Is Replacing 5th Wheel Pin Box Needed to Lower Nose of Trailer

Updated 03/09/2020 | Published 03/08/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Rota-Flex 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1116 - 19,000 lbs

(86)

$687.45

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(783)

$72.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(783)

$89.31

Question:

I have the 1116 king pin on my 347 carbon. On my 2020 GMC2500 it has the camper riding nose up. Will this king pin lessen the distance from my bed sides to the camper? I need to the front end down a couple inches?

asked by: Paul M

Expert Reply:

Replacement pin boxes aren't the ideal solution for lowering the nose of a fifth wheel trailer. Most are all made to provide the exact same height. You might be able to remove your current one though and bolt it back in place using higher mounting holes which would give you a lowered trailer nose.

Ideally you have at least 6 inches of clearance from the trucks bed rails and the overhang of the trailer. Other options for leveling the trailer would include raising the trailer suspension which we do have lift kits for.

You can do this by moving the axles from being above the leaf springs to below the leaf springs.

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

expert reply by: Jameson C