How Can I Keep My Trailer From Riding Nose Up

Updated 02/24/2022 | Published 02/18/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Spyder Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails, 25,000 lbs GTW

(500)

$294.94

Curt Above-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails - 3" Offset - 25,000 lbs

(510)

$219.47

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(808)

$92.55

Question:

I have a 2015 Ram 2500 long bed, crew cab, diesel, 4x4, Tradesman edition. I added: 1. Curt A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs 2. Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram Truck - Carbide Finish 3. Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle Item # AL88289 4. Curt Spyder Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails, 25,000 lbs GTW Item # 16085 My new trailer is a 2002 40’ enclosed Haulmark gooseneck with three 6k axles, empty weight of 11,500 pounds and GVWR of 18,000. 4.5” coupler post. The trailer itself has an offset coupler for a shortbed truck. Steer Axle Drive Axle Trailer Axle Gross Weight Truck without trailer 5,240 3,560 0 8,800 Truck with trailer 5,240 7,040 8,260 20,540 Difference 0 3,480 8,260 11,740 Ball to axle weight ratio empty is .296 or 30 on ball and 70 on axles. GAWR front 6,000 GAWR rear 6,500 Here are my concerns: 1. It seems the weight of the trailer is bearing too heavily on the rear axle and not distributed appropriately between the axles. Should the trailer also load the front axle or is this appropriate as is? 2. With the gooseneck coupler all the way retracted up into the trailer and the truck airbags empty the trailer is still “nose-up” by a few inches. I’m concerned this will overload my rear trailer axle and the front axle brakes lock up so seems the front trailer axle is light. This is probably also contributing to the heavy ball weight in #3 below. Is there a gooseneck trailer adapter for fifth wheel rails which sits lower? How about a different 4.5” coupler post for the trailer or do I just drill another hole in it and it down? 3. I will likely use every bit of the 18,000 GVWR if not be a bit heavy. At 18,000 GVRW and 20/25/30 ball to axle weight the ball weight will be 3,600/4,500/5,400 pounds. Empty the trailer is loading my rear axle above GAWR. How much extra capacity do the airbags give me if any? I can load the back of the trailer more than the front. What ball weight ratio do I need to maintain to pull safely? Thank You,

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

If your trailer's gooseneck hitch is in the lowest possible position, you may be able to replace it with something with either more adjustability or has a lower profile. The Pro Series 25K Gooseneck Plate for Fifth Wheel Rails by Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch and Reese, part # 16055, will work. It has a 2-1/2" rise from the truck bed to the base of the hitch ball. Your existing gooseneck trailer hitch, part # 16085 has slightly more than 3".

If this will not work, you will have to raise your trailer's suspension. If your trailer has double-eyed leaf springs, you can use an under/over kit like the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, part # K71-385-00, to raise your trailer's suspension. This will not work if you have slipper springs. In that case, you will have to cut off your existing axle hangers and install taller hangers.

One last thing you could do if you have fender clearance, go to larger size tires. This would be less work but a more expensive option.

expert reply by: Mark Smith