Raising the Height of a 5th Wheel Trailer for More Clearance

Updated 04/17/2015 | Published 04/16/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(852)

$97.19

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(852)

$89.14

Question:

I have a 2013 F-250 4x4 crew cab, short bed with a Reese 16k manual slider hitch, which is adjusted as high as it will go. My trailer is a 2014 Crossroads Cruiser 35SS fifth wheel with a RotoFlex pin box. Hooked up and level, I have only about 4-5 inches of clearance between the trailer and the truck cargo bed walls / tailgate. I havent crunched the truck yet, but Ive come real close. Even the dealer doesnt want to mess with the pin box, so I guess Ill have to drop it myself. My question is, if I drop the pin box two inches, will that likely give me enough clearance, but will it overstress the rear axle of the trailer and cause handling problems? Im not too enthused about raising the trailer off the suspension more. That seems it would be wobbly and top heavy. Very frustrating that I have this really nice combo, but Im constantly terrified of every driveway, grade crossing, and dip in the road. Not what I call the relaxed RV lifestyle. Thanks very much!

asked by: Jay S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Truck with 4-wheel drive tend to be taller than there 2-wheel drive brethren and add to that the fact that truck manufacturers make the bed sides taller and taller every generation and its no wonder clearance can be an issue!

We usually tell customers that they need 5 or 6 inches from the tops of the bed sides to the bottom of a 5th wheel trailer overhang. You are close but lowering the pin box one more notch down should do the trick.

I am not sure why the RV dealer will not lower it for you. They are designed to be semi-adjustable (on most trailers). Pin boxes are heavy so get a couple of buddies to assist you. Make sure you have a torque wrench. Check the torque on the bolts now and make sure that once reinstalled they are at that same torque level.

Lowering the pin box 1 notch down should not have too great of an impact on the rear axle on the trailer. It will probably even look like it is still level when coupled to the hitch. But if you are worried about it then the only other thing you can do is raised the trailer.

Raising the height of a trailer does raise its center of gravity and makes it more susceptible to sway though it takes a lot more to get a 5th wheel trailer to sway than a smaller travel trailer, the chance for sway is still there.

If you do think raising the trailer in the back is the way to go then you may be able to use an over/under conversion kit if:

The trailer leaf spring stack is currently mounted under the axles
The trailer uses double-eye springs
And the trailer has 2-3/8 inch or 3 inch diameter round axles

For a 2-3/8 inch round axle use # K71-384-00 and for a 3 inch diameter axle use # K71-385-00.

If you cannot use an over/under conversion kit then the only other way to raise the height of the trailer is to have the old suspension hangers cut off and new, taller ones welded on by a qualified professional welder. I have included a link to the hanger main page for you.