What is Best Way to Lift Trailer Suspension To Allow Fifth Wheel to Sit Level w Over Axle Springs

Published 08/13/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Triangular Equalizer for 1-3/4" Double-Eye Springs - 6" Long - 9/16" Center Hole

(135)

$11.35

Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(324)

$1656.81

Question:

Then you for the quick follow up to my review. Here is a chance to show me your stuff! I have investigated further and I believe the goose neck adapter offset combined with a rarely long pin box his the reason why I am hitting my bed rails with pin box mounting frame. I currently have a PopUp RV 9" offset adapter. If you measure from the back of pin box frame to the king pin I have 32". I can change to an RV1 5" offset adapter but i think i may still be out over the bed rails. I will attach some pictures. My truck is a 2015 chevy 2500HD crew cab shortbed. Any suggestions or guidance you can give me would be appreciated.

asked by: MATTHEW W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The ideal trailer height is one that allows it to sit as level as possible and has at least 6 inches between the bed rails of the truck and the overhang of the trailer. Since you need a bit more height and you have your axles below your leaf springs already and you have different mounting holes on your suspension hangers your best option would be to move the springs to the lower holes as that would give you the 1 inch of lift you are looking for.

Going with a taller equalizer too would be ideal as well if the hanger for the equalizer does not have a lower hole you can use as well. If you can get me the dimensions of your current equalizers I can help pick you out the correct one that would be 1 inch taller. I need distance between left and right mounting holes as well as the distance between the top and bottom holes.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Matthew W.

8/13/2019

Jameson C.

8/13/2019

You are correct. The reason the pin box wants to hit the bed rails around corners is that you have long offset with the longer pin box. Due to that length when you get to corners it pivots into the sides of the bed rails. Since based on the picture you sent in you have a Lippert 1621 pin box currently your best solution is to replace that with the Goose Box # RP85FR. This is actually only fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter that fits your trailer that doesn't void the warranty of the trailer. This will bring the length of your pin box/adapter setup back to a length that will allow the trailer to turn without bed rail interference. Since you have a "longer" short bed and your trailer has a tapered nose you should still be able to make tight turns.