03 5er Problem

[Cummins4Life]

My neighbor just traded his 97 PSD for a 03 HO 3500(DRW) auto 4x4. I was down at his place admiring this fine new truck when we got to looking at his 5er. Its a 2axle Springdale by Ferndale I believe. We noticed that if he tried to back the truck underneith the trailer hitch the trailer would actually sit on the bedrails of the truck. Ok I remember a TSB about the 01-02's being too high and a shorter block could be installed, crawl under his there is no huge block like mine, maybe 1 inch at most. If he Dropps the hitch on the trailer down anyfarther the rear end of trailer will drag on the ground. Also the trailer is already spring over axle. He called the local RV shop and they said they could do a shackle lift on the trailer that would give him enoug clearance for $600, does that seem right, anyone have anyother ideas.



Thanks.

 

[fireman29hfd]

try autozone, they carry a lift block setup for trucks that is aroud $30 each (i think) if it is the right width, he may be able to do the lift himself, just jack it up drop the axel, put the spacer in, and bolt the axel back up. worth a try.

 

[Steve M]

Only trouble with the blocks is trailer axles are on top of the springs unless they've been relocated to under the springs.

Taller tires is an option but with limited results. If it were me, I'd fork up the $600 if I were planning to keep the trailer. That's alot of work if you don't have the place and proper jacks.

 

[Fireman]

Zach,



Most hitches and pin boxes are adjustable. That is where I would start. Another heads up, I use the stock tailgate and if I hitch up with the tailgate down it hits the front of the trailer. I have to back up far enough to close the tailgate then back up again to complete hitching. Tell your friend to keep an eye on this the first time he hitches up. Putting a hole in your generator compartment door isn't the best way to start a vacation.



Fireman

 

[wsurf]

As Fireman said most hitches are adjustable. I have a 03 DRW and faced the same problem. Ended up putting blocks between the springs and axles (already had the axles flipped). I needed an 1. 5 inch lift. Be careful about using blocks for cars. Spring widths vary. I made my own out of square tubing. Total cost was about $150. 00 when I got done (U bolts, plates, tubing stock). Good luck.