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Old 10-24-2017, 01:44 PM   #1
IRV2
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5th Wheel Nose too High

Hello,
Should my 5th wheel be level on my truck? I picked it up Sat. and it seemed like the nose was pretty high. Is it unsafe? It pulled fine on the way home. My hitch ball is in the lowest position (Andersen). I was hoping to get some answers from the fine folks here. Should I lower the pinbox (Lippert 1621)? There are two holes that look like I could use.
I will take some photos and measurements little later and post when off work. I do realize that bedrail clearance is an issue to watch out for. I have air bags but didn't get to put more than 30 lbs in them because the nose of the 5th was a bit high.
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Old 10-24-2017, 06:17 PM   #2
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First photo trailer is not on hitch. Unhitched measurement from bedrails to nose is 4.25" and trailer is level with 10lbs in the air bags.

Second photo is on hitch. Hitched measurement from bedrails to nose is 9.25" and trailer is not level and airbag gage now reads 20lbs.

Third photo is showing the relationship between bed and inbox.
I should mention that the measurement from ground to bottom of nose was 60'' when level and un hitched and 62" when hitched. Overall I guess its only 2" difference. If I put the pinbox in the top hole its 2'' and will give me 7.25" to bedrails.
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Old 10-24-2017, 08:03 PM   #3
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You mean raise the pin box, right?

Trailer level when hitched with minimum 6” from bed rails to bottom of coach is ideal. If you do move the pin box, make sure you use all the bolts and torque them to a MINIMUM of 210 lb/ft. Put all the bolts in and snug them, Then lower the king pin onto the hitch. Then torque them all down.
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Old 10-25-2017, 08:15 AM   #4
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Yes I mean raise pinbox to lower the nose. Thank you for the torque spec and procedure. Is it ok to leave as is or should my trailer be as level as possible while towing. I have read that it could put more weight on rear tires and axel and cause problems. Thank you for the help.
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Old 10-25-2017, 08:50 AM   #5
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An inch (give or take) won't make a significant difference in the weight carried on the axles. There is an "equalizer" mounted between the springs, rear of the front spring and front of the rear spring. The purpose of the equalizer is to "equalize the weights and stresses" between both axles. So, if you raise the front of your fifth wheel an inch, it "should put a touch more weight" onto the rear axle of the trailer. The equalizer will "balance that weight shift" caused by a "nose high trailer pin" by shifting (or equalizing) the weight between the two axles.

You may see enough weight to be detrimental to tire wear/axle overloading if you raise the pin 12" or more (just an example height) but you won't see enough to be concerned about with a 1" or 2" pin height adjustment.

At those small measurement adjustments, it's more about maintaining sufficient clearance between the top of the bed rails and the bottom of the fifth wheel overhang. I'm not saying there isn't a weight shift, I'm saying that it's minimal because of the equalizer.
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Old 10-25-2017, 11:17 AM   #6
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Thank you for that valuable info, this is the advice I'm looking for. I have the equal-flex system I imagine they're a similar product.
Also noticed yesterday that the rear stabilizers are only 4.5" from the ground and seems to be some adjustment there so I may adjust those for more clearance. I always carry blocks with me anyways.
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Old 12-15-2017, 06:13 PM   #7
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I wanted to update my post. I finally worked up the nerve to adjust the pin box and the heavy eq mechanic at work had a large torque wrench to do the job. I used the very top holes on the pin, which was a 2" adjustment. When all said and done my measurement from bed rails to bottom of front cap is now 6.5" and the combo looks much better. I was also concerned that the back of the pin box would be closer to the tailgate and I would have to flip the Andersen pin adapter around, however it is not going to be an issue. Very happy with how it turned out. Considering the alternative was to place blocks between axles and leaf springs to level this combo out.
Pic one is truck hooked up
Pic two is showing the bolts in new location
Pic three is showing the new hitched up measurements
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Old 12-15-2017, 06:27 PM   #8
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Looks like you got it!! Good job.
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Old 12-15-2017, 06:46 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57 View Post
Looks like you got it!! Good job.
Thanks for the procedural information we followed your directions for torque
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Old 12-16-2017, 04:46 AM   #10
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Just a note on the air bags... Measure the rear wheel well height of the truck empty and unhitched with NO AIR in the bags... then when loaded and hitched adjust the air bags to return the wheel well height to pre-loaded measurement... You should have approximately 10lbs in the bags before loading and hitching as to protect the bags..

This should be done on level ground...

After doing the above.... then look at the trailer level state and clearance to bed rails...
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Old 12-16-2017, 06:16 PM   #11
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We keep about 5psi in the bags unloaded, and because of the small volume of air in the bags, they go to 20psi when the trailer is hitched. Unit is still a little nose high. We will install new high end rubber when we return in the spring, thinking of going to a ST235 85R16E.
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Old 12-16-2017, 07:50 PM   #12
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You did well. Level is always going to be better than nose high. Good job!
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