|
08-20-2017, 08:40 AM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: N. Central Illinois
Posts: 6
|
Newbie with pin box question
Well I'll admit this is the first forum I have ever joined, but seemed like the smart choice so I can make this RV experience as safe and fun as possible. Soon we'll b picking up our first 5th wheel. 44yrs old seemed like a good time to start enjoying life. I have a 2001 Ford F250 with a 4" lift and a B&W turnover ball in the truck. I purchased the Anderson Aluminum Ultimate hitch to convert to pulling the 5th wheel. My question is can I adjust the pin box all the way up and then tilt it UP jus slightly to gain the couple inches I need to be able pull the camper level? I am a mechanical guy but I'll admit I don't know much about the structural integrity of a 5th wheel frame. Thanks in advance for any opinions.
|
|
|
08-20-2017, 08:49 AM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
|
A very slight angle might be ok, but I'm not sure what you are gaining by changing the geometry of the pin box. Your biggest concern that you have to watch for with a lifted truck is the clearance between the side rails of the truck bed and the nose of your 5er. You obtain the clearance with a properly adjusted hitch and pin box. If you don't have the clearance needed when the trailer is level, nothing you do will change that. You will have a choice of lifting your 5er (not recommended by me), towing nose high (not recommended), or lowering your truck (best option for towing stability). I
|
|
|
08-20-2017, 08:50 AM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: NorCal
Posts: 386
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Voltsandjolts
Well I'll admit this is the first forum I have ever joined, but seemed like the smart choice so I can make this RV experience as safe and fun as possible. Soon we'll b picking up our first 5th wheel. 44yrs old seemed like a good time to start enjoying life. I have a 2001 Ford F250 with a 4" lift and a B&W turnover ball in the truck. I purchased the Anderson Aluminum Ultimate hitch to convert to pulling the 5th wheel. My question is can I adjust the pin box all the way up and then tilt it UP jus slightly to gain the couple inches I need to be able pull the camper level? I am a mechanical guy but I'll admit I don't know much about the structural integrity of a 5th wheel frame. Thanks in advance for any opinions.
|
Is the 5th wheel you're getting new or used? When we picked up our 5th wheel at the dealer, they installed the hitch (slider at the time) and adjusted everything prior to me driving off the lot. I'm guessing they should do the same for you? If used from a private party, I'm sure you'll get the info you need fro those here who are very familiar with the process.
__________________
2019 Ram 3500 CTD, CC, Limited, DRW, 4x4, Aisin/4.10's
2017 Ram 3500 CTD CC DRW 4x4, 6.7/auto (Sold)
2016 Cougar 333MKS (sold to Camp Fire survivor)
|
|
|
08-20-2017, 09:00 AM
|
#4
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,339
|
The pin box can be moved up, but it cannot be "tilted". You need a minimum of 4 bolts and usual is 6 bolts holding the pin box to the frame. There isn't much play to tilt the box.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
|
|
|
08-20-2017, 09:53 AM
|
#5
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: N. Central Illinois
Posts: 6
|
The 5th wheel is used and I'm not much for having others work on my truck. Not to mention, I had to tell em (at the dealership) that it looked a little light in the front b4 be noticed it. I'm hoping I'll be fine jus by raising the pin box to the top most holes. Taking the lift off would be a real PAIN!! However, could b the perfect segway to telling the wife we need a new 6.7 Powerstroke Hopefully we pick it up this week and I'll post pics of my dilemma and/or solution. Or pics of a new truck! Lol
|
|
|
08-20-2017, 10:01 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,222
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
The pin box can be moved up, but it cannot be "tilted". You need a minimum of 4 bolts and usual is 6 bolts holding the pin box to the frame. There isn't much play to tilt the box.
|
Best to loose the 4" lift rather than try to lift the 5er. Then you have 4" less TV height to worry about in trying to achieve a level package.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
|
|
|
08-20-2017, 12:09 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: NorCal
Posts: 386
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Voltsandjolts
The 5th wheel is used and I'm not much for having others work on my truck. Not to mention, I had to tell em (at the dealership) that it looked a little light in the front b4 be noticed it. I'm hoping I'll be fine jus by raising the pin box to the top most holes. Taking the lift off would be a real PAIN!! However, could b the perfect segway to telling the wife we need a new 6.7 Powerstroke Hopefully we pick it up this week and I'll post pics of my dilemma and/or solution. Or pics of a new truck! Lol
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo
Best to loose the 4" lift rather than try to lift the 5er. Then you have 4" less TV height to worry about in trying to achieve a level package.
|
And hope, in the interim, you don't have any dips or angular approaches leading into/out of a parking lot, RV park, driveway, etc.
__________________
2019 Ram 3500 CTD, CC, Limited, DRW, 4x4, Aisin/4.10's
2017 Ram 3500 CTD CC DRW 4x4, 6.7/auto (Sold)
2016 Cougar 333MKS (sold to Camp Fire survivor)
|
|
|
08-20-2017, 02:04 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 2,909
|
Our rig was new and the only adjustment to the pin box would be to lower it. It came at the highest position, and any higher would be jamming it into the fiberglass front cap, and there needs to be a little clearance there to allow a tiny bit of movement from the pin box movement. Even the newer trucks stock are a bit on the high side, and you really need about 6" above the truck rails to be safe.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402 Montana
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC
|
|
|
08-21-2017, 04:32 AM
|
#9
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: N. Central Illinois
Posts: 6
|
Thanks for all the input guys. I really appreciate it. I will post pics when we pick it up. See what u think of my tow angle.
|
|
|
08-22-2017, 04:56 AM
|
#10
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: N. Central Illinois
Posts: 6
|
Had a new thought guys....... the tires on it now are very cheap and a D rated tire. Since I know I'll be putting new tires on it anyway, why couldn't I go with a ST225-90-16E. That would give me a better load capacity plus add 3" of height to the camper thus only making me adjust the pin box up 1" to compensate for the 4" lift in the rear. Seems like that would ba viable alternative to removing the lift. Thoughts, opinions???
|
|
|
08-22-2017, 05:00 AM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,457
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Voltsandjolts
Had a new thought guys....... the tires on it now are very cheap and a D rated tire. Since I know I'll be putting new tires on it anyway, why couldn't I go with a ST225-90-16E. That would give me a better load capacity plus add 3" of height to the camper thus only making me adjust the pin box up 1" to compensate for the 4" lift in the rear. Seems like that would ba viable alternative to removing the lift. Thoughts, opinions???
|
One word... Clearance
__________________
2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|