As level as possible is best.

Lowering the hitch a notch might do exactly what is needed. Is there an adjustment on the fiver for that? It might be easier to adjust it on the trailer then the hitch.

When the nose is up 2" at the front you are moving some more weight onto the back axle of the 5er. Having the weight as even as possible on both sets of axles on the 5er will help with tire wear, handling and overall towing.
Adding some pin weight to the 3500 by levelling the trailer will not be as big of an issue as getting the 5er level. Is the 5er and the truck loaded how you would want it for trips?

I would make sure you have it set up the way you want before you adjust the pin or hitch.


Scotty

 

What you need to do is swap 5ers with me mine is already level

 

Remember, most 5th wheel dual axle suspensions use equalizing links between the axles. Although it would be ideal to get the 5th wheel absolutely level, the purpose of the equalizers is to transfer some of the loading through the link from the rear axle springs to the front axle springs in the 2" nose high situation you describe.

Rusty

 

I'm no expert, but an inch or two along a 29' span probably isn't going to hurt anything, but level would be better. I thought mine was out by about that much, though, but when I actually took a tape measure to it, it was farther off than I guessed.

Also, I tend to go into crude, rustic camping areas that can be uneven, so for me 6" of clearance between the trailer and top rails (like what you would have left after adjusting) would be a bit close for comfort.

I eventually put the trailer up on blocks, removed the axles, and had a certified welder put new spring perches on the tops...

Now I have more clearance than I need, the trailer rides level, I spent less than $100, and I could easily put it back the way it was if I wanted...

 

wow, mine is off by about 4" high in the front of the 5er and i thought i was ok. if i drop the hitch straight it would be resting on the bed. i have a question though. i saw a truck with about a 10" lift on it pulling a 5er. i couldnt belive my eyes so i hit the pedal to get a close up. the trailer must have been about 3' off the ground so it hooked up in the trucks bed. it was raised by welding on what looked to be a 8" x 3" rectangle rail all the way across where the axels are located. i have thought about doing this in the future to lift my truck and still keep a 5er. how bad is this if any? is there any issue of the trailer tipping at all or anything like that. besides installing a elevator in the trailer to get down i would like to hear your comments. thanx

 

I had to build a subframe for my car hauler. I made it from 2x4 stock. I raised the trailer 4 inches. My truck is not lifted, but it is a 4x4. My trailer is a 50 ft enclosed.

I have torsion axles so it was pretty easy. I also carry most of the weight in the trailer fairly low, but I think most 5vers do too. This got mine to sit level and gave me decent bed clearance. The longer the trailer the more clearance you should try to have. I have actually touched the bed rail (didn t leave a mark though).

You could also check the axle weights before you go making changes.

 

I am condidering upgrading tires on mine from 15 x 225 to 16 x 235. I have 285s on my truck and it sits a little nose high. Not bad. Prob. 1 - 2 inchs high. Hitch adjusted all the way down. I would like more bed rail clearance. Plus I think it will tow better. Anyone upgrade tires on a Laredo? Do you think there is enough clearances to fit 16 x 235?

 

Hura1,

We just bought an 05 Wildcat 31QBH Fiver. My truck has a stock rear suspension, but with the camper and towing packages, plus the Dana 80 axle, it was pretty tall. The I leveled out the front of the truck with D25 coils and stuck the 35" BFGs under it. Right now my tailgate is a hair more than 1" above stock height, but pretty tall.

We looked at a number of fivers and most of them in the size we were looking for (30 to 32 feet), were not tall enough for me to get the truck under with adequate clearance. Our new Wildcat would have been at least 3" high in the nose to get 6" of clearance above the bed. Sitting level I only had less than 4" clearance. All the trailers we looked at already had the springs mounted on top of the axles, so an axle flip was out of the question.

After looking at all our options, we had a lift kit installed on the Wildcat. We measured like crazy, even had the dealer hook the trailer up to the truck to measure the squat (it was only 1"). We lifted the trailer 3" with a solid steel, cross-braced subframe assembly welded under the existing frame. Worked out perfect. The trailer really isn't that much taller. My frame was 23" off the ground before. Now it is 26". I have almost 7" of bed clearance and the trailer and truck sit perfectly level. In my case, it was the right thing to do.

I am not very worried about the trailer tipping over. I don't conrner that fast to start with. Yes, lifting the trailer did raise the center of gravity, but we are talking about lifting a 12' tall trailer by 3". It's not a huge change. So far it tows like a dream.

We are packing up tonight for our maiden voyage. I'll try to get some pictures of it.