I just wanted to give everyone an update on this issue. I have spoke to Grand Design and they said there was nothing they could do so I contacted Lippert. They were very helpful and stated that I should go up from the 3500# springs to the 4000# springs. The 4000# springs have seven leafs instead of 6 on the 3500# and the arc should be better and raise the coach some. they could not tell me exactly how much but it will help. If that does not do it I found a company simcoespring.com that makes a 2" lift for trailers. I will be receiving the new springs this week and will post a picture and results once completed. Thanks for all the advise.

I wanted to find out your end result on how you corrected the height. I have a 2021 GD 5th wheel 260RD paired to a 2021 Ram 2500 4x4 and a B&W companion hitch on the lowest setting over the axle and the trailer is nose high when towing. The only changes I have done to both trailer and truck is sumo springs for the trailer and air bags on the truck. Did you go with a lift on the trailer or leaf spring direction? Many thanks

Who is the "your" being referenced? Best to quote the individual (like I just did to you) or tag them, like I'm doing here with you: Ca Scott . If you'll take a few minutes to read through the Welcome Letter and the links it provides, you'll learn how to get the most from your time here on this forum. Link to the letter here: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/main-fo...to-new-members

Howard

Ca Scott

Are you are using the truck air bags to significantly lift the back of the truck when connected to the trailer? Most trucks drop about 3" (at the tailgate) between unloaded and connected to the 5th wheel trailer which gets the trailer back to "close to level" with a reasonable 7" to 8" clearance between trailer overhang and truck bed rails.

Rob

Rob, The air bags does not raise the height significantly that I can tell. I purchased these to keep the truck level while under load. I have talked to Grand Design and Dexter and they advise nothing they can do or suggest and to work with the dealer....yikes!

In my research, I have found out that the axles are sprung and the springs are over the top. I was hoping to at least find out options before I go to my dealer (scheduled for Dec. 2022). Thank you for your input....appreciated.

Scott

Hi Scott,

A "level truck" is somewhat of a subjective thing. Most trucks sit a couple of inches higher than level at the tailgate when empty and this is how we get used to looking at them. My current truck sits at 57" and drops to 54" when hooked up to the 5th wheel. To me, the truck looks like it is "going uphill" . . . but, measured at the wheel arches, it is exactly "level".

The 5th wheel overhang will be about 61" when the trailer is level. 61" - 54" = 7" clearance with a level trailer. All of this +/- an inch or two with different trucks and trailers. I would suggest that you start by measuring your trailer overhang when it is level, your tailgate height empty and your tailgate height connected . . . to see where your numbers are.

There are ways to lower the truck further, or lift the trailer on its suspension, but these are relatively complicated and create other compromises. If you search this site on words related to this topic (such as "overhang height"), you will find a number of discussions on ways to do this.

When RV manufacturers went from the "normal" trailer suspension with axles over the springs (under slung) to axles under the springs (over slung) they created compromises in trailer braking. (A whole lot longer discussion elsewhere on this forum). Spacers between the axles and the springs can be used to lift the trailer, but this addition "leverage" by the axle on the springs while braking will compromise trailer braking even further.

I would think that you need to get the tailgate height of your truck into the 54" range when connected to the 5th wheel. (just my opinion).

Rob

Hello Rob,
Many thanks for your input. This gives me a basis on how to check where my height is.

Scott

Hello all,
I know that not all of you will agree with me but the solution but I went with the 4000# springs and that added a little, probably 1"-1.5", then I added the simcoespring.com 2" spacer block and upgraded my U-Bolts to 9/16" from the stock 1/2" bolts. I didn't feel that removing the leveling and air bags would help much and the truck needed the air bags for the hitch weight so this was the best solution while still keeping the 6" between trailer and bed rail. I have attached a before and after picture as well as the springs and spacers. Pulls much better now and feels much more comfortable. Thanks for all of your input on the subject.



Happy Camping!

Did the overall height of the trailer change at all?

Thanks for the follow-up.
Glad you got it sorted to your liking.

The overall height of the trailer raised about 3"-3.5". This worked out well due to our rear leveling pads were very close to the ground when fully retracted before and now they are much better. The trailer also rides better with the heavier springs. GD spec's my trailer at 15k GVWR but used 3500# springs (14000# total capacity) and I asked the questions why and they said that they take into account the hitch weight not being on the springs so they are adequate.