 Hemi) sitting 3" higher than the old 2003- 2500 Dodge. The problem was we no longer had the 6" clearance needed for proper hookup.

Our 2011 Laredo fifth wheel camper has a pin weight of 1800 pounds.
When hooked up, the '03 truck with leaf springs dropped the height about 1".
The 2016 truck with coil springs drops it about 2 1/2". That still left it about 1 1/2 inches high.

I hooked up, ( we are still using our original Reese hitch- had new rails installed in New truck), found a level spot and used a couple of 2x8's it looked good and level.

My trailer axles are under the leaf springs which made it simpler.
I took my fifth wheel to Walker Welding & Trailor in Pooler, Ga, off I-95. They ordered the longer U-bolts and installed a 1 1/2 " iron bar between the leaf spring and axle raising the trailer.

It was ready to take home in just a few days. The ride home -less than an hour- was smooth. We now have the 6" clearance we needed with this taller truck.

Thank you again for your help. Will be camping soon.

Good deal, hopefully they used a heavier u-bolt than the stock ones. I've done that on 2 RVs, it baffles me as to why some people are so afraid to do what you, I and many others have done to raise their RV. Have fun camping!

[rhagfo]

Nothing beats towing level!

[korbe]

.....and now you may find that you need to add a step to your 5er 🙂

[azrving]

Right on. Good to hear that.

[ScottG]

Cool but we need a pic!