Towing tent trailers with a lifted k5

[bp71k5]

Im a noob at this stuff, bear with me. I picked up a very old single axle tent trailer but i dont think my drop hitch isn't low enough. I can feel the trailer popping up and down as I go down the highway. My current hitch is 11" drop. Should I try and find a hitch that makes the trailer sit level front to back? If that's the case, I need a 14" drop hitch. Does that sound about right?


---
- -Brian

 

[K85 Octane]

level or slightly lower in the front, that's what I always go off of

make sure it's a solid drop too, I'm sure that 11" already is.

 

[bp71k5]

level or slightly lower in the front, that's what I always go off of

make sure it's a solid drop too, I'm sure that 11" already is.

Thanks! Exactly what I was hoping. The 11" drop is super solid, and the only 14" I can find is $120. For that kinda cash it better be solid!


---
- -Brian

 

[dhcomp]

Do what you need to do to keep it level. Depending on the suspension, i wouldn't rule out putting some lift blocks, or slightly taller tires on the trailer either. Just make sure your leveling legs or whatever are long enough still.

 

[bp71k5]

Do what you need to do to keep it level. Depending on the suspension, i wouldn't rule out putting some lift blocks, or slightly taller tires on the trailer either.

I do plan on new tires so maybe I can look at larger ones. It looks like I can go about 3" larger and it'll still fit. A few of the web sites lift bias ply tires as giving better durability on a trailer. Anyone know why that would be? I always thought radials gave better sidewall stability which would seem to be important.



---
- -Brian

 

[dhcomp]

You should really be going with a trailer tire....but on somethign that light, it probably doesn't matter much.

 

[bp71k5]

You should really be going with a trailer tire....but on somethign that light, it probably doesn't matter much.

Do you know of any easy to find stores I can get trailer tires from around here? Nothing online seems to be local and I don't like buying heavy stuff online.

 

[dhcomp]

Just about any tire shop will stock or can order trailer tires.

But really, pick your size, and search craigslist for trailer tires. A buddy put 4 new trailer tires on his boat trailer for stupid cheap.

 

[gotblazers]

I know Goodyear retail stores sell trailer tires. They usually have to order them though so call ahead a few hours and they can send out a driver to grab em from the warehouse before you get there.

 

[DrkZide]

What about a 4" lift on the trailer?

 

[bp71k5]

What about a 4" lift on the trailer?

Maybe a shackle flip?

No lift kits for this thing. It was purchased as a cheap alternative to setting up a tent every day on the way to blazerbash. No time to mess with springs.


---
- -Brian

 

[70jimmy]

Remember to account for the load you may have in the back of the blazer on the way to moab. It may make it squat somewhat. Or the load on the way back after you win all the prizes!

 

[dhcomp]

Maybe a shackle flip?

No lift kits for this thing. It was purchased as a cheap alternative to setting up a tent every day on the way to blazerbash. No time to mess with springs.


---
- -Brian

Thats why i said blocks. Its probably leaf sprung.....find some pieces of steel, and make a block.

 

[NorCal_Chris]

post some pics of said trailer, we can come up with something.

 

[bp71k5]

Here's one pic, but it doesn't show the tires. I'm picking up a 3" longer drop tomorrow and then I'll load stuff up and see how it sits. It might be ok on the existing size tires. The ubolts on the axle look original (40 years old) so I'd like to avoid touching those so close to the start of the trip. I think I can go an inch or two larger tire if need be.


---
- -Brian

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Betting that thing is spring under. They usually are. Common mod for trailers towed by lifted trucks is a spring over. New set of u-bolts and some welding and it's taller.

Friend of mine just flipped the axle over, no fab required. Think it depends on the axle though.

 

[bp71k5]

Friend of mine just flipped the axle over, no fab required. Think it depends on the axle though.

It is spring under, and it does look like I could just flip the axle over to get about 3" of lift. I avoided touching that stuff cause I though new ubolts would be a pain to find, but the auto parts store has them on the shelf. Doah! I already got the lower hitch and it's just right.

One other thing. None of my hitches fit very tightly into the receiver on my truck. It wobbles around in there. Does anyone make thin shims or some other junk to make it rattle around less? Or do I just put more weight on it?




---
- -Brian

 

[USSkoval]

One other thing. None of my hitches fit very tightly into the receiver on my truck. It wobbles around in there. Does anyone make thin shims or some other junk to make it rattle around less? Or do I just put more weight on it?




---
- -Brian

Count your blessings, over here they rust up and the hitches fit too tight. Leave one in for the winter and you might never get it out.

Maybe wrap the hitch with electrical tape?

 

[bp71k5]

Maybe wrap the hitch with electrical tape?

That could work.




---
- -Brian

 

[bigjbear]

Spring over is the way to go on these. It is so easy to do, too.

As far as wrapping the hitch, I wouldn't bother. But I tow w/ a pintle, so my tolerance for banging may be a little higher If you want, we have some tape at work that might be better than PVC electrical tape. PM me your address and I'll send you enough to do a couple.