Community Forums

Brussie · 02-05-2017, 09:53 AM

We just bought a new 2016 Bay hill 5th wheel, it seams we have a problem with hooking into the pin box, the problem is that the is to high above the hitch plate in the truck bed, we leveled the 5th wheel and then backed under the hitch we found that the pin box is 2.5 above the hitch plate, after measuring in pin box to the ground 55.5 inches our truck rail from the ground is 55 inches, our hitch is at the max height of 19" from the bed floor, (we where told that the hitch is to high and in safe.) when looking at the pin box to make an adjustment there is no way to adjust. has anyone seen this before and what can we do to resolve.
thanks

dayle1 · 02-05-2017, 01:25 PM

The proper way to hook up is for the pin to be about 1 inch lower than the hitch plate, then as you back under it, the pin weight will compress the truck's suspension. It doesn't matter if the trailer is level or not during hook up, once the full pin weight is on the truck, then you will see how level the trailer is sitting. The other big concern is having sufficient space between the top of the truck bed sides and the underside of the trailer, it needs to be a minimum of 6 inches.

Your info is very confusing to me at least, almost everyone has a problem with newer trucks sitting too high, but you seem to be describing the opposite which is hard to understand. Maybe some pictures would help others assist you. Especially what pin box is on the trailer? Historically, the normal pin height on a level trailer is around 48 inches, so your 55.5 inches doesn't seem right.

**TonyDi** · 02-05-2017, 01:29 PM

Glad to have you here in the forum with us.

Happy Trails!!!

MtnTrek · 02-05-2017, 01:32 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Perhaps a little more information would be helpful, or a photo of your pin box. What make / model of tow vehicle are you using? With today's modern trucks having one sit too low seems rare. Has it been modified? Generally there is adjustment in the bolt patterns of the pin box and the frame pin head configuration. Others may have a better understanding of your issue.

Best wishes.

sk734 · 02-05-2017, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dayle1

The proper way to hook up is for the pin to be about 1 inch lower than the hitch plate, then as you back under it, the pin weight will compress the truck's suspension. It doesn't matter if the trailer is level or not during hook up, once the full pin weight is on the truck, then you will see how level the trailer is sitting. The other big concern is having sufficient space between the top of the truck bed sides and the underside of the trailer, it needs to be a minimum of 6 inches.

Your info is very confusing to me at least, almost everyone has a problem with newer trucks sitting too high, but you seem to be describing the opposite which is hard to understand. Maybe some pictures would help others assist you. Especially what pin box is on the trailer? Historically, the normal pin height on a level trailer is around 48 inches, so your 55.5 inches doesn't seem right.

X2 this is correct. Makes no difference if you are level when you hook up. After hook up and lowering the pinbox on the hitch-all weight off front legs of 5ver you now want to be level and have proper clearance between truck bed rails and 5ver. 6" or better is good. If not level you may have to make some adjustments to get it level for a good towing experience. Hope this helps. Good luck.

MSHappyCampers · 02-05-2017, 05:10 PM

Hi!

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! I'm sure some of the 5er guys on here will answer all your questions! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

**YC1** · 02-05-2017, 06:14 PM

Welcome to the forum. We are previously from Yuba City. There is some beautiful places to camp nearby.

Oldelevatorman · 02-05-2017, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brussie

We just bought a new 2016 Bay hill 5th wheel, it seams we have a problem with hooking into the pin box, the problem is that the is to high above the hitch plate in the truck bed, we leveled the 5th wheel and then backed under the hitch we found that the pin box is 2.5 above the hitch plate, after measuring in pin box to the ground 55.5 inches our truck rail from the ground is 55 inches, our hitch is at the max height of 19" from the bed floor, (we where told that the hitch is to high and in safe.) when looking at the pin box to make an adjustment there is no way to adjust. has anyone seen this before and what can we do to resolve.
thanks

Did you buy from Pan Pacific? I noticed one of the 2 they had were gone.

Brussie · 02-07-2017, 04:41 PM

thanks for all of the input, I have resolved the problem, it turns out that the coach was not leveled correct at the dealer, so we went I re leveled the coach with levels, and they reset the programmer, we go to find out that out truck and hitch is to high, so we are good to go.
thanks
again

Brussie · 02-07-2017, 04:44 PM

yes we did by the Bay Hill at Pan Pacific, it a very nice coach, we have not been able to take it out as of yet,

dpgator · 02-11-2017, 10:10 PM

So if it is common for the pin box to be too high with the newer trucks, what is the solution to level towing? I'm planning on purchasing a yet to be determined 5th wheel and a new F350. According to the specs I'm reading the bed will be 38" above the ground and, allowing an additional 17" for the pin box, I would be well above the 48 inches reported as the normal pin height on new trailers. I can't believe the truck will settle sufficiently to make this all level. Your guidance please....

gtsum2 · 02-12-2017, 06:15 AM

Newer trucks are certainly taller than older ones, but most new fifth wheels should match up fine. Match the truck with the fiver....i.e. Trying to use a 350 to tow a lightweight half ton towable fiver usually leads to issues (I tried it once and my truck was way too high). By adjusting the hitch and the pin box, and having 2-3k on the pin you should be good (16 inch tires on the fiver and g rated tires would be a good indicator of a possible match)