Pin Box Plate
- Thread starter Hondo67
- Start date
Whitewolf
Well-known member
I understand what you're trying to do, but that may be kinda hard unless the pad is perfectly level. As and example the campground we're in, I'm nose low due to a slope. The 382 behind us is nose high due to the same slope.
Maybe tell us what you have for a truck and hitch and we can get closer to the answer you're needing. I moved both my pin box up one bolt hole and my hitch down 2 bolt holes in order to get the 340 level with the truck and still have enough clearance between the top of the truck bed rail and the bottom of the overhang of the 340. Overhang, I know that's probably not the right word, but I don't know what else to call it.
Maybe tell us what you have for a truck and hitch and we can get closer to the answer you're needing. I moved both my pin box up one bolt hole and my hitch down 2 bolt holes in order to get the 340 level with the truck and still have enough clearance between the top of the truck bed rail and the bottom of the overhang of the 340. Overhang, I know that's probably not the right word, but I don't know what else to call it.
johnjohnson62
New member
I have a similar question and am totally new to this. 395ds, GMC 3500, BW companion slider. Trying to figure out which height to install the hitch. 17, 18, or 19 inches above the bed. The camper is not here. Any advice to make sure its level but far enough above bed? How far above bed should it be?
Whitewolf
Well-known member
It’s not so much the distance from the bed as it is from the bed rail (The side of the truck bed).
The distance between the truck rail and the overhang when hitched should be no less than 5”. I like 6”.
You’re gonna get into a situation where the 5r is leaning one way and the truck not leaning the same way.
Between all the configuration holes in the Companion and the pin box you should be able to get it level.
The distance between the truck rail and the overhang when hitched should be no less than 5”. I like 6”.
You’re gonna get into a situation where the 5r is leaning one way and the truck not leaning the same way.
Between all the configuration holes in the Companion and the pin box you should be able to get it level.
Getting the trailer level will likely be a fools errand with modern trucks. If you can get 6" of clearance and be only a few inches high in the front, that will be good enough. You really want to watch your ground clearance at the rear of the unit and make sure you have appropriate space there. But equalizers will help distribute weight between the axles enough for the imbalance due to being somewhat off level, imo.
johnjohnson62
New member
Thanks to both of you. My takeaway is that for this first pull, I have the hitch high enough that the hangover is 6 inches above the bed. And later maybe adjust the pin to lower the front of trailer if needed. So, I will start at the highest position. And if it does not look too tilted, drive it. I have pulled small campers and boats, but this will be my first pull of a giant 5th wheel.
George
Well-known member
FWIW - Sitting level on my level concrete pad the plate is 48" off the ground.
BUT! as already said your concern is clearance. Before picking up my RV I put this together to setup the hitch. I was shooting for 7" minimum. You'll have to use the numbers from the hitch you bought.
BUT! as already said your concern is clearance. Before picking up my RV I put this together to setup the hitch. I was shooting for 7" minimum. You'll have to use the numbers from the hitch you bought.
