Community Forums

Pafixitman · 05-08-2006, 08:14 AM

I just replaced the 4 shocks on my Shasta BH 5'r and the first time out, I hit both bed rails. Nothing major, just a slight indent on the nose of the 5'r. This was leaving my house, so I have driven it before! My pin will allow me to lower it about 1" (distance between bolt holes), but I am worried that I'll upset the rake (for lack of a better word) of the trailer - front to back. Since day one, I have been under the recommended distance between the rail and nose (can't recall number), but I never hit. My weight is within 200 lbs on each vehicle axle and both trailer axles, so I would rather not start dumping weight rearward.

I thought about a flip kit, but i am not sure if it will work w/ shocks (the bottom mount is on the plate under the springs).

Any thoughts?

Pafixitman · 05-08-2006, 08:14 AM

I just replaced the 4 shocks on my Shasta BH 5'r and the first time out, I hit both bed rails. Nothing major, just a slight indent on the nose of the 5'r. This was leaving my house, so I have driven it before! My pin will allow me to lower it about 1" (distance between bolt holes), but I am worried that I'll upset the rake (for lack of a better word) of the trailer - front to back. Since day one, I have been under the recommended distance between the rail and nose (can't recall number), but I never hit. My weight is within 200 lbs on each vehicle axle and both trailer axles, so I would rather not start dumping weight rearward.

I thought about a flip kit, but i am not sure if it will work w/ shocks (the bottom mount is on the plate under the springs).

Any thoughts?

RustyJC · 05-08-2006, 08:20 AM

Replacing shock absorbers should have nothing whatsoever to do with your 5th wheel's static ride height since shocks do not carry static load - the springs do. Are you sure that the replacement shocks are the right length for your application - that they're not bottomed or topped out in the range of suspension travel?

Recommended clearance between the 5th wheel and bed rails is 6" minimum with 8" to 9" preferred if possible.

Rusty

Pafixitman · 05-08-2006, 09:24 AM

I didn't think shocks would have anything to do with it, just tossing out what had changed. The new shocks when fully extended are about a 1/2" longer (stud end to stud end) than the old ones.

Yeah, 6" min. I'm at about 5 and have been since I got her. I guess lowering the pin and flipping the axles are my best options.