Raising 5th Wheel to accommodate a new 4WD truck

[Grizzly]

My brother-in-law bought a new 2008 Ford 4WD with a powerjoke, I couldn't talk him into getting a Dodge/Cummins. Problem is the truck is too tall for his 2003 29' Forest River Cherokee 5th wheel. The axle's have been flipped and adjustments have been taken at the pin. The RV dealer wants to remove the axle's and add an additional 8" frame under the trailer to get a 6" clearance between the bottom of the trailer and the top of the truck rail at the cost of $900. 00. Isn't there a better and cheaper way?

 

[klenger]

Has the truck been lifted? 8" is a lot of increase, especially since the axles are already flipped.

 

[ScottLewis]

There may be other ways, but they probably aren't better. I investigated several ways when I bought my '06. You can extend the spring hangers and shackle plates to give you the height. If you always went straight forward it would probably be ok but when you turn a trailer a lot of lateral stress is put on the suspension. Look at how your tires deform in a tight turn to see what I mean. Extending the spring hangers causes even more leverage and multiplies the stress on the parts.



The box frame raises the rig and braces against the additional strain, both front to back and, with cross braces, side to side. It's pricey but in the long run, worth the expense





Dan

 

[Grizzly]

Has the truck been lifted? 8" is a lot of increase, especially since the axles are already flipped.

First of all, I have an error on the title, it should read, "to accommodate a new 4WD". I don't know how to correct that.



I just spoke to my brother-in-law and he said that the RV shop has now said that the trailer has to be raised 6". At first they had told him 8", but now that they have seen it and made measurements, they have determined that 6" is what they need to get the right amount of clearance.

 

[Simplysmn]

Easy fix jack up radiator cap and drive a dodge up it or at least slap him for buying a Furd powerpuke

 

[tfrane]

I raised my 5th by putting blocks between the axle and leaf. I would'nd extend the spring hangers as suggessed. It came out good, but I'm a Machinist, but not one needed. My axle was already on the bottom. (fliped)
Tim

 

[Dieselnerd]

Welding a box frame underneath is the best and safest way to raise your trailer. I did this on a previous trailer. There is an outfit here in MN that specializes in raising trailers as well as building custom trailer frames. I had a long discussion with them about this subject before my project. They wouldn't consider raising it any other way. In fact they said it's better to put the springs below the axle again and then do the raising with a cross braced sub-frame.

 

[klenger]

Don't forget that he will most likely need new entry steps to get in.

 

[Grizzly]

Don't forget that he will most likely need new entry steps to get in.

I was thinking that too. I'll let him know. I think he's going with the welded box frame. Sounds like the best choice.

 

[georgej]

I beleive Ford can remove or machine an axle spacer. Have him call his dealer or check "the DieselStop " website... .