Question:
I have an Exis aluminum 20ft combination stock 5th wheel trailer. It is probably 6 years old. It has two 7000lb dexter #12 Torflex axles. I upgraded from a 3/4 ton 2005 Chevy with 15 inch tires to a 2019 1 ton GMC which has 18 inch tires. I extended the hitch tube on the 5th wheel to get clearance for the truck bed rails. The trailer now slopes up rear to front. After reviewing dexter lift kit K 71-725-02 information, I am hoping it will help level the trailer out. Would appreciate your opinion, is this the appropriate kit? The information mentions that horizontal and or vertical bolt set ups may not work, and 3 inch brackets wont work. I am planning a mule trip to Colorado and roads are not improved so I think 6-7 inch bed rail clearance is needed for dips and inclines. Is 6-7 inch clearance reasonable?
asked by: David M
Helpful Expert Reply:
Yes, the Torflex Lift Kit # K71-725-02 is the correct one to use on your 5th wheel trailer with tandem #12 Dexter 7K Torflex axles. This kit will provide an additional 3-1/8 inches of rise and will help level out your trailer so it isn't nose high.
As you mentioned, this kit is not compatible with top-mounted torsion axles, or 3 inch tall brackets, so as long as your Torflex axles are side mounted, and the axle brackets are not 3 inches tall, as shown in the attached photo, the # K71-725-02 will work great.
When it comes to bed rail clearance, the recommendation is that there should be 5-6 inches of clearance between the back of your truck and your fifth wheel. I've attached a link to our Fifth Wheel Installation Tips FAQ for you to check out at the bottom of the page.
Torflex Lift Kit - Tandem Axle - 3-1/8" Lift