New trailer just arrived from the factory and it's a 2012???, I haven't picked it up yet but it will need to grow about 3 inches even with 16 inch tires. I could get 1 inch by going to taller tires, that still leaves 2 inches. The spring hangars only have one position and the springs are already on top of the axle. I know the way to correct this is to cut them off and weld a 3 inch tall piece of rectangular tube to the frame then weld the hangars back on, but... the belly is enclosed and the cover is plastic. There is also spray foam around the hangars so I'm looking for other options. (A) use longer springs and re-arc them at the ends to get 3 inches extra. (B) install blocks on top of the axles and under the springs. (C) Thicker springs with a different arc. I'm afraid of (C) because the ride might be too stiff and break all the dishes. Any other options or opinions?

 

17" rim set up

 

Remove the lift blocks from your truck?

 

I had to weld a 3 inch tube to mine to keep the factory springs.. They (the trailer guys) said if i went aftermarket springs they would void pretty much the whole trailers warranty due to stiff springs damaging parts in the trailer.. Think of all of those electronic parts in your fridge and heater.. systems also your electrical parts..

 

Thanks for the replies, my internet has been down and I see now I posted this in the wrong section

I have enough room between the wheels to go 1 inch taller on each and I can get that by going to a taller tire, I can't gain anymore by going to 17 inch rims.


I hadn't thought about lowering the truck, that might be an option.

Thanks for the heads up, that kind of rules out the spring thing.

 

Is this a fifth wheel or a trailer tow unit? There are lots of adjustments in the hitch and the kingpin on the trailer. I have abit of a rake on my trailer, but all the wheel touch the ground, more weight is on the back than the front. I used to use my older truck to tow my RV and it has a lift in it. Today I use the new 2010 for the trailer. In 4-5 years of towing, there has been no issues so far. I try to get about at least 2-4inch between the trailer front and my truck bed . Lifted trailers are more unstable going around corners

 

It's a fifth wheel, but as it turns out by the time I put a little potable water (1/4 tank) and loaded the trailer it actually sits level, even after raising the 5ver hitch 2 inches. Heading South next week, going down the west coast so I'll see how the new truck, hitch (B&W) and trailer pulls.

 

If you just need an inch or two welded spacers to the axle pads and longer u-bolt will be fine. I had to flip & space my axles on the last 32' 5th I just sold and it towed nice and smooth. Yes it moves the center of gravity up some but we have to drive these rigs a liitle more carefully anyway with the increased stopping distance with an already high center of gravity. What did you buy?

 

That's the way I'd go. You can get steel plate from your local scrap yard by the pound usually or contact a couple steel suppliers in your area and get something from their discard pile.

 

You can fix it with a flat bed and even lower your 5er. I've built beds for 3 out of 4 of my P/Us. The first one was a flatbed with removable sides and all my friends talked me into hauling all sorts of wierd stuff for them that they couldn't get in there boxes. The next two started out as flatbeds but I built fixed sides that taper down towards the rear so I have clearence galore - 14" even with my old low-rider 5er with 15s and the suspension as short as possible. P/U boxes absolutely suck and I will never have another one again. The flatbed makes the best work table I've ever had and I'm forced to keep it cleaned off. My work bench is only there to hold up the vise, grinder and drill press and to collect junk. Craig

 

I bought a 2012 Crusader 320RLT, made by Prime Time Manufacturing, owned by Forest River. The dealer had ordered some on spec but they weren't built and when it showed up it was a 2012, bonus. I don't know why the trailer was different the first time I hooked up to it, perhaps the service guy didn't have all the weight off the front jacks, he said he did though. I just about have all the bugs worked out, almost loaded and I am itching to go on our first trip with it.

 

Just looked up you rig. That's a really nice set up. I see why your ready to hit the road and enjoy the new rig.