Adjusting a 5th Wheel Trailer for 3 inch Difference Between Old and New Trucks

Published 05/22/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(783)

$72.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(783)

$88.95

Question:

Jon. I cannot adjust the king pin or hitch any more because of bed clearance. My axles are already under the springs. I am thinking I need lower spring with something like adding spacing blocks are a combination of both. What product do you have or suggest

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

Adding 3 inches of height to your setup shouldn't be a big deal at all, but of course you do want your setup to be level. If the additional 3 inches of height causes your trailer to not be level then you will need to change something. There are actually a few different things you can do before raising your whole trailer to accommodate the 2-3 inches of height that your 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 adds.

First of all you can adjust your 5th wheel hitch to a lower setting if it is not already at the highest setting. If your 5th wheel hitch is already at the highest setting then you could raise the pin box on your trailer. Between these 2 options you should be able to compensate for the 3 inches.

If your 5th wheel hitch and pin box are already at the lowest settings then you can use an over under kit, part # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8 inch axle or part # K71-385-00 for a 3 inch axle. An over under kit moves the leaf springs on your trailer from under the axle to over the axle.

expert reply by: Jon G

John D.

5/22/2017

Jon G.

5/22/2017

If you already have your axles under your leaf springs then the next thing you need to do is swap out your current hangers for longer ones. I have linked our selection of hangers for you to filter through.