Recommended Way to Lift 5th Wheel Trailer For More Bed Rail Clearance

Updated 08/17/2022 | Published 08/15/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(850)

$82.90

Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Tandem Axle

(57)

$501.83

Question:

I just purchased a 5th wheel. First one. I have a pullrite superglide hitch on a puck system. Pullrite says this hitch is not height adjustable. On level ground my 5th wheel is perfectly level, but I only have 3.5 inches of clearance over my bed rails. I if my pinbox down to get the proper clearance, I am afraid my trailer wont be level. Any suggestions? Or will 3 inches raised on the pin box not make a significant difference on a 35 foot 5th wheel. Thanks!!!

asked by: Mark J

Expert Reply:

Three and a half inches is definitely not enough bed rail clearance (you want at least 5" at minimum), so you'll want to adjust your pin box, but you're also right that you won't be level, and your 5th wheel trailer will be nose high. That is not something you want either as it can really affect your trailer's suspension and handling when you are towing.

The tires can wear quicker, bearings can overheat, and even axles can bend due to the weight being uneven towards the rear of your rig. Now, that's not to say all of these things are going to happen after your first trip - they aren't. But over time suspension issues are going to crop up, so what you can do is add some lift, and there are a couple options for this:

- Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00

- Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Tandem Axle # RR23QX

I'm assuming you have a tandem axle trailer and that you have 3" diameter axles (which are generally 5,200 lb to 7,000 lb axles). The Over/Under kit flips the leaf springs so they go from below the axle to above the axle, lifting your trailer approximately the same amount as your axle's diameter plus the height of the leaf spring pack.

Some 5th wheels have this already though so if that's the case with yours, the Correct Track kit can add 2-1/4" of height. This has specific requirements though as you need 3" wide x 3-3/4" tall hangers or 3" wide x 5" tall hangers.

expert reply by: Kyle S