Towing 5W Level or High in front

[GGibson]

I need to raise the front of a 27' 5W in order to get more clearance over the truck bed rails. I've already raised the trailer suspension but still have the front of the trailer a little higher than the back when towing. What are the practical limits?? Tire wear?? Safety??

 

[Barry]

You want the unit to run level. Also a general rule of thumb is to have a hand width between the trailer and the bedcap. Hope this helps... Happy Camping

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(25PSI) Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 22,000 miles on 12/19/00 (RV Dealer)

 

[Guest00]

Originally posted by Barry:
You want the unit to run level. Also a general rule of thumb is to have a hand width between the trailer and the bedcap. Hope this helps... Happy Camping

Is that with a fist or with fingers spread ??

 

[Barry]

Good Morning JNutter! I guess it would be how big your hand is... ... .....

 

[Guest00]

Originally posted by Barry:
Good Morning JNutter! I guess it would be how big your hand is... ... .....

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[This message has been edited by JNutter (edited 01-17-2001). ]

 

[B.G. Smith]

What are the practical limits?? Tire wear?? Safety?? [/B][/QUOTE] Look at the equalizer links between the front and rear springs on the trailer. If the travel on them is maxed out you will be putting extra weight on the rear tires and if you only have two wheel brakes on the trailer they are on the front axle, if they are not maxed out then it should not be a problem. I would think as long as the axles are carrying the same weight that tire wear or safety would not be compromised.


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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 100 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[dabubba]

Towing with the front end of the fifth high has a tendancy of pushing your truck- level is best for both breaking and accellaration since your trailer is at a neutral- Basically it's the theory of the lever- excess tire ware is more of a concern when you flip the axels without watching the axel arch( #ad
been there done that #ad
) I agree that a hand space between the truck and trailer is good as a minimum, I have three + hands space (big hands Too!!! #ad
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) and have still hit the bed- just be carefull- if you think you're gonna hit slow down- good luck

[This message has been edited by dabubba (edited 01-18-2001). ]

 

[RColston]

Level is definately the ticket. Weight transfer for braking seems a lot better. I've about eight inches of clearance and never even threatened the bed rails. For what it is worth airbags on my truck really helped eliminated a lot of sway and pogoing (probably my own description of some otherwise-un definable rear spring action #ad
. Also stopped the rear springs from compressing under high braking loads, without sacrificing ride quality.

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1996,2500,CC,SLT,Driftwoodx2,2wd,5spd. ,3. 54,K&N,AirRide,Reese20k,1996 Hitchhiker,36RK 2slide pretty stock, but lookin' for more!

 

[Turbo Thom]

Mr. Gibson:
Like it's been said look at the equalizers and make sure they are level. Rememeber when the bolt end goes up to its limit and hits the frames rail there is a sudden stop and that transfers into the unit. To the TV, ref,glass ware... ... ... you see what I mean. Mine rides about a 3 degree angle to the rear with 6" of bedrail clearence,going off road at NASCAR tracks, with no problem. The only reason I haven't flipped the springs is I don't want the trailer that much higher off the ground. If I go with 16" wheels I'll do that.
Best of luck.
Preston


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96 3500, Black SLT, 5 speed, turbo diesel, , with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , Mag-hytec rear cover, dual-remote by-pass filters, and Roadmaster Active system

 

[BCFAST]

One thing these fellas have not mentioned is that if you run with the front high, the rear tires on the trailer will carry more weight than the others, thus running too hot... with possible blowouts... always a lot of fun while on a trip!

 

[Bill Stockard]

Hey guys,

An old man RVer told me one time that when you tow with the trailer high to the front, it's always going up hill--harder to pull. It you tow with the front lower, it's easier to pull because it's going downhill all the time. I thought about asking what happens when going up a hill, but I didn't want to mess up his logic!! #ad
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Yep, his trailer was lower to the front!!

Bill

 

[DennyDay]

Bill -- The answer is correct, but not the reason - Level is best or 1-2" low in front. This keeps the wind off the bottom, Especially bad if trailer has exposed cross members. Each one acts as an air drag and makes it feel if you're going up hill.

Say hello to Keller for me next time you pass thru! A great NAPA store at 1709 and the railroad there too!



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Denny
'99 2500 4X4 White short Q cab to much added to put here

 

[Bill Stockard]

Denny,

I'll take US 377 the next time I go to Fort Worth and wave at the locals for you. #ad


Bill