Over Under Kit Recommend for 5th Trailer to Allow Trailer to Sit Level and Have Bed Rail Clearance

Updated 07/07/2014 | Published 07/05/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(850)

$82.90

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(850)

$90.89

Question:

I purchased a new pickup truck and have mounted my existing fifth wheel hitch in the bed. The height is about 22inch from bed to plate top. I have lowered my pin box as high as it will go, and have 7inch clearance above my pickup side rails. The problem is that I now have a 5inch front height advantage over the rear of my fifth wheel trailer. It rides front end high by 5. If I purchase a new hitch, I will loose the clearance above my truck bed side rails. Do you have any comments about what I can do, or will this setup be OK for towing. It is certainly not level with the existing setup and I have no idea for a solution. I would appreciate any help you could give. Thanks

asked by: Gary K

Helpful Expert Reply:

The two things you want in regards to hitch height and pin box height are to have the trailer sit as level as possible and to have at least 6 inches from the top of the bed rails to the overhang of your trailer. To accomplish this you need to manipulate the heights of the pin box and fifth wheel hitch till both of those things are achieved.

In your situation it sounds like your truck sits too high to accomplish both. If your axles are above your leaf springs what you can do is move them to under the leaf springs with an over-under kit to raise your trailer up. If you have 2-3/8 inch axles you would want the part # K71-384-00, if you have 3 inch axles you would want the part # K71-385-00.

If your axles are already below the springs you can install taller hangers. I attached a page that has all of the hangers we offer.

expert reply by: Jameson C