Can a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Adjusted Higher or Lower to Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer Level

Updated 05/22/2020 | Published 10/11/2013

Question:

How can I tell if my truck has too much lift? My truck sits up 5inch taller than the truck used to pull the 5th wheel right now. I dont want to buy it and then realize it wont work. Are there some default rules? Are some hitches more flexible than others?

asked by: Aaron

Expert Reply:

First, I need to know if the truck in question has been lifted or if it just happens to be taller. Also, if it is lifted, I need to know if it is a suspension lift or body lift. If it is a body lift you will not be able to install a 5th wheel hitch because the bed will be too far from the frame.

5th wheel trailer hitches and most pin boxes on trailers are height adjustable. You can adjust them up and down a few inches to get a more level tow.

With the truck and trailer on level ground you would want at least 4 to 6 inches of clearance between the tops of the bed sides and the bottom of the trailer overhang. If you can get that by adjusting a hitch and the pinbox on the trailer then that is what you are aiming for. Trailer hitch # RP30047 that you referenced is height adjustable from 14-1/2 to 18 inches. This measurement is taken from the tops of the bed corrugations to the top of the hitch.

expert reply by: Michael H

Robert

5/19/2020

I have a Democrat slider hitch and just bought new 5th wheel. It needed to be leveled so I lowered my hitch all the way. There is 6 inches of clearance between the truck bed rail and the bottom of RV. My concern is though, it looks as if it may hit my tailgate and others have said it may hit my truck sides when turning sharply. Is this true and should I raise my hitch up a little???

Chris R.

5/22/2020

Your 6" of clearance is actually pretty good. We just recommend having at least 5" of space between the bed rails and trailer to avoid interference, so I don't think you'll have any problems with this.