How to Raise a 5th Wheel Trailer so it Rides Level

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Question:

I have a 2016 Ram dually and a 2017 Jayco Pinnacle. 40foot . I downsized from a 43foot and over 3000lbs lighter. The new unit is riding high in the front, putting a lot of stress on the rear two tires. My truck rides high in the rear because of it being a dually. Got to get the rear of the trailer up, bigger wheels and tires, lift what? Need a little help here. Dont want to spend an arm and a leg just need to do it right. Tks.

asked by: Charles

0

Expert Reply:

Increasing the tire and wheel size can increase the height of the trailer but it's usually quite minimal.

Before you do anything else you should see if the pin box can be adjusted. Although you have to be careful here since This will lower the front of the trailer instead of raising the rear. You need to keep at least 6 inches between the underside of the trailer and your truck to avoid contact.

If adjusting the pin box isn't an option for one reason or another you can also look into cutting off the hangers and installing taller ones. Although this generally doesn't raise the trailer significantly either.

To really impact the height of your trailer you'll need to use an Over-Under Conversion kit. This is commonly referred to as flipping the axles by moving the springs on top of the axle instead of under it. Choose the kit appropriate for your axle diameter. If you have 3 inch axles use # K71-385-00 and for 2-3/8 inch axles use # K71-384-00.

expert reply by: Charles S

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Adam

4/23/2020

Im in a similar situation with my 2020 2500hd. my 5th wheel is riding way too nose high and cant use an over under kit as my springs are already abovefactory is installing blocks the way to go in this situation? i have Dexter axles 4400lb X 2

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_leaf_spring_suspension-sf-Hangers.aspx

Reply

Chris R.

4/24/2020

I'm assuming you've already tried adjusting the hitch and pin box (just about any 5th wheel hitch will have an adjustable height). If so, then you could use spacer/lift blocks on the trailer axle, however we don't have these types of products available for standard leaf spring axles. The other option to raise the trailer would be to just cut off your existing hangers and weld on longer ones. Doing this is a really efficient way of raising the trailer - I linked our hanger selection below if you go this route.

Reply

David U.

7/9/2024

What about a 1997 Automate with air ride? Is there a kit to get this one up higher?

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Bud M.

7/9/2024

@DavidU I am having a difficult time finding details on your exact suspension setup but based on the images I could find I do not believe there is an easy way to lift your suspension. It appears you would need to recreate the suspension on the trailer placing it lower from the frame to get a lift.

Reply

Answer 1

We have lift kits for trailer that easily add 2 inches to the height of the trailer. For that you'd want the part #RR23QX and you'd be set. I attached a picture that shows how it installs to give you an idea. This would be the easiest…

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Answer 2

Yes, but it's going to be an extremely small amount and you'll need to add springs that have more leafs than your current ones. You'll get maybe 1/4" to 3/8" per leaf of lift. If you could get the weight off of one side of your…

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Answer 3

Although I would not be able to speak on the installation of the part(s) you received for your trailer, I can tell you that the TremPro 644 Silicone Sealant part #0160297 will do an excellent job of sealing your new aluminum panel to the trailer and…

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Answer 4

In order to re-seal the panels on your trailer you can use the TremPro 644 Silicone Sealant part #0160297 as an alternative to the Loctite Urethane Sealant part L0150811. The TremPro 644 Silicone Sealant has a similar compound to the Loctite Urethane…

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Answer 5

The Andersen Ultimate #AM3200 has three height adjustments measured from the top of the fifth wheel rails: 18" Upper position 16-7/8" Middle position 15-3/4" Lower position You'd have to measure from the truck bed height to the…

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Answer 6

I do have options for you but if you were using the lower most hole on the hitch ball for the Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part #AM3200 then that is going to be your max height for this hitch as they do not make a taller ball…

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Answer 7

Hey Dennis, thanks for reaching out! We have a variety of options, with the most cost-effective being the Dexter Axle Over-Under lift kits: - 2-3/8" Axle #K71-384-00 - 3" Axle #K71-385-00 These kits will move the axle from sitting above…

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Answer 8

Hey Earold, I don't have a safe way to recommend you cut down the height of your Lippert Ground Control 3.0 jack legs. MAYBE there's a way to make it all work but with the internal sensors and all of that there's no telling what if it…

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Answer 9

For a standard replacement equalizer for your Dexter 13-122 equalizers you'd want the #TREQE1 or for a cushioned version you'd want the part #K71-653-00 which comes with new shackles and bolts. For a kit that includes new bolts, bushings, and…

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Answer 10

The better fitting equalizer upgrade solution we have for you is the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers #LC279688 which has a distance of 7-1/2 inches between the outer holes and a vertical distance of 4 inches. This will be the closest in dimensions to…

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Answer 11

When adjusting the height of a pin box such as #LC1191191 it is important to support the pin box when removing the bolts. I recommend 2 or 3 buddies to give you a hand and make sure no one is beneath the pin box while raising or lowering it. With the…

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Answer 12

Hey Scott, I just got the Demco wear plate 14711 added to our selection under part #DM48KV.

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How to Raise a 5th Wheel Trailer so it Rides Level

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