How To Prevent Bedsides From Hitting 5th Wheel Trailer While Backing Down Driveway

Updated 09/09/2019 | Published 09/06/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$790.20

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$72.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$88.64

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$520.01

Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Tandem Axle

(51)

$502.13

Question:

I have a 2017 Ram 2500 and a 2018 Flagstaff 524 RLBS 5th Wheel. I have a Reese 16,000 hitch installed. My problem is my driveway is a steep angle and the trailer is hitting the top of bed rail when trying to back down it. So we gave up and parked it at a friends. Is there any way to raise the hitch and still make it stable so I can get more clearance? Thanks in advance....

asked by: Mark D

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can raise a Reese 16K 5th Wheel Hitch like part # RP30051 or part # RP30047 for example to sit a maximum of 18" above the bed. The only thing you need to do to do this is move the center section up a set of bolt holes assuming you are not already maxed out. The minimum clearance needed between the besides and loft is 4-6" so if the above max 18" does not give you what you need then you may also be able to adjust the pin box.

However, more likely than not you are going to need to raise the trailer as the issue you are having is pretty common for late model trucks because they sit too high off the ground. In order to raise the trailer I have a few options for you which I have attached below.

If your leaf springs are already over your axle tube then you will need to use the Tandem Axle Lift Kit part # RR23QX but if they are under then you can flip them using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-385-00 for 5,200 lb - 7,000 lb axles or part # K71-384-00 for 3,500 lb axles.