5th wheel nose high problem

[4wlow]

I have a 2014 ram 3500 with the 5th wheel prelp and a reese select hitch with the picture fame adapter towing a 2013 voltage 3200 with a trail air pinbox. Hitch is as low as it can go and the pin box is as high as it can go. I have 11 inches of clearance from top of bed to 5th wheel. Hitched up I am around 10 inches nose high. I know this is probably too much. Any sugestions? I already looked at other hitches like the Andersen ultimate, but that would only get me around an inch and a half lower. I plan on weighing the axles. Is my only option to raise the trailer?

[tinner12002]

4wlow wrote:

spud1957 wrote:

4wlow wrote:
I could get close if I could find a way to lower the front since I have around 11 inches of clearance between the top of the bed and the bottom of the 5th

What is the lippert alignment kit

11"? 6-7" is enough. Between your hitch and your trlr pin you could decrease that down to an acceptable height.

That is my problem both are maxed out to provide the lowest position. Lowest position on the hitch can not be used due to the slider platform. highest position on the pin box is limited that the pin box would hit the bottom of the 5th wheel cap. before the top holes are lined up. Right now my options are limited by the Ram factory 5th wheel prep package. I looked at the B&W hitch for the Ram prep package, but that would only lower the front by slightly less than an inch. I plan on weighing my axles. how much of a weight difference between the two is too much.

Take the pin box off.

[notch78]

The pin box is moved "up" as far as possible. Not a stupid question I had a guy come look at it to see if there was any other pin box adjustment. He said no.

I know the BW has the manual slider. I have had pull rite for many years and become accustomed to the automatic slider.

I am getting the 1.5 inch lower legs for the hitch and then in all likelihood "flipping the axles". My leaf springs on the trailer are already in the lowest hole so there is no more adjustment other than moving them above the axle

[sljkansas]

Did you know that B&W now has a manual slider for the companion?

[mkirsch]

This may sound stupid, but are you moving the pinbox in the correct direction?

If you *lower* the pinbox, you RAISE the nose of the trailer. Your OP seemed to indicate that you were "lowering" the pinbox if I am not mistaken.

[notch78]

I also am having the same issue. I have 11" between the top of my bed and the 5th wheel. I am ordering the shorter legs from pullrite (Part # 2911). That is supposed to get 1.5" back. I haven't loaded the trailer yet but but it is very obvious that the nose is way too high and the trailer is not level. I am trying to see if they make a different pin box that does not extend as far down since I can't see any other way to close the gap between the truck and the 5th wheel. My last resort is going to be to flip the axles which will get me 4-6 inches. Let me know if you figure out any other solutions.

2014 Ram 3500 with factory towing package
2011 Attitude 37AKS
Pullrite Superglide 2900 with 4439 adapter

[transamz9]

4wlow wrote:
I have a 20k reese select slider on top of the picture frame and a trail air pin box. I like the pin box, but maybe I could get one with a lower profile. I was also looking at maybe getting 17.5 wheels and tires. I would gain a little height and higher weight rating on the tires. That is expensive though$2000 plus. I do have Chinese tires now.

I also have a 6'4" bed. Here's my hitch.

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

[4wlow]

I have a 20k reese select slider on top of the picture frame and a trail air pin box. I like the pin box, but maybe I could get one with a lower profile. I was also looking at maybe getting 17.5 wheels and tires. I would gain a little height and higher weight rating on the tires. That is expensive though$2000 plus. I do have Chinese tires now.

[gtsum]

What about the b&w companionnfor the ram prep package and then get a sidewinder? I confirmed with e trailer that you can use those together....can't use the turnover b&w with the sidewinder though. I am going through same issue with my 2014 ram 3500 also.

R u using the superglide on top of the picture frame adaptor?

[4wlow]

picture frame is around two inches, so getting rid of that would help. I did look at the B&W made for the Ram 5th wheel package, but that would only gain me 3/4 inch and I would lose my ability to slide the hitch (I have the 6.4 bed) Will those other hitches go lower? My hitch now is just under 18 inches from the bed.

[transamz9]

It must be the picture frame and slider that's making it so high. I have the B&W turn over ball and a non sliding B&W companion model #3500.

How much would the nose drop if you took the slider and picture frame out?

[4wlow]

not sure how to post pics, but yes you could walk under when hitched because I am nose high. Problem is the truck simply sits too high and I am out of adjustment on hitch and pinbox. Truck is a stock 2014 ram 3500.

[transamz9]

RCMAN46 wrote:
To OP

You state you have 11 inches from bedrail to trailer. I am almost sure your bedrail is about 60 inches from the ground. Add 11 inches and that gives you 71 inches. 5 11. I am 5 9 so I could walk under your trailer when hitched?


How about some pictures of the pin box and trailer hitch.

A picture when hitched would be helpful too.

Something just don't sound right. I had to raise my pin box and lower my B&W hitch but my clearance is only 5.5 inches with my Ram 3500 4X4.

[RCMAN46]

To OP

You state you have 11 inches from bedrail to trailer. I am almost sure your bedrail is about 60 inches from the ground. Add 11 inches and that gives you 71 inches. 5 11. I am 5 9 so I could walk under your trailer when hitched?


How about some pictures of the pin box and trailer hitch.

A picture when hitched would be helpful too.

[4wlow]

Right now the only way to get low enough is it to do a goose neck conversion, but reading about that has me a bit worried about the stress on the trailer frame. Anyone have experience with this?

[stro1965]

I visited the scales today too, and I too have a 1000 difference between front and rear axles. I'm in better shape though, I think, because even the rear axle at approximately 6,000 pounds is below the limits of my 7K axles.