Setting the height of the fifth wheel hitch

[Max Freedom]

After many years and many miles of pulling a bumper pull, I just purchased a fifth wheel trailer and had a fifth wheel hitch installed. Now how do I know what height to set the hitch so I get a level ride? Also what's your feeling about air bag suspension on the tow vehicle does it help or is it even necessary? Camper 2003 Montana 3655fl and the tow vehicle is a 2007 Chevy 2500hd diesel. What's your thoughts?

[taken]

It's just a trial and error thing. Hook up. If your too nose high, lower it. If your low, raise it. Try to keep 6" of clearance between the 5th wheel cap and the bed rails once you get it level to avoid contact on uneven surfaces.

As to airbags, if your truck sags exsessivly once hooked up, they can level you back out. Many claim they add stability while towing as well.... especially on a 2500 series truck.

[rskeans]

Not enough information to answer your question. Ideally you want a level 5ver with 6"+ of clearance between the bed rails and the overhang. You can begin by measuring the distance between the king pin plate and the overhang. So you want overhang to be 6" above the bed rails. Now you can determine where the king pin has to be in the truck. You have variables. Like your Bed Rail height from the bed. The sag of your truck with the pin weight. You are going to have to do some figuring. You need to do a test setup and see where you are.

[Brittsnbirds]

i pull a '14 Sprinter with my 2500 gasser. I was having trouble with bouncing on uneven surfaces (bridge crossings etc). After much research I decided to go with the Firestone air bags. No drill just pull the snubbers off and install them. Took a couple of hours. They firm my ride up and keep the unit from bouncing too much. I put around 35-50 psi in them depending on how heavy I have it loaded. When I unhook I just bleed the pressure off, trailer comes down a little and I unhook.

My sweetie is much happier as it caused her some anxiety before. I also upgraded my shocks to Rancho adjustable. Have thought about a Mor ryde king pin or something similar to get the chucking dampened but they are to rich for my blood.