5th Wheel Level while Towing

[Charles.Foote]

Does the 5th wheel trailer need to be level while towing.
Pulling a 2009 3210 with a F550 with a Flat Bed.
With trailer disconnected and level the bottom of pin is 4 foot off the ground.
My Flat Bed with hitch is 4' 5" off the ground.
I will have a 4" rise in the front of the 5th wheel.

Is this bad and should I try to modify.
Or is this within tolorences.

I'm thinking level would put equal weight on all three axles.

Thx​

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

Charles, Welcome to the Heartland Forum. I believe 4" is a bit high for the nose when towing. Are you using a conventional 5th wheel hitch on the flat bed or a gooseneck adapter? either way, you should be able to adjust it down those 4 inches.

 

[cookie]

You are correct in that level would put equal weght on each axle. That is the ideal situation.
But the only way to determine that is to have the weight at each axle, or at least the front and rear.
A level trailer would almost guaranty equal weights.

Peace
Dave

 

[Rrloren]

Did I misunderstand your post that your truck only sags 1/2" with the trailer hitched up?
That's a bit of a surprise to me even with a F550.

 

[JanAndBill]

Does the 5th wheel trailer need to be level while towing.
Pulling a 2009 3210 with a F550 with a Flat Bed.
With trailer disconnected and level the bottom of pin is 4 foot off the ground.
My Flat Bed with hitch is 4' 5" off the ground.
I will have a 4" rise in the front of the 5th wheel.

Is this bad and should I try to modify.
Or is this within tolorences.

I'm thinking level would put equal weight on all three axles.

Thx​

If I read your post correctly you are taking your measurements with the trailer DISCONNECTED. You need to have the trailer connected with weight on the truck then check for level to account for spring give.

 

[caissiel]

And you need to make sure the overall height is not to high.


Sent from my SPH-M910 using Tapatalk 2

 

[oscar]

From what I've been reading the most important part is that the clearance to the top of the bed is even all around.

Thanks for the 4 foot number. Been looking for that.

 

[aatauses]

You are correct, your trailer will pull easier, safer if close to level WHEN HOOKED UP. The tape measure will get you close, but hook up trailer and then check level.
al
currently in Kenai, Ak