Raising the Height of a 5th Wheel Trailer and Hitch to Avoid Bottoming Out on Steep Inclines

Question:

I have adjusted the height to the maximum on my Reese 30047. I want to raise my 2009 Cardinal 3100 3 inches so I can back down the incline into my driveway and not drag at the bottom of the incline. I need the same 3 inches at the hitch so my 5er rides level going down the road. My truck is a 2006 GMC 3500 with an 8 ft. bed. How can I get it done?

asked by: Willie G

Expert Reply:

First, you could lower the pin box on the trailer to get some extra height at the front if you have already raised the hitch to the maximum height setting according to the instructions. But to raise the back of the trailer you will need to use what is called an over-under kit. We have 2 different kits and what they do is move the leaf springs from under the axle to above it (if they are already above it there is not much more you can safely do).

The first kit, # K71-385-00, is designed to fit on 3 inch diameter round axles. The second kit, # K71-384-00, fits 2-3/8 inch diameter round axles. The height gained will be approximately the same as the axle diameter.

Please note that raising the height of the trailer changes the location of the center of gravity and can lead to trailer sway.

expert reply by: Michael H