adjusting height for new tow vehicle

[benbovac]

i am picking up a new 3500 GMC Denali SRW today for pulling my 5th wheel. The truck appears to sit quite a bit higher than my old one. Im guessing i may have to adjust the pin height so that i get a level trailer. Anyone have experience doing this, or suggestion on how to proceed the best? Thanks

[MO_Trout_Bum]

I think some on this forum have indicated that the springs on the newer trucks compress a bit more to allow a smoother ride. So, even though the trucks set a bit higher, the loaded height may be about the same, and the rail to camper clearance may be about the same. Just be sure to watch the side travel of the PIN box when making tight turns, like you probably always do anyway.

Also, looks like you have a relatively new Montana, which probably sits pretty high anyway. Enjoy!

[benbovac]

im surprised, i hooked it up in my driveway and its close to level and looks good. I have 6.5" from the bottom of the 5er to the top of the bed rails. I think raising it more will put the trailer nose high. Im going to see how it goes for a short trip (75 miles) on Friday. I will be doing about 2000 miles in 3 weeks so i want to make sure it feels and looks right. Thanks for the suggestions!!

[Norskeman]

I went from a 2005 to a 2011 and I had to raise the hitch head on the fifth wheel hitch to the upper set of bolt holes - I now have 6 inches of clearance.

Watch the end of the pin box too - if it is squared off it may hit the box when you make a hard turn before you adjust the hitch. I hit the box on my truck on a tight turn with our last fifth wheel. I made an angle cut on the end of the box and raised the hitch.

Our new trailer pin box is angled at the back so no mods were needed.

What I did to our last trailer pin box - angled the end - it was square in the back before - took about 1" off.

You may have to adjust the pin box to give more height too - then It may not tow level though - could be nose high.

[donn0128]

Hook everything up get to a level place and start measuring. This is very common with newer trucks. More than likely to maintain the trailer to bed clearance you are,going to have to raise the trailer. Either by moving the axles or adding a sub frame.