5ver Guys: How can I gain space between bed and 5ver

[Carolina Cummins1]

I bought a 1991 fifth wheel Avion 35' in great shape. A friend hauled it home for me, because I haven't bought a hitch yet. Started measuring the top of my truck bed and the bottom of the camper where it sticks out of the truck and I only have 2" clearance.



I thought about:



-Lowering the rear of my truck by switching out the 4. 5" blocks with 2" blocks. Hopefully a true 2" gain

-Switch tires from 265/75 to 245/75 (last resort) Hopefully a 2" gain

-Truck should squat at last 3"



That's about 9" total clearance, is this enough?

 

[TowPro]

The best bet is to use this kit from Dextor

This is the main reason I run a 2wd

I did install this kit on a 5er before, it gave me around 4" of additional clearance.

 

[Carolina Cummins1]

Thanks for the reply, but that wouldn't be an option since I have torsion bar axles. I would probaly have to add a spacer or subframe above the axle mounts.



I'm hoping this is the last resort.

 

[ScottLewis]

First thing you need to do is determine just how much you need to modify. When I bought my '06, I was certain I'd have to raise the RV at least 5 inches since the new truck was nearly 6" higher than the old one.

Here's what I did and you should try: Stack a group of blocks in the bed of the truck where the hitch would be and at the level the hitch would be. Lower the pin of the 5er down onto the blocks to place all the tongue weight on the blocks and on the truck. See if the RV is level enough to keep you happy or how much you actually have to either raise the RV or lower the truck.



My new truck settled about 4 inches with the tongue weight on the bed The depth of the bed was close to the same as the '98 so I didn't even have to adjust the height of the hitch. I have just over 6" clearance between the bed and the RV. It's about the minimum but I'm happy with it.



Dan



p. s. I had already ordered steel to build a sub-frame to raise the RV. I'm real glad I didn't have to build that.

 

[BimmerAgent]

My hitch has an adjustment on it on the fiver. There are several bolt holes that appear to move the height of the pin up or down depending on your truck. I've never used them , since the fiver dealer made those adjustments for me, but it might be something to look for. Maybe you can get some more clearance that way. Bruce

 

[ScottLewis]

The adjustments on the pin box, and those on the hitch frame should give you the clearance you need but if the level is too far off, towing characteristics may suffer. I've seen rigs on the road that look like they're climbing mountains.

The fact that you have a short bed (like mine) is actually to your advantage in this case. If you haven't already bought your hitch, check out the sliding types. Plenty of info on this site about them.



Dan

 

[klenger]

There was a TSB for the 01 trucks to lower the rear end by replacing the blocks. I had it done on my 01. 5 under warranty and I liked it. One the 3rd gens, it's even easier as you can simply restack the spring pack to put the blocks above the axle and drop it about 1-1/4".



TSB 02-001-01 to Lower Rear of Truck to Tow 5th Wheel Camper



Lowering a 3rd Gen Dodge 4WD 2500/3500 Truck

 

[Carolina Cummins1]

What is the factory block height? Is it 4. 5" or 4" blocks? Should I use a 2. 5" block for replacement?



This mod would help significantly. I also like the level appearance.



I'm also buying the PullRite auto adjusting hitch for cheap insurance.

 

[klenger]

It's been too long since I've had my 2001. 5 to know any of the specifics. Good luck.

 

[SnoKing]

Like someone else said, you have to hook it up or simulate is hooked up to know what you need to do. SNOKING

 

[Grizzly]

If the decision is to raise the the 5er, the last resort is to detach the running gear, weld a box frame, of whatever height you need, to the bottom of the trailer frame and reattach the running gear. Expensive, but very reliable and stable.

 

[clem]

One thing you have to look out for is the trailer must tow level. Those Torflex axels don't shift the load from one axel to the other. If the trailer runs one end high, one axel will will have a greater load and give you all sorts of troubles,plus Torflex axels don't have a lot of travel. I have my 2nd Avion that came with Torflex axels. The post about putting wood blocks in the bed and lower the trailer pin box to see how much the rear of the truck drops,has to be the best I've seen in a long time. Dodge dealer here I come I just might be able to use a new pick-up.