5th wheel clearance

[DickOK]

We just bought a new truck and hitch. Our 5th wheel when hooked up sits level. However, there is only 4 1/2 inches of clearance between the 5th wheel and truck. Hate to raise the hitch which will make the 5th wheel not sit level. What do you think about the clearance?

[Cummins12V98]

Set it to 6” min. Go to the scales weigh each axle. Be sure you are not overloading rear axle.

[agesilaus]

joelc wrote:
I have a 2006 Ford 6.0 Lariet and a Carriage Cameo. Because the truck is so high, Carriage, when they were in business and I ordered the RV, flipped the axles on the 5er. This gave me the clearance I needed. Don't know if all RV can be done on all 5er's or what the charge would be, but you can check with a dealer you trust to find out if this can be done and would solve your problem.

It's a lot easier to adjust the hitch first, until you run out of hitch adjustment then move on to more extreme measures like flipping the axle.

[joelc]

I have a 2006 Ford 6.0 Lariet and a Carriage Cameo. Because the truck is so high, Carriage, when they were in business and I ordered the RV, flipped the axles on the 5er. This gave me the clearance I needed. Don't know if all RV can be done on all 5er's or what the charge would be, but you can check with a dealer you trust to find out if this can be done and would solve your problem.

[schlep1967]

Lower the pin box one hole. Like others have said, a little nose high will not hurt. That is why they put "flexible" suspensions on the trailers.

[BB_TX]

6" is better. Running a little nose high is not a problem.

[agesilaus]

5 inches is usually considered to be the minimum, 6 to 8 inches is better. Adjust the hitch.

[Lwiddis]

“pretty tight especially if you get a bit off the beaten path.”

Even a gas station driveway might cause an expensive problem.

[Super_Dave]

An inch to 1 1/2" nose high is nothing to worry about, raise the hitch.

[IdaD]

Can you lift the trailer? 4.5" is pretty tight especially if you get a bit off the beaten path.

[twodownzero]

I don't think that's enough clearance. I lowered my truck 2" in the back to deal with this problem. What kind of truck is it and is that an option for you?