New truck, old 5th wheel, height issues

[EZeis]

I have a 1998 Keystone Sprinter 5th wheel. My 1993 2wd 1st gen was perfect for it. I had the required 6" space between top of bed and bottom of trailer and both rode level. My new 07 4x4 bed height compared to my 1st gen bed height is about 6" higher. My guess will be once I put 5th wheel hitch in my new truck and hitch up, that my 5th wheel will be 6" too high and not tow level. I checked the axles on 5th wheel and the springs are already mounted on top of the axles, so I can't get any help there. Can one add lift blocks (like D. C. does to the rear axle) between the axle pad and leaf springs to safely lift the trailer? Any other options? I'd hate to tow it off level.



Thanks!



Earl

 

[ScottLewis]

I had the same situation when I bought the '06. I even talked the sales mgr. into reducing the cost of the truck by the amount the RV shop said it might cost to make the mods to the suspension. I went so far as ordering steel to mfg. a frame extension before I actually got the hitch in and hooked up.

To my amazement, the new truck didn't have o'load springs like the '98. I also had air bags to keep the '98 level with the load. With air in the bags, it hardly dropped at all with the pin weight.

The new truck settled close to 5 inches when connected so the actual difference was closer to that amount. The clearance is right at 6 inches, the truck and trailer ride fairly level and handle just fine. I got real lucky.

Before making any changes or decisions, visit some RV dealers to see what different models do to modify trailer height. As explained to me,just adding blocks puts a LOT of strain on things, particularly when using the rv brakes.



Dan

 

[klenger]

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



Not sure if this works for an 07 or not, but look into it.

 

[GaryCarter]

If you do go up with the trailer suspension, I would suggest not putting blocks between spring and axle. Better to have a welder lower the spring mounts. Also have them inspect the frame cross members, you may want to add some cross member material at the front and rear most hangers.



Trailer suspensions go under a tremendous side load when turning. You don't want break springs or twist the frame, and when you move the axle further from the frame rails you'll be increasing it's leverage to twist the frame.

Don't ask me how I know this. :-(



Gary

 

[EZeis]

Thanks for the info guys! My 07 has 3 of the same spacers on the rear axle, so Klenger's post would probably be my best starting point. But I'll wait till I get my hitch in and hitch up and see were I am. My 5ther has about 1250 lbs king pin weight. I don't expect the truck to drop much with only 1250 lbs. But as nice as the truck rides, maybe it'll drop enough to take up the "nice ride" spring rate and get me closer. If all else fails, my 93 pulls it great.



Earl

 

[Grizzly]

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



Not sure if this works for an 07 or not, but look into it.

Is the new, 2007 AF with 16" wheels built any taller? I know that they are built with the axles flipped.

 

[klenger]

Mine was built with 16" wheels and axles flipped. I have no experience with anything else. I had good clearance with the truck stock, but dropped it anyway to get a bit more. Still tows level.