Do I Need To Re-Level A 5th Wheel Trailer If My Truck Squats Once Coupled

Question:

When leveling a 5th wheel and hitch so the trailer will pull level. Do you have to add the 1 1/2 - 2inch of squat that my F250 gets when 5th wheel is on hitch? Thank you,

asked by: Kenneth B

Expert Reply:

Correct, when you couple your trailer to the tow vehicle the tow vehicle will most likely sag which will then brings down the nose of your trailer. Therefore, you may need to move the hitch head up to the next setting in order to then re-level the trailer. That said, the bed sides on newer trucks like your 2016 Ford F-250 are very tall so we find that most customers will have the hitch on the highest setting which then leaves the trailer nose high.

In order to bring the rear of the trailer level with the nose you may need to install a lift kit like the Lippert Components Tandem Axle Lift Kit part # LC407131 or the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-385-00 (if applicable). For a 5th wheel hitch, the Reese Select Plus 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30081 that you referenced will provide up to 18" of total height. If you have the factory prep package you will also need to use the Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter part # RP30156.

expert reply by: Conner L