Will Nose-High 5th Wheel Trailer Sway During Travel

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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

0

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.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

Answer 1

If your new 5th wheel trailer's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), which is the very most it can weigh when fully loaded for the road, is 18,000-lbs then I would be comfortable using a B&W 20K hitch. Odds are that you will not be routinely…

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Answer 2

I recommend the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch #DM69GV as the best and easiest to use option for your 2024 Ram 2500 short bed. This hitch will drop into the 4 outer mounting points in your beds factory mounting puck system. The hitch automatically…

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Answer 3

Thank you the pictures are a great help. I recommend using the MORryde AllTrek 4000 Equalizers #MR29DR with the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Triple Axle Trailers - 3-1/8" #MR26ZR for your 2015 Keystone Carbon 327 5th wheel camper. These…

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Answer 4

Okay let's get started here with the suspension for your 2012 Skyline Koala 27CDS with 3,500 lb Axles; for the first part regarding your equalizers and suspension upgrade kit, so long as your current equalizer is spaced 6 inches (or close to it -…

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Answer 5

Hey Brian, I believe you are asking about the Correct Track lift kit part #RR23QX and why it can't be used with the CRE3000 kit like part #MR87ZR. The clearance issue is the square brackets of the Correct track that would need to attach to the…

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Answer 6

What's up, Chuck? You can definitely use higher-rated springs for your trailer, and for that I recommend checking out the 25-1/4" Long 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,400-lb Trailer Axles #DX95CR. Be sure to change out the leaf springs on…

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Answer 7

This is definitely something that has been an issue for newer trucks like your 2022 Ram 2500. Pretty much every truck manufacturer started making their trucks sit a bit higher a few years ago which has really changed the game for 5th wheel towing. If…

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Answer 8

Yes, Demco does have the 21K Autoslide #DM89GV as well as an 18K Autoslide #DM69GV that will fit the factory prep/puck system in a Ram 2500 or 3500 pickup. If you have one of the following pin boxes you will also need the corresponding accessory to…

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Answer 9

We have a solution for you but because your axle is already over slung and you have taller hangers in place, we are limited in options. From the images you forwarded, you have a T44 axle. I recommend the Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit…

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Answer 10

Since you measured your springs with weight on them I am going to recommend a couple of different length springs as replacements. You will want to verify how long your springs are without weight on them before purchasing. The compression caused by…

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Answer 11

I recommend going with the MORryde AllTrek 4000 Equalizers #MR29DR over the Lippert Road Armor #LC696740 on your 2020 Coachmen Chaparral 33TSIK. With the Road Armor bolts only spread 6" on center and your current leaf spring sitting relatively…

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Answer 12

Hey Mike, that is pretty crazy to hear! If your axles are able to turn enough that they wheels end up pointing in different directions I would first check the suspension components as that sounds like a component is broken. I'd look at the leaf…

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Will Nose-High 5th Wheel Trailer Sway During Travel

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