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Fifth Wheel Not Level When Towing

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  • #16
    Found this picture I took a little over a year ago for a ride height comparison on the 5th wheel & truck that I have.
    Seems the Z71 series is riding several inches taller than the regular series, but it still looks like your 5th wheel is riding lower than normal - but maybe it's the incline?
    Will be interesting to see what you determine the issue is and what fix you select - I've learned a number of things from this forum!



    2019 Chevy 3500 Duramax 4x4 2019 Solitude 3740BH
    1 Photo
    Chris
    2019 Solitude 3740BH
    2019 Chevy 3500HD Duramax SRW

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    • #17
      Guys,

      The OP can lower the front of the truck back down to the original ride height and once the 5th wheel is added, the rig will sit lower(before adding air to the bags). The Z71 package is damping and skid plates with the same ride height as a standard 4x4 in the same class of truck. My truck has the Z71 but has no fender badge. Those were a $100 option. LOL.

      Jim
      • Likes 1

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      • #18
        Just a quick update, I spoke to GD customer service and they were no help at all! He wanted to keep going on about my connection to the truck but I don't think that matters as long as I have enough clearance from bedrails to trailer. He stated that they would not give me any recommendations how to proceed and they have never come across this issue before. GD also stated this is a dealer issue and that all Solitude frames are the same. I spoke to my local spring shop and he said it would not be a good idea to respring or build new springs and that It would change the load capabilities but recommended adding steel above the hangers to lower it. I will get some better pictures as soon as possible and post.
        2022 Solitude 2930RL
        2019 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 Duramax leveled with Airbags

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        • #19
          The engineer side of my brain is really curious to know what is causing such a ride angle difference!
          From the picture it looks like if you disconnected the 5th wheel and just used the front leveling jacks to level it out while on the trailer tires that it would be at least 1' or more below where it sits when you're connected.
          My truck would only lower the 5th wheel pin height a few inches so doesn't look like it would get it to tow level, and I don't think if you hooked up to my 5th wheel the angle would be that dramatic - any chance you have a buddy with a different truck & 5th wheel that you could compare with?
          What about going back over to the dealership and seeing how you match up to other 5th wheel trailers?
          Chris
          2019 Solitude 3740BH
          2019 Chevy 3500HD Duramax SRW

          Comment

          • #20
            Originally posted by LisanJim View Post
            Just a quick update, I spoke to GD customer service and they were no help at all! He wanted to keep going on about my connection to the truck but I don't think that matters as long as I have enough clearance from bedrails to trailer. He stated that they would not give me any recommendations how to proceed and they have never come across this issue before. GD also stated this is a dealer issue and that all Solitude frames are the same. I spoke to my local spring shop and he said it would not be a good idea to respring or build new springs and that It would change the load capabilities but recommended adding steel above the hangers to lower it. I will get some better pictures as soon as possible and post.
            Provide a full side pic of the rig on the truck with no air in the bags. I could see them not helping where this issue has an easy solution.

            You have changed the rake of the truck where it will sag under load unless air bags are use to re-level the truck.

            See post #3 on the link below to understand what you have done to the truck. A different truck but the same exact issue.

            https://www.f150forum.com/f82/towing...-truck-349390/



            Jim
            Last edited by Guest; 09-09-2022, 08:56 AM.

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            • #21
              I hate to be Mr Buzzkill but the mods to that truck are IMHO the proximate cause of the problem. A front leveling kit AND airbags are pretty big changes to the truck and I know we were told the upfit wheels and tires are the same as stock 20's but they sure look bigger than stock in the pics. That trailer isnt off by much as far as level. I know that truck probably makes the numbers for that trailer but I will say that my 2021 3500HD with my Reflection is very similar in weight and even with the heavier truck it squats onto the overloads (which the 2500 doesnt have). Static my truck is high in the rear, loaded its almost perfectly level. By raising the front of the truck and using the airbags to bring it back level is essentially the equivalent of a lift kit.
              2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer
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              • #22
                Perhaps someone flipped the trailer axles?
                2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
                Electricians were created because engineers need heroes too....

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                • #23
                  There is so much value in this thread.

                  Jim

                  • Likes 1

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                  • #24
                    The engineer side of my brain is really curious to know what is causing such a ride angle difference!
                    From the picture it looks like if you disconnected the 5th wheel and just used the front leveling jacks to level it out while on the trailer tires that it would be at least 1' or more below where it sits when you're connected.
                    My truck would only lower the 5th wheel pin height a few inches so doesn't look like it would get it to tow level, and I don't think if you hooked up to my 5th wheel the angle would be that dramatic - any chance you have a buddy with a different truck & 5th wheel that you could compare with?
                    What about going back over to the dealership and seeing how you match up to other 5th wheel trailers?
                    Chris
                    2019 Solitude 3740BH
                    2019 Chevy 3500HD Duramax SRW

                    Comment

                    • #25
                      And a full side pic connected to another rig would be helpful too.

                      Jim
                      Last edited by Guest; 09-11-2022, 07:52 PM.

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                      • #26
                        Originally posted by MidwestCamper View Post
                        And a full side pic connected to another rig would be helpful too.

                        Jim
                        I suspect it would be fairly level and validate the issue being the mods to the OP's truck.
                        2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

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                        • #27
                          Originally posted by familytruckster4 View Post

                          I suspect it would be fairly level and validate the issue being the mods to the OP's truck.
                          Agree Truckster. First step is to factor in the mods on the truck and tire combo.

                          Jim

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                          • #28
                            Originally posted by familytruckster4 View Post
                            I hate to be Mr Buzzkill but the mods to that truck are IMHO the proximate cause of the problem. A front leveling kit AND airbags are pretty big changes to the truck
                            Measures the same height as Cate&Rob's truck though.
                            2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
                            Electricians were created because engineers need heroes too....

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                            • #29
                              Originally posted by Scott'n'Wendy View Post

                              Measures the same height as Cate&Rob's truck though.
                              And the truck is not lifted. LOL

                              Ordinarily this would be a worthy topic but when the truck has been lifted (same height as Robs example until the bags are inflated) this is a waste of time. Remember when a level kit is installed, the truck sits level and is at the stock height in the back. But when a load is applied, it sags miserably. So the bags are needed to lift it back to being level in order to match the raised front end. This is what is referred to as being lifted. I'm struggling in how folks are missing this concept and will move on.

                              Here is a visual of the issue with a level kit under load and without bags to raise the rear of the truck. Now imagine the effect on the trailer if this fellow raised (lifted) the rear with bags to re-level (lift) the truck.

                              Click image for larger version Name: Level Kit Under load_ No bags.PNG Views: 0 Size: 298.8 KB ID: 94629


                              Jim
                              Last edited by Guest; 09-12-2022, 01:59 PM.

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                              • #30
                                For some reason my 2021 3500HD measures at 58 1/2 at the rear and 58" at the wheel centerline which is an inch lower than C&R measured that 2500HD ?
                                2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

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