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5th wheel trlr height problem

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Redd

05-29-2004 19:43:03

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This is slightly OT but I know you guys can help. I finally got my new truck F350 SRW 4x4, and its real high up, almost too high. I backed under my fifth wheel camper and the only way its going to clear is with the front of the trailer way too high. Last year I talked to an RV dealer about this situation and he said he has been moving the trailer axles from on top of the leaf springs to under, which sounds logical. I'm thinking of going that way and maybe seeing if the shop can even add a 1 inch block. I figure just moving the axles will give me 4", This must be why all the new 5th whls have three steps going in because they're built to ride so high. My trailer is not too old (97 Jayco). I had a 1992 trailer before and it was way too low. Am I the first person with this problem? By the way is the F350 a lot higher than the F250 because if I had known this I might not have bought the truck, and are all brands this high. I was hoping that getting a new truck would be a little more fun. Thanks for your help. Everybody here is always so friendly.

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jls

05-30-2004 19:11:48

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

I've got a letter written and ready to send to dodge that mentions this very problem (among other little irritants). the question I have is how to find an address of the engineering dept. to send it to? the 800 customer service number is just connected to a busy signal.

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KCTractors

05-30-2004 11:34:00

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

Most new rv 5th wheel trailers have the adjustable Jake Plates ( that is where the springs mount to), I don't see why you couldn't build some or a rv place could get some for you and have them welded on. I asked the dealers why all the pick-ups are getting so high and he said that's what the general public wants. If they want big trucks, go drive a dump truck. I am 57 years old and on a good day 5'5" tall, so it's getting hard for me get on the tailgates already. yes, I drive a 18 wheeler for my bread & butter!

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Roy B

05-30-2004 09:32:41

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

Redd;
I have a 2k F350 srw and tow a '92 32' fifth wheel. I encountered the same trouble you are experiencing. I rolled the axles under the springs and installed new spring saddles to keep the arch in the axle up. Tows much better now that the trailer suspension is better balanced, dispite the higher center of gravity. It can always be changed back if needed. If you still need more, this change allows for the use of a taller tire on the trailer. Pretty simple, straight forward job. The Chevys are a bit lower than the Fords but the goat trucks are higher again. Good luck Roy

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05-30-2004 06:24:06

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

will work to move axels -HOWEVER- the axels are "bent" to provide the cator/camber needed from on top of the springs. when you move them you will reverse the settings. may have to take to body shop and get on frame machine to reset the bend.

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Ray,IN

05-30-2004 21:09:48

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Re: Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to wh, 05-30-2004 06:24:06

You don't rotate the axles, just move it to under the springs. The camber is not affected.

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BFO

05-30-2004 06:53:37

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Re: Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to wh, 05-30-2004 06:24:06

You should never bend the axles in the other direction, just weld another set of spring saddles on.

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Brokenwrench

05-30-2004 04:48:09

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

You might consider lowering your truck,or installing a flatbed. Moving the springs on top of the axle and adding a block under them on is going to make it more top heavy by raising the center of gravity.I've seen enough 5th wheel camping trailers swaying all over the place on turns and windy days at stock height,not to mention how it is going to handle when raised 4-6 inches.

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Troy

05-29-2004 23:49:38

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

The axel over should do the trick I have done alot of them. After the axel job there is some adjustments in the pin box and your hitch to make it ride level

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aaron

05-29-2004 22:30:20

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

my friend had his f350 dually lowered at the ford dealership for free. Ford came out with a tech service announcement for any owners that needed to have this work done

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Ray,IN

05-29-2004 21:21:21

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

I think about 3 years ago Ford issued a TSB for this problem. I seem to remember they were lowering trucks to solve this(free?) using the kit Hal mentioned. You will learn much more about this on the camping forums like irv2.com and RV.NET - there are many posts by guys that have solved your very problem.

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Hal

05-29-2004 20:47:06

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

I know Ford had a lot of complaints not too many years back when they had a model change and the 4x4's were a lot higher than the models they replaced. I believe Ford came out with some kind of lowering kit for the trucks, but I thought that was all straightened out by now. Also the height of the bed sides may have increased a little whcih also will give less clearance. Isn't it amazing how the hitch, truck and trailer are not designed to work together? If you raise the trailer it will be more likely to hit low branches, probably a little more effect by side winds, etc. etc.

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Davis In SC

05-29-2004 20:04:14

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Re: 5th wheel trlr height problem in reply to Redd, 05-29-2004 19:43:03

Dodge 4X4 is high, too.... I had a trailer built after I bought my dually, shop added 8 inches to neck to avoid hitting tailgate. He said it will still adjust to a lower truck. Might have to raise axles to level your trailer since it is not adjustible.... Regards, Davis

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