I just bought a 30' Jayco Designer 5th wheel and need to know how much clearance I need between it and my 2003 Dodge 1 ton 4x4 bed? I have about 5" now. Thanks for any advice.

 

Ed,
Gary covered it pretty well. I assume by your statement your fiver is level when connected, correct? Obviously, if it is nose down, you can extend the pin box or raise the hitch to get it level. A long bed is best at 7 - 8" clearance, no doubt. Some guys with the high trucks will lower them about 2" without any problems - - one of the "beauties" (?) of a 4x4 and towing most fivers.

 

That is with 5th wheel level. When I first hooked up the hitch was in the top position with 9" of clearance at hitch and 8" near tailgate but 5th wheel was high in front and low in rear. I need all of the clearance I can get with 5th wheel to pull into my yard and go over a drain in the street. When I leveled trailer I lowered hitch to lowest point (4&quot and that made the clearance about 5". I really do not want to put the 5th wheel axles on top of the springs as I have to raise my electric line now to get under it. I am going to call the dealer where I bought the truck and see if they will lower the back of the truck 2". I found a TSB 02-001-01, on the TDR website where 2 Ram owners got their trucks lowered 2" in the back with warranty covering the cost. I hope they will do this to my truck. Thanks for the replies.

 

You are in luck Jayco's are real easy to lift. Look on the Jakes and you will see holes for lifting. Your local Jayco dealer should be able to do it for around $150. I did my own for nothing. It was not hard. You just have to install stainless steel washers on the shocks.

 

ed, you didn't mention what year the Jayco fiver is. If it is relatively new (last four years or so) it will have the brackets on the springs that will let you raise the fiver without any mods. If it is earlier than that (mine is a '96) you may have to invest in a kit and have the axles put below the springs. It cost me about $235.00 to have the job done at an RV service center, parts and labor.<br><br>DeWain

 

The Jayco is a 2000 year model. I haven't looked at the springs but if it is adjustable that is probably the best way to go. I called 2 dodge dealers today and they both told me the TSB on lowering the rear of the truck would cost around $700 and is not covered under warranty. So I will check the springs and have the axles raised with the adjustable shackles if so equipped. Thanks for the info.