Fifth wheel hitch height

[JHinman]

I am the proud owner of a new 5er, and am using an Andersen hitch.

This hitch is somewhat adjustable in height, with three height positions about 1 1/2” apart. Right now the hitch is at the middle setting, and the nose of the trailer is a little high.

What are the pros and cons of running at the highest setting?

An advantage is that I might be able to keep my current saddle tool box in my truck, as the front of the trailer will clear it unless I get some pretty uneven ground.

A disadvantage is that my rear grey tank might have trouble draining toward the front of the trailer.

Any issues with towing with a nose-high attitude?

I am towing with a long-box crew cab F-350.

Thanks!

[Old-Biscuit]

Nose high towing
*Can transfer more weight to trailer rear axle/tires
*Can cause chucking
*Can create too light of pin weight
*Can interfere with full draining of waste tanks (waste tanks are designed to gravity drain when trailer is level) MINOR issue

How much nose high is it??
How much bed rail clearance do you have?
How much bed rail clearance would you have it hitch was lower/trailer level?
Saddle tool box stick above bed rail??

[TXiceman]

Nose high can put more weight on the pin. The front axle is carrying less weight, so the pin has to pick up some of the weight the extra weight.

Think of a see-saw.

To get the trailer level, you may have to have a 2" x 2" sub frame added to raise the trailer 2" at the axles.

It all depends on how nose high you are. Measure from the frame to the ground, front and rear to see how level it is.

Ken

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Nose high can put more weight on the pin. The front axle is carrying less weight, so the pin has to pick up some of the weight the extra weight.

Think of a see-saw.

To get the trailer level, you may have to have a 2" x 2" sub frame added to raise the trailer 2" at the axles.

It all depends on how nose high you are. Measure from the frame to the ground, front and rear to see how level it is.

Ken

Nose high removes weight off pin.

[WyoFree]

Hi guys, Great topic and one I’ve often thought about? How do you know the right trailer height and is there a way to know so you don’t have to redo the hitch etc?

[TXiceman]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Nose high removes weight off pin.

I am not getting to a math and mechanics argument and waste everyone's time.

Ken

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by WyoFree

Hi guys, Great topic and one I’ve often thought about? How do you know the right trailer height and is there a way to know so you don’t have to redo the hitch etc?

NO.....Unfortunately truck mfgs and 5th wheel mfgs do NOT coordinate truck bed rail height and 5vr overhang height

Our itch head height was adjustable up/down, pin box was adjustable up/down as most are

BUT...my leaf spring shackles on the 5th wheel had adjustment holes so total height of 5vr could be raised/lowered
I raised one hole and that made 5vr tow level with 6 1/2" bed rail clearance

[BirchyBoy]

I have a similar hitch (PullRite SuperLite) and it is currently at the highest setting. I had to raise my pinbox for my previous hitch. I plan to lower my pinbox and lower the hitch as well not does work but I think the lower setting will give it more stability.

[JHinman]

My trailer is nose high by about 2 1/2” over 20 feet. That is approximate, as the grading in my storage area is not perfect.

I have about 8” clear over my bed rails. My old tool box sits up 7 1/2” over the bed rails, so I think I would be asking for trouble if I kept it. I have a long box on my truck, so most of the time I would not have a conflict. I think a low-profile Weatherguard is about 4 1/2” above the bed rails.

[Old-Biscuit]

My box in front of bed is flush with bed rail and companion box behind hitch next to tailgate is lower then standard 5th wheel hitch head

Internet photo



5vr Box
https://highwayproducts.com/truck-ac...5th-wheel-box/

Companion Box
https://highwayproducts.com/truck-ac...x/partner-box/

[JHinman]

I thought about that kind of box, but sitting on the bed it means I cannot haul plywood or other long things.

[Nlambert]

Originally Posted by JHinman

My trailer is nose high by about 2 1/2” over 20 feet. That is approximate, as the grading in my storage area is not perfect.

I have about 8” clear over my bed rails. My old tool box sits up 7 1/2” over the bed rails, so I think I would be asking for trouble if I kept it. I have a long box on my truck, so most of the time I would not have a conflict. I think a low-profile Weatherguard is about 4 1/2” above the bed rails.

You might consider raising your pinbox one notch and see if that helps alleviate the nose-high issue. You definitely don't want to run nose-high.

I had to do that on mine and now I sit at roughly 6.25" clearance between the bedrail and the overhang.

I run the same type of toolbox as OB (no rear companion box). If I happen to need plywood, I'll either load it and leave the tailgate down, or I just lift the toolbox out.

[BirchyBoy]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

My box in front of bed is flush with bed rail and companion box behind hitch next to tailgate is lower then standard 5th wheel hitch head

Internet photo



5vr Box
https://highwayproducts.com/truck-ac...5th-wheel-box/

Companion Box
https://highwayproducts.com/truck-ac...x/partner-box/

I want a box like the one nearest the tailgate, but I want to set it in the front and up off the floor on some legs. I could still close my tonneau and also slide some plywood or something underneath it.

[outbackmac]

Couple things come to mind. if you dont have enough clearance between bed rails and camper you run risk of bottoming out and damaging both rv and truck