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Old 12-09-2015, 03:35 PM   #1
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2015 RAM vs 2002 truck bed height

Howdy all -

I'm considering trading in my old '02 RAM 2500 for a new/used 2014/2015. One thing I noticed today at the dealership was how much taller the new rigs are over my old one. All of the rigs were 4x4, where my is RWD, not sure if that is why they are taller or not.

How do you adjust for the added height with a 5th wheel? My current rig tows the trailer level, I don't want to see the trailer tilted nose up with a new truck. I know my hitch has some minor height adjustment, but I don't think it's going to cover the difference.
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Old 12-09-2015, 08:11 PM   #2
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I would suggest that you check out Turbo Diesel Register.Com. Several members have dealt with this issue with the new trucks and they might be able to help you.
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Old 12-09-2015, 09:44 PM   #3
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Axle flip is one method. If the trailer axle is mounted on the top side of the axle, I believe you can buy kits with the equipment needed to mount the axle on the bottom side.
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Old 12-10-2015, 08:51 AM   #4
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Axle flip is one method. If the trailer axle is mounted on the top side of the axle, I believe you can buy kits with the equipment needed to mount the axle on the bottom side.
Be careful with axle flipping if the camper is already at the 13'6" maximum trailer height. Many 5th wheel trailers with a front AC are close to that.
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Old 12-10-2015, 09:24 AM   #5
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Depending on how much clearance you have between the bed and overhang you may have some adjustment in the pinbox also.

They jack those 4x4's up so they look good when you're cruising the local Mickey D's!
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Old 12-10-2015, 09:43 AM   #6
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I worried bout that too when I went from my old 07 Dodge to this 2010 4x4 dually with bigger then factory tires. I have my hitch at it's highest height and my trailer is level. I have about 6-7 inches clearance. The only problem I have had is the park I am in now, the lots have a pretty good hump I have to back in to. Bed came close enough to wipe off one of my clips that hold the bin door open. I highly doubt I will ever encounter a hump higher then this one...If I do we ain't going there lol lol lol
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Old 12-10-2015, 09:47 AM   #7
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I have the new 2015 Ram 3500 4x4 and it was taller than my old F350 4x4 so O lowered the 5th wheel hitch in the bed of the truck to its lowest setting. The 5er is fairly level now. Here's a pic from my last trip when filling up. The drive way at the pump was at a incline or hump at the pump but here's a pic anyway to give you an idea. I measured from the top of the A/C unit to the ground and I'm at 13'5".

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Old 12-10-2015, 12:32 PM   #8
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Installed the Correct Track alignment kit which raised the rv 2 inches. Also gives me the ability to align the axles if needed in the future. Towed all of last season with great results and a level rv.
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Old 12-10-2015, 12:50 PM   #9
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I have a 2012 Ram 3500 4X4 and when i first purchased it i had to lower my fifth wheel hitch a notch,i too went from rear wheel drive to a 4X4 there are also adjustments on the pin you can do...my clearance gap on my 5th is about 6"....hope this helps....
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Old 12-10-2015, 01:12 PM   #10
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I was able to get shorter mounting hardware for my pullrite hitch then lowered pin box
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Old 12-10-2015, 01:18 PM   #11
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Deleted - Start new thread to not highjack this one...
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Old 12-10-2015, 06:23 PM   #12
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Thanks guys!

My Rockwood has the torsion springs, not leaf, so I don't think i can do the extension, but I'll look into it.

My hitch is current set for the third highest setting, so I can lower it another 3". (I'm hoping to find a used Ram w/ the trailer prep'ed bed and get a new hitch). Not sure if the Reese Revolution can be adjusted higher, but I'll look into it.

Mud, thank you for the pics!
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Old 12-10-2015, 08:12 PM   #13
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I have a 2015 Ram 2500 4x4 and a 2015 Heritage Glen and there's no way to level the RV without doing some kind of RV lift or truck lowering. If I could go back and repurchase the truck I would opt for a 4x2 instead of a 4x4.
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Old 12-11-2015, 05:25 PM   #14
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The new 4x4's are 5" taller than my old 4x2. I can lower my hitch by 3", leaving a 2" difference. Not too bad.
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Old 12-11-2015, 07:30 PM   #15
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Cheaper to lower truck.....why add more wind resistance and make steps harder to climb? Doesn't that year truck have coil springs all around?
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Old 12-11-2015, 07:36 PM   #16
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$800.

Replaces rear coil with airbag.
Refill manually. Lower truck, plus the bonus of a great ride, loaded or not.
The rear is about 3" higher than the front as it is.

https://kelderman.com/ram_2500_3500_...air_suspension


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Old 12-12-2015, 07:48 AM   #17
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Yes the truck has coil springs all way around. It sits high in the rear unloaded but sits perfectly level with the 5er on it. Lowering the rear of the truck would make the truck ride nose high when loaded. So it would be a trade off, level trailer and unlevel truck. As is, towing I have a level truck and a nose high 5er. I'll have to live with that. The best option would have been to buy the 4x2 off the bat which would make the truck lower all way around. Hind sight is 20-20.
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Old 12-12-2015, 09:10 AM   #18
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Thanks guys!

My Rockwood has the torsion springs, not leaf, so I don't think i can do the extension, but I'll look into it.
Some trailers with torsion axles can be lifted via tubing between the axle and trailer frame.

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I remember something a few years back about the manufacturers offering such a lift kit. I might benefit you to contact Rockwood to see what is available.
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Old 12-12-2015, 11:13 AM   #19
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Lower front also...I did ......still rides just fine. My trailer also is a torsion axle type
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Old 12-22-2015, 06:40 PM   #20
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I have a 2012 Ram 3500 4X4 and when i first purchased it i had to lower my fifth wheel hitch a notch,i too went from rear wheel drive to a 4X4 there are also adjustments on the pin you can do...my clearance gap on my 5th is about 6"....hope this helps....
How many miles per gallon are you getting with the 4x4 when towing?
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