Will Nose-High 5th Wheel Trailer Sway During Travel
Published 11/15/2022
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Question:
Hello, I have a Demco sliding hitch on my Ram 2500 with OEM automatic-leveling airbags. The trailer sways when I go over bumps and at times when changing lanes while pulling my 2022 Jayco 36 foot RV. I checked the clearance between the bedrail at the bottom of the front nose and the end of the bed rail. The front nose of the RV to the bedrail is 7 1/4, and at the end, of the bedrail, is 5 1/2. It seems the nose is up slightly. Would this cause it to sway? Thank you,
asked by: John H
Expert Reply:
Thanks for all of the info and the research you've already done!
Dropping almost 2" from about the point where the king pin connects to the Demco Hijacker 18K # DM69GV or 21K # DM89GV back towards the end of the bed is definitely enough to cause your trailer to sway. A level trailer that is properly loaded will give you the best towing performance.
To level things out you have a few choices:
1. Move the pin box up to a higher set of bolt holes
2. Install an Over-Under Kit like part # K71-384-00 or # K71-385-00
3. Install a Correct Track Kit, part # RR23QX for tandem or part # RR55QX for triple axle
4. Cut off and weld on new, taller, hangers to your frame
The order listed above is the most cost-effective to the most expensive solutions. The only time I really recommend going with step 4 is if you literally have no other choice or if your factory suspension is in really bad shape. If you're able to adjust the pin box to a higher set of bolts that would be the best-case scenario.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ram Prep Package - 18K
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-7/8 - 19-3/8 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
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on 5th Wheel Hitch
