Community Forums

nqSupes · 03-27-2022, 05:01 PM

Hi folks,

My wife and I are looking at some older 5th wheels. The trailers we've considered traveling to see are roughly late 80's to early 2000's vintage.

My truck is an '03 Ram 2500 short bed.

I've seen where some other folks who have new trucks (trucks from the late 2010's roughly) have issues with bed rail height on their 5th wheels.

My question/concern is: Having a truck a bit older, do I need to worry about those height issues or should I be ok?

A bit more info...My bed rail height is about 55" and the bed floor height is 37". Are there any other measurements that might help?

I'm having a REALLY hard time finding any info on these older 5th wheels. I was really hoping somebody here might own a 5th wheel from the 90's could maybe help me figure out if I'd have issues or not.

Thanks folks

ByeTheWay · 03-27-2022, 05:10 PM

Welcome to the group!! My first rv was a '94 Alpenlite 5th wheel and a 2000 F-250 diesel. I had no problem towing it. As I recall on a short bed you need to get a special hitch for turning radius.

Sorry I can't help you more.

sparky242 · 03-27-2022, 07:58 PM

I think most 5th wheel trailers have adjustable pin boxes so you should be able to set up most older trucks. I look at some of the new truck now and they are so high I don't know how they are getting a 5th wheel set up to be towed

Crosley · 03-27-2022, 08:38 PM

Pin box usually adjustable. Hitch height is adjustable... Older 5th wheels do not have quite as much clearance at the cap for clearance to the cab of short bed truck. Slider hitches were often needed.

nqSupes · 03-27-2022, 08:59 PM

Thanks guys. I might be overthinking things too much. I'm currently shopping for an auto sliding hitch so I'm well aware of that limitation.

Hoping to look at a '91 Dutchmen in a few days.

JIMNLIN · 03-28-2022, 06:15 AM

No problems with my (in sig) '97 28rk and my 2wd '03 2500 Dodge/Cummins quad cab short bed.
The 4wd '03 Dodge sits around 4" higher in the rear from what others with the 4wd models say.

nqSupes · 03-28-2022, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMNLIN

No problems with my (in sig) '97 28rk and my 2wd '03 2500 Dodge/Cummins quad cab short bed.

What hitch are you using? We're looking really close to the Pullrite Superglide.

Old-Biscuit · 03-28-2022, 08:19 PM

One thing not mentioned......GVWR of 5th wheels

Your 2003 Ram 2500......10,000 GVWR 5th wheel
*If you do not want to exceed the trucks 9000 GVWR

12,000 GVWR 5th wheel
*If you are OK with exceeding the trucks GVWR but do not want to exceed the Trucks RAWR of 6000

WET Pin weight of 5th wheel...figure 22% of trailers GVWR plus weight of hitch

JIMNLIN · 03-28-2022, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nqSupes

What hitch are you using? We're looking really close to the Pullrite Superglide.

I'm using the square tube 16k Reese manual slider. The hitch came with the '97 11k+ lb trailer. The hitch has been on three different trucks. I keep it well greased and maintained.
I seldom use the slider going forward however when backing tight places I like to slide the hitch back placing the pin 10" behind the trucks rear axle.....makes for a lot less steering input.

You won't go wrong with the SG from PullRite. Just follow PullRites lube requirements for your slider which has changed depending on year models. Make a difference

CecilD · 03-29-2022, 03:43 PM

Some trailers fit and some need massaging. I suggest taking a tape and measuring the overhang when level of a prospect trailer. You might have to move on to another trailer.

For what it is worth, my 04 squats about 2" when loading a 2,000# pin. That will help with your bed clearance number.

nqSupes · 03-29-2022, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CecilD

Some trailers fit and some need massaging. I suggest taking a tape and measuring the overhang when level of a prospect trailer. You might have to move on to another trailer.

For what it is worth, my 04 squats about 2" when loading a 2,000# pin. That will help with your bed clearance number.

I messaged the seller asking for that info. Hoping to save myself a long drive if it's hopelessly low.

nqSupes · 03-29-2022, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMNLIN

No problems with my (in sig) '97 28rk and my 2wd '03 2500 Dodge/Cummins quad cab short bed.
The 4wd '03 Dodge sits around 4" higher in the rear from what others with the 4wd models say.

I should have asked this earlier, do you happen to know how high the over hang is on your 28rk?

nqSupes · 03-30-2022, 07:31 PM

So I just got some measurements back from the seller. They said it's 55 1/2" to the overhang. No idea if the trailer is level or not.

Do you more seasoned pros think this is at all doable or should I move on to something else?

CecilD · 03-30-2022, 09:27 PM

Doing the math: If you tow level and your truck squats 2", then you will have 2 1/2" of bedrail clearance. Unless you tow nose high, you are going to need 3" of trailer lift to get sufficient bedrail clearance. Many tow nose high without issue but most agree towing level is better.

I would have the seller email you pictures of your axle hangers and shackles. There may be the option of moving the axle to the bottom of the spring packs or you might have adjustable hangers. There are aftermarket suspension components such as Lippert Correct Track that have the benefit of lifting the trailer some. Either way, modifications will incur additional expense. Good luck.