Frame wheel skids Cherokee Fifth Wheel

[just1more]

Recently just purchased a 2018 Cherokee Arctic Wolf 285. On the back of the frame, near the bumper, there are some very low brackets welded to the frame that I am guessing are basically skid plates. I have a sloped driveway so I cannot back in without putting down some 2x12 lumber under the tires. Kind of a pain every time. I'm wondering if it would be OK to cut these off and add a wheel skid of sorts to alleviate the hassle? Image attached of area I am referring to.

[B and B]

Hello,
The plates are for accessory rack install. Putting wheels on a ultralight or lite frame might just bend it as the wheels hit. I put some on my 1982 Corsair but that frame was heavy gauge steel. Warranty also void.

[just1more]

I am thinking of just cutting those off as I am not using them for anything. This would give me much more clearance and might allow me to get in and out of the drive way. They are welded on but should be easy enough to cut off.

[CAMPINGADDICT]

I see you have a quick connect for propane just in front of the bracket. Maybe it is a mount for an outdoor grill. Just a thought.

[Lloydg]

We have the same brackets and they are for a bar with a hitch receiver attached. This is what we mount our bike rack to. The only negative thing I can come up with is that when you go to sell it. So many folks bicycle now that it might discourage a sale.

[Jim in Halifax]

MY OLD TT USED TO DRAG WHEN THE BACK TIRES HIT THE CURB...i JUST PUT A COUPLE PIECES OF 2 x 12 x 2' DOWN AND IT WAS ENOUGH TO CLEAR THE BACK END

[just1more]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I think another reason this is happening is my RAM 2500 is taller due to the tires. I guess I will be going with smaller tires next time.

[Kimber45]

I have a friend that had to add skid wheels on his 5th wheel because his drive is steep. He added a piece of steel to strengthen the frame. I would beware of voiding warranty on a new unit doing any type of modification.

[rsdata]

I think another reason this is happening is my RAM 2500 is taller due to the tires. I guess I will be going with smaller tires next time.

Not sure what your WDH looks like, but maybe the vendor of that hitch offers a drop SHANK (the part that installs into the RAM hitch). A drop shank might lower your tow height by an inch or two which would then make the rear of your trailer a bit taller and maybe then miss hitting or not hit as hard.

Another thought is to look into installing that rear trailer hitch and fabricating a wheel on a shank inserted into the hitch which may give just enough lift to help clear the driveway?

Finally have you looked into getting taller tires on the camper? maybe a larger diameter tire would lift the entire chassis enough to do the job...

Good luck