2015 RAM vs 2002 truck bed height

[Redwolf]

Howdy all -

I'm considering trading in my old '02 RAM 2500 for a new/used 2014/2015. One thing I noticed today at the dealership was how much taller the new rigs are over my old one. All of the rigs were 4x4, where my is RWD, not sure if that is why they are taller or not.

How do you adjust for the added height with a 5th wheel? My current rig tows the trailer level, I don't want to see the trailer tilted nose up with a new truck. I know my hitch has some minor height adjustment, but I don't think it's going to cover the difference.

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-Red

Big Bad Wolf - '02 Dodge Ram 2500HD 5.9 CTD / Prodigy / Quadzilla / Reese 15k Pro

 

[Ram4Sam]

There is about 6 inches difference.........on my 2001.5 2wd, the bed rails were about 53" high, 2016 is right at 59" high. My fifth wheel is tall, with my 2001, I had almost 12 inches of bed rail clearance, so with my taller new truck, I had six inches to give. These new trucks, being so tall, don't mate up well with older trailers.

Sam

 

[BarryG]

You should have some adjustment on the hitch and the pin box. You may have some adjustment on your trailer suspension depending on what type it is, on my trailer suspension I have about 3 inches of total adjustment (moreryde cre3000). If yours has no adjustment you may be able to change it to a type that does. You may be able to flip the axles on the trailer which could be several inches. You may be able to put on larger diameter trailer tires and gain an inch or so depending on what you currently have on there. You could certainly add a sub frame to the trailer. I talked to my local trailer repair place and was quoted $700 for a 2-3 inch sub frame on my trailer. While I have not done it yet it is probably going to happen between now and next season as I am out of adjustment and have just under 6" of bedrail clearance which I feel is bare minimum and would prefer another inch or so for the places we go in the mountains.