Raising a fifth wheel trailer primarily involves adjusting the kingpin height to match the bed height of your tow vehicle. Achieving this correct alignment is crucial for safe and efficient towing, preventing damage and ensuring a smooth ride.
The Why and How of Fifth Wheel Elevation
Understanding the process of raising a fifth wheel trailer is essential for any owner. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality, safety, and preserving the integrity of your investment. Why raise it? Primarily to achieve proper clearance between the trailer and your truck bed, preventing the dreaded (and expensive) contact during turns and uneven terrain.
But how do you accomplish this feat? It’s a multifaceted approach that depends on the specific construction of your fifth wheel.
Assessing the Need for Elevation
Before diving into the mechanics, determine if raising your fifth wheel is even necessary. Here are some telltale signs:
- Insufficient Bed Rail Clearance: This is the most obvious indicator. Ideally, you want at least six inches of clearance between the bottom of the fifth wheel overhang and your truck bed rails. Less than that, and you’re courting disaster.
- Leveling Issues: If your fifth wheel sits nose-low or nose-high, even with leveling jacks deployed, raising the hitch may be necessary to achieve a balanced stance.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Improper leveling can lead to uneven weight distribution, resulting in premature and irregular tire wear.
Methods of Elevation: A Comprehensive Overview
Several methods exist for raising a fifth wheel trailer, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:
- Adjusting the Kingpin Box: This is the most common and often the simplest method. Many fifth wheels have adjustable kingpin boxes that allow you to raise or lower the trailer in predetermined increments. This typically involves loosening bolts, adjusting the height, and retightening the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Always consult your owner’s manual before attempting this.
- Installing a Subframe Lift Kit: For more significant height adjustments, a subframe lift kit might be required. This involves adding a spacer between the trailer’s frame and the axles, effectively lifting the entire trailer. This method requires more technical expertise and should ideally be performed by a qualified RV technician.
- Axle Flipping: Also known as “spring over axle” conversion, this involves moving the axles from above the leaf springs to below them. This provides a significant lift and is commonly used for off-road applications. However, it drastically alters the trailer’s geometry and requires a thorough understanding of suspension dynamics.
- Using a Taller Hitch: If the issue is solely related to the truck bed height, and not the trailer itself, a taller fifth wheel hitch in the truck bed can solve the problem. This avoids making any structural changes to the trailer itself.
The Kingpin Box Adjustment: A Step-by-Step Guide
Assuming your fifth wheel has an adjustable kingpin box, here’s a general guide to the process (remember, always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions):
- Safety First: Ensure the trailer is parked on level ground and properly stabilized with wheel chocks. Disconnect from shore power and water.
- Locate Adjustment Points: Identify the bolts or fasteners that secure the kingpin box to the trailer frame. These are typically located on either side of the kingpin.
- Loosen Fasteners: Carefully loosen, but do not remove, the fasteners. Leave them engaged enough to support the weight of the kingpin box.
- Adjust Height: Use a hydraulic jack or similar lifting device to raise the kingpin box to the desired height. Ensure the kingpin remains aligned with the hitch in the truck.
- Tighten Fasteners: Once the desired height is achieved, tighten the fasteners to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Overtightening can damage the threads or warp the components, while undertightening can lead to movement and instability.
- Double-Check: Verify the height adjustment and ensure all fasteners are securely tightened. Re-check after a short test tow.
Essential Safety Considerations
Working on heavy equipment like a fifth wheel trailer demands utmost caution. Prioritize these safety measures:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes are a must.
- Use proper lifting equipment: Don’t rely on makeshift jacks or supports. Use a hydraulic jack with sufficient weight capacity and sturdy jack stands.
- Consult the owner’s manual: The manufacturer’s instructions are your bible. Follow them meticulously.
- When in doubt, seek professional help: If you’re uncomfortable with any aspect of the process, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified RV technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to have a professional raise my fifth wheel trailer?
The cost varies depending on the method used and the labor rates in your area. Adjusting the kingpin box might cost a few hundred dollars, while installing a subframe lift kit could range from $500 to $1500 or more. Get multiple quotes from reputable RV service centers.
2. What tools are required to adjust the kingpin box height?
Typically, you’ll need a set of wrenches or sockets, a torque wrench, a hydraulic jack, jack stands, and possibly a measuring tape or level. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific tool requirements.
3. Can I raise a fifth wheel trailer too high?
Yes. Raising it excessively can create instability, affect handling, and potentially damage the suspension components. Maintain a reasonable center of gravity and avoid raising it beyond what’s necessary for adequate bed rail clearance.
4. What happens if I don’t have enough clearance between the fifth wheel and my truck bed?
You risk damaging both your truck bed and the underside of the fifth wheel. This can range from minor scratches and dents to major structural damage.
5. How often should I check the height of my fifth wheel after making adjustments?
Recheck the height and fastener tightness after a short test tow (around 50 miles) and then periodically thereafter, especially before embarking on long trips.
6. Does raising my fifth wheel affect its warranty?
Potentially, yes. Modifying your fifth wheel without following the manufacturer’s guidelines could void certain warranty provisions. Consult your warranty documentation before making any changes.
7. Can I use wood blocks to raise my fifth wheel temporarily?
While wood blocks can provide temporary support, they are not a safe or reliable long-term solution. They can compress, split, or shift under load, creating a dangerous situation.
8. What is the best way to measure the clearance between the fifth wheel and my truck bed?
Use a measuring tape to measure the vertical distance between the bottom of the fifth wheel overhang and the top of your truck bed rails. Ideally, measure in multiple locations to account for any variations.
9. Is it possible to lower a fifth wheel trailer?
Yes, the methods described above can be reversed to lower a fifth wheel trailer if needed. However, the same safety precautions and considerations apply.
10. Will raising my fifth wheel affect its fuel economy?
Potentially, yes. Raising the trailer increases its profile and wind resistance, which can negatively impact fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.
11. Can I install a subframe lift kit myself?
While it’s possible, it’s strongly recommended to have a qualified RV technician perform the installation. Subframe lift kits involve significant structural modifications and require specialized knowledge and tools.
12. What type of jack stands should I use when raising a fifth wheel?
Use heavy-duty jack stands with a weight capacity that exceeds the weight of the portion of the trailer being supported. Ensure the jack stands are placed on a solid, level surface. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.