How level does my 5th wheel need to be when towing?

[Campingnownthen19]

We have a 2014 Sprindale 31’ overall, dual axle and dry weight of 7200#. The bed is 6.5’ so we’re using a sidewinder with a stationary Reese pro series 16k hitch. Works great except we just upgraded from a 1500 to a 2500hd diesel which sits a bit taller than the 1500. Now for the problem, I only have 1 more notch to drop the hitch, so about an 1” or 1 1/2”. Right now there’s about a 4” difference from front to back of the RV and I’m thinking dropping the hitch 1 more inch won’t level it out. (simple math :)) I can’t lower the sidewinder pin box because the ears of the camper bracket drop below the sidewinder and will not allow for proper turning. I’ve read that if your camper isn’t completely level when towing, the tires on the back axle could run hot and blowout. Obviously we want to be safe when traveling but don’t know how to address this issue.

[jsmith948]

Looking at your photos, it appears that you have two more holes left to move your pin box up (which lowers the nose of your trailer). On our stock 1621 Lippert pin box, the back edge of the "ears" of the frame to which the pin box is mounted are slightly below the back of the pin box and it hasn't been an issue.
We have about 8 inches of clearance between the bed sides and the fifth wheel chin.

As to how level the rig should be...I have seen many, many rigs on the road with a nose high fifth wheel. I don't know the formula for figuring how much each inch of nose high attitude transfers how much weight to the rear axle. The fact that the axles work together as a unit through the use of an equalizer would, it seems to me, negate or, at least, reduce this effect. Before you do a lot of work moving your hitch and/or your pin box up/down, why not go to a scale and weigh each axle individually? Then you will know for sure whether or not you are severely overloading the rear axle. BTW, I wouldn't worry about a difference in the weights unless it were more than a couple hundred pounds. JMHO.

[Tbos]

If you can raise that pin box to make it more level I would. Make sure you still have the needed clearance between truck and RV. If so, you’ve done the best you can. Let us know what you end up doing.

[bobbecky]

Also, be sure to leave some room between the top of the pin box and the outer part of the nose of your rig, so when hitting rough roads the pin box doesn’t flex into the nose and break something.

[Wireman134]

We have a 2014 Sprindale 31’ overall, dual axle and dry weight of 7200#. The bed is 6.5’ so we’re using a sidewinder with a stationary Reese pro series 16k hitch. Works great except we just upgraded from a 1500 to a 2500hd diesel which sits a bit taller than the 1500. Now for the problem, I only have 1 more notch to drop the hitch, so about an 1” or 1 1/2”. Right now there’s about a 4” difference from front to back of the RV and I’m thinking dropping the hitch 1 more inch won’t level it out. (simple math :)) I can’t lower the sidewinder pin box because the ears of the camper bracket drop below the sidewinder and will not allow for proper turning. I’ve read that if your camper isn’t completely level when towing, the tires on the back axle could run hot and blowout. Obviously we want to be safe when traveling but don’t know how to address this issue.

Go scale you rig ready to travel and note trucks GVWR and payload capacity. Bet your over payload on the truck.:banghead:

[notanlines]

Anthony, Anthony, Anthony! What possible help have you tendered to the OP? He asked about the towing condition of his RV and you tell him to take it to the CAT scale because he's over gross. For the life of me I can't connect the pin weight of the Springdale (listed at 1430, probably closer to 1900) to how level his RV is in relation to the hitch and pin box.
On another thread you tell an 80 year old man, with more time in the driver's seat than you can imagine, that air bags don't increase payload. Duh!
Get real!:banghead:

[RagingRobert]

By those pics you're way too vertical :)
I think with towing any type of trailer the leveler the better. The weight is distributed evenly when all four tires are carrying the weight. Pretty sure it makes for a better feel while towing also. I see a lot of "high in the front" fiver's riding mostly on the back tires...not good I'm sure unless you rotate your tires and axles every trip :)

[wiredgeorge]

Looks fine to me... I was going to ask if the OP was still using Tow Max tires but Jim in Memphis will catch me bwhahahaha OP! The trailer is fine. Tires would burn up. Have fun with your 5ver!

[rhagfo]

Well you don't look all that bad, if you have the clearance to the bed rails, drop the hitch the 1' or so. Then the next option is if you don't already have it install the Correct Track system, that will raise the 5er 2" at the axles, that and the hitch should make you near or at level.

[Tinner12002]

Level is great but not always attainable, if in 30ft you can get in the 2-3" out of level then I wouldn't worry too much about it. So if you can drop your hitch an inch as you mentioned, I feel you'd be fine. Yes it would put slightly more weight on the rear axle but your axle equalizers should be able to transfer some of it to the front axle.