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04-16-2018, 09:56 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: johnstown
Posts: 46
M.O.C. #21280
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Lower Pin box?
Hey everyone, new owner here with a 305rl, GMC 2500, air bags over rear axle and a Hensley air ride BD3 hitch. My issue is with an empty RV, truck and camper level with air bags I only have 4 inches from bed rails to bottom of cap,i can put more air in the hitch but will only give me a stiffer ride. My question is Can i Lower my pin box to the bottom holes provided which would give me several more inches of clearance? The total clearance would then be 6 to 7 inches. Pin box is a Lippert 1116. Any one see any issues? Thanks in advance for your input.
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04-16-2018, 11:32 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Tacoma
Posts: 1,567
M.O.C. #20475
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I would not lower my pin box that will put more undo stress on your 5er frame can't you raise your Hensley 5th wheel hitch & lower your air bag pressure? You want no less then about between truck and camper!
Bob & Carol
Washington St
2017 HC 352RL 2008 Dodge 3500 DRW CC LB 4x4
Happy Trails
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04-16-2018, 12:06 PM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Edmonds, Wa
Posts: 401
M.O.C. #12491
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Cook-Den, I have had similar height issues with my Montana and the standard More-Ryde hitch pin box with similar attachment points as the Lippert. Recently, after upgrading to a newer Chevy, I needed to raise the trailer - lower the pin box to obtain more clearance. I called customer service. They said no problem, they are made to be adjustable, just make sure you re-tourque the grade 5 bolts back to 135 #'s. And no problem re-using the bolts.
My suggestion to you, call Lippert customer service, explain your needs and concerns, and go from there! And they probably made your frame if you are concerned about stress issues.
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04-16-2018, 01:02 PM
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#4
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: johnstown
Posts: 46
M.O.C. #21280
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Thanks guy for your input.
Bob, i could put more air in the hitch, I carry about 40 lbs. of air and it is rated for 90lbs and this takes it to 5 inches of clearance. Still not comfortable with that clearance and my concern would be an air leak or bag failure putting the clearance at a dangerous distance. I agree with your comment on frame stress and will consider that factor.
Ranch,I will take your advice and drop the pin box but only after calling Lippert
Thank you both
Denny
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04-16-2018, 02:49 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: stockton
Posts: 405
M.O.C. #11457
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Whatever you do, do not travel with less than 6 inches of clarance.
__________________
2014 Montana Mountaineer 331 RLT. Winneguard SWM Traveler Satellite Antenna, Progressive 50 amp portable EMS, 6 point Level Up.. 2016 Chevy 3500 Duramax Dually, long bed, B&W Patriot hitch.
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04-16-2018, 06:47 PM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Boone
Posts: 311
M.O.C. #21011
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I had the same problem with our new truck. I only had 4 1/2 inches. I called Lippert and they said it was made to lower the pin box. The dealer lowered it for me and now I have about 5 1/2 inches. And of course I can vary this a little with my air bags with the onboard compressor. IMHO, I think 5 inches should be the lowest anyone should have.
__________________
2018 Montana HC 362RD
2016 Chevrolet 3500 Duramax HD SRW
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04-16-2018, 07:54 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2017
Location: South East NC
Posts: 1,768
M.O.C. #19865
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamesb
I had the same problem with our new truck. I only had 4 1/2 inches. I called Lippert and they said it was made to lower the pin box. The dealer lowered it for me and now I have about 5 1/2 inches. And of course I can vary this a little with my air bags with the onboard compressor. IMHO, I think 5 inches should be the lowest anyone should have.
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Agree ~~ 5" is minimum. My last 5er was at 5 1/2 and this one is level right at 5" with no problems.
__________________
John & Patty
2022 3855 BR
2019 Lariat F350 4X4 Dually
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04-16-2018, 09:27 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: 1000 oaks
Posts: 953
M.O.C. #19630
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cook-Den
Hey everyone, new owner here with a 305rl, GMC 2500, air bags over rear axle and a Hensley air ride BD3 hitch. My issue is with an empty RV, truck and camper level with air bags I only have 4 inches from bed rails to bottom of cap,i can put more air in the hitch but will only give me a stiffer ride. My question is Can i Lower my pin box to the bottom holes provided which would give me several more inches of clearance? The total clearance would then be 6 to 7 inches. Pin box is a Lippert 1116. Any one see any issues? Thanks in advance for your input.
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Are you level (the trailer) at the settings you have at the present time?
__________________
2011 2955RL Gen-Y Executive Kingpin
2022 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Alison
4X4 Crew Cab/Standard bed.
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04-17-2018, 07:13 AM
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#9
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: johnstown
Posts: 46
M.O.C. #21280
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It shows level as checked inside the coach on the center island
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04-17-2018, 08:10 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: 1000 oaks
Posts: 953
M.O.C. #19630
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cook-Den
It shows level as checked inside the coach on the center island
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Ideally you should raise the trailer at the pinbox and at the axles so you can tow level. If you just raise the nose 2.5 inches with the pinbox the trailer will tow different.
What year is the 305RL? Could the springs be tired? Tires too small?
I tow a 2955RL with a RAM 2500 4X4 which is really high and I have like 8" between the bed and the front cap when hooked and level. I also went to Sailuns 85's which gave me another 1/2" in height.
__________________
2011 2955RL Gen-Y Executive Kingpin
2022 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Alison
4X4 Crew Cab/Standard bed.
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04-17-2018, 02:02 PM
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#11
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: johnstown
Posts: 46
M.O.C. #21280
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Hey prndl, the 305rl is new 2018 with only 500 lbs of stuff in it including full propane. if i lower pin box and gain 2 inches of height i thing when i full load for a trip it would be best time to check level, also i could level somewhat by less air in axle air bags. You agree?
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04-17-2018, 04:05 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: 1000 oaks
Posts: 953
M.O.C. #19630
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All you can do is try. It's not so bad to change the pinbox just use a air gun or go to HF and get an electric. Make sure you really torque the bolts when done. If it works I would replace the bolts with new grade 8 and nuts. Cheap insurance at Fastenal.
__________________
2011 2955RL Gen-Y Executive Kingpin
2022 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Alison
4X4 Crew Cab/Standard bed.
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04-18-2018, 08:03 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 663
M.O.C. #20906
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BuilderBob
I would not lower my pin box that will put more undo stress on your 5er frame can't you raise your Hensley 5th wheel hitch & lower your air bag pressure? You want no less then about between truck and camper!
Bob & Carol
Washington St
2017 HC 352RL 2008 Dodge 3500 DRW CC LB 4x4
Happy Trails
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How does lowering the pin box out more stress on the frame? Towing unlevel? New and first 5th wheel coming in June so trying to educate myself as much as possible. I see how adding a gooseneck adapter puts more torque on the pin box, but don't see how lowering it will.
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04-18-2018, 08:04 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 663
M.O.C. #20906
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cook-Den
Hey everyone, new owner here with a 305rl, GMC 2500, air bags over rear axle and a Hensley air ride BD3 hitch. My issue is with an empty RV, truck and camper level with air bags I only have 4 inches from bed rails to bottom of cap,i can put more air in the hitch but will only give me a stiffer ride. My question is Can i Lower my pin box to the bottom holes provided which would give me several more inches of clearance? The total clearance would then be 6 to 7 inches. Pin box is a Lippert 1116. Any one see any issues? Thanks in advance for your input.
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How bro you like the Hensley? I've pretty much decided on the new BD5.
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04-18-2018, 08:30 PM
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#15
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Houston
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #21234
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My problem is the 2018.5 3791RD Monty is now too tall to fit in RV garage due to the brand new SRW 4 X 4 F350 and the 20k pullrite hitch! I raised the pin box up to the next level, but that still wasn't enough clearance. It only lowered the Monty about 2-3 inches and I still need another 3 inches to clear the garage door header. When I changed the pin box setting, it now only gives me 5 inches of clearance between the truck rail/tailgate and the Monty's cab. That 5 inches isn't going to be enough for me not to worry about smashing that aluminum bed! So I want to go back to the original setting where the trailer is perfectly level. Soooo.... how do I lower the rear of the truck about 6 inches only when backing into garage? * It doesn't look like there is any way of raising the door header.
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04-18-2018, 11:04 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2017
Location: South East NC
Posts: 1,768
M.O.C. #19865
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yoquedo
My problem is the 2018.5 3791RD Monty is now too tall to fit in RV garage due to the brand new SRW 4 X 4 F350 and the 20k pullrite hitch! I raised the pin box up to the next level, but that still wasn't enough clearance. It only lowered the Monty about 2-3 inches and I still need another 3 inches to clear the garage door header. When I changed the pin box setting, it now only gives me 5 inches of clearance between the truck rail/tailgate and the Monty's cab. That 5 inches isn't going to be enough for me not to worry about smashing that aluminum bed! So I want to go back to the original setting where the trailer is perfectly level. Soooo.... how do I lower the rear of the truck about 6 inches only when backing into garage? * It doesn't look like there is any way of raising the door header.
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Where there is a will~~~ almost always a means of heightening a header. Find a general contractor for advice. Much easier than lowering the floor. I've been running 5" for a long time on two 5ers without a problem.
__________________
John & Patty
2022 3855 BR
2019 Lariat F350 4X4 Dually
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04-19-2018, 07:10 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Pensacola (mail forward service)
Posts: 3,198
M.O.C. #13740
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Can you buy any height reduction by airing down the truck rear tires? Not like you would be traveling any distance in this case.
__________________
2012 F350 6.7 L dually, 2013 3800RE with 6 pt leveling, Sumitomo 17.5" load range h tires, Samsung 18 cu ft residential fridge, 8k Morryde I.S. with disc brakes. Full timing since 2012.
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04-19-2018, 07:17 AM
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#18
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: johnstown
Posts: 46
M.O.C. #21280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baldicon
How bro you like the Hensley? I've pretty much decided on the new BD5.
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So far so good with the BD3. Rode with my brother in law who has BD5 to West-coast and back and thats what sold me on Hensley, very smooth ride! Great customer service. No chucking. Rides great with 30 to 40 lbs of air but gives capability of up to 100lbs if situation dictates. good luck
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04-19-2018, 07:48 AM
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#19
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Houston
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #21234
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Yes, letting air out of tires worked. But l'm looking for an easier way to lower rear of truck.... maybe air shocks or something??
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04-19-2018, 09:27 AM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Hagerstown
Posts: 866
M.O.C. #16013
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[QUOTE=BuilderBob;1095529]I would not lower my pin box that will put more undo stress on your 5er frame can't you raise your Hensley 5th wheel hitch & lower your air bag pressure? You want no less then about between truck and camper!
Could you explain how this is going to put undue stress on the frame by adjusting the pin box height.
__________________
2018.5 3791 Rear Den Montana, on the lake no 3rd A/C, Mini Split, just do it
Electric Brakes ..... Disk Brakes, it`s the only way
F350 Ford Dually 4:10`s w/bags (payload 5595 lbs) Sumo Springs 63 gal aux tank
Reese Goosebox Mor/Ryde SRE 4000 X Factors Monroe shocks.... real smooth ride
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