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Old 03-09-2014, 07:40 PM   #1
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High centering?

Ok, I've figured our truck will pull the 355re safely, as long as we don't use the 3400lb cargo allowance. 2400lb limit.
Next question; we cross raised RR tracks coming into our neighborhood. When we went from 1500chev to 2500, the "bump stops" were bent on TT.
(What are they called?) Had to lower the ball. 5er is 40'. TT is 31'.
Anyone had trouble with their trailer high centering? There's another way in, but 2 miles extra travel. I'm a pipefitter by trade, but lots of geometry involved, not one of my strengths. Am I overthinking, as the boss says!
Any thoughts, other than try, eye, and back out if necessary? Very busy intersection.
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Old 03-09-2014, 07:47 PM   #2
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I'm confused. Your talking about lowering the ball then mention a 5th wheel. Not sure what you are referring to as "bump stops" on a trailer either.
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Old 03-09-2014, 07:54 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davel1971 View Post
I'm confused. Your talking about lowering the ball then mention a 5th wheel. Not sure what you are referring to as "bump stops" on a trailer either.
Im guessing he has a goose neck adapter?

Unsure why he mentions tt and 5er either.



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Old 03-09-2014, 07:57 PM   #4
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Sorry. Trading 29' TT for a 40' 5er. TT bottoming out, bending triangular "bumpstops" welded to the bumper. Lowered ball 2". 2500 was taller. Now worried about longer trailer high centering, or dragging.
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Old 03-09-2014, 08:01 PM   #5
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oh, it get it now. The triangle pieces on bottom of trailer rear bumper? Is by any chance your new trailer higher off ground than old one? Most 5th wheels have fairly tall stance.
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Old 03-09-2014, 08:05 PM   #6
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Don't think so. Chose TT because of ground clearance.
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Old 03-09-2014, 08:12 PM   #7
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I've seen coaches with roller wheels on bottom of rear bumper. Since TT bumpers have no strength, maybe you could put something at very rear of frame rails, just in front of bumper. Just a thought. Most trailers don't have those triangle pieces on bottom of bumper. Maybe the absence of them will prevent you from dragging?
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Old 03-09-2014, 08:17 PM   #8
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The 5er goes 14500. Don't want to chance that. Don't know why I started this thread. I'll measure, do some math, maybe try it at a low traffic time. Didn't think about this til crossing tracks today, with thoughts on camper. Thanks!
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Old 03-09-2014, 08:21 PM   #9
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WOW, is that your empty weight? If so, that's a lot for a 2500, no matter how its equipped.
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Old 03-09-2014, 08:43 PM   #10
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Actual loaded wt is 15500. 3400lbs cargo wt. We'll never reach that wt, as tv will only pull 14500lbs by my figuring.
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Old 03-09-2014, 09:07 PM   #11
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You can measure and do some math but there's something to consider, the 5er will vertically pivot differently compared to the TT. It won't change as much with the pivot being over the axle compared to the height change at the bumper.

I'd just try it. Like you said, go during low traffic, take someone along to watch and just go slowly to see what happens.
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Old 03-09-2014, 09:10 PM   #12
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We have very low hanging tree branches on the street we live on. We just wait until there's no on-coming traffic and take the left lane.

Maybe you could try approaching the tracks at an angle if you do the same? Pick a time when you're the only traffic and angle approach it?
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Old 03-09-2014, 09:25 PM   #13
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If you're worried about tail dragging, hopefully your camper is sitting level...not nose high.

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Old 03-09-2014, 09:57 PM   #14
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You say it's an extra 2 miles out of the way to take an alternate route. I do the same thing, but only to the tune of about a mile every time I bring the camper to my house. There's one stretch of road and one turn that I do it to avoid. At the end of the day- I'd rather spend an extra 5 minutes than bugger something on the trailer when given the chance.
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Old 03-09-2014, 09:59 PM   #15
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Beautiful camper, btw - I can't believe that bathroom!
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Old 03-10-2014, 11:48 AM   #16
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Going to take all of this in consideration.
She says I overthink things. Took a week, playing with weight calculator, and checking actual wts. to satisfy myself I had enough truck to pull safely.
Shouldn't have 4wd. Anyway, should give you an update in a coupla weeks. Thanks for all of the advice! I'll be back for more!!!!
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Old 03-10-2014, 12:19 PM   #17
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Beautiful camper, btw - I can't believe that bathroom!

X eleventy. NICE!


eDad, we do the "left lane" down our street because going the other way leaves us with a bad approach to our street (hard *narrow* left turn) and then a difficult approach to our driveway due to utilities
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