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Old 03-26-2011, 07:29 PM   #1
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Post Gooseneck too low for truck bed

Hi, I am new to this forum. I'm afraid I have made a grave mistake. I bought an 18 ft Sunline fifth wheel (1985/1986?, the one with the gooseneck hitch). I have been restoring it over the past year. I had the ball hitch installed in the bed of my 2006 Nissan Titan 4x4. Yesterday I tried to hook the trailer up to the truck. There seems to be about a six inch difference between the level of the gooseneck and the level of the truck bed (the truck bed being higher). I would really appreciate it if someone could help me figure out what can be done, if anything. I never thought to take this measurement Were the beds of older pickup trucks lower?
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Old 03-26-2011, 09:44 PM   #2
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Hi Sunny86,
I have 1984 F-1850 Fifth Wheel Camper similar to yours I think.
I have about 25 photos posted of it. My ID is hardybus, click on it, get into statistics for me and click on album. If our trailers are similar it will be readily apparent.
Tommorrow, Sunday 27 March I am home all day here in New Hampshire. Feel free to call me, there are some adjustments that probably can be made with your camper to fix your challenge.
Telephone here is 603-647-4181.
Best, hardybus
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Old 03-27-2011, 05:04 AM   #3
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First, you can do the "axle flip", or more correctly, the over/under conversion. Here's a link to the instructions for the Dexter version, right here on SOC in the files area: Sunline Coach Owner's Club - Sunline Owner's Files - Dexter Axle Flip Kit

The over/under should give you 3"-4" of immediate lift. It does this by relocating the axle from above the spring pack to below it. It is an easy mod, and can be done by most DIY'ers. There is some tack welding required to finish the install. If you can't do the welding yourself, it would be OK to gently haul the trailer to a welding shop after the install.

Second, once you've done the "axle flip", it might be possible to go to a larger diameter wheel and tire. You'll have to be the judge of that as some careful measurements will be needed to maintain adequate clearances. Keep in mind that it is highly unlikely that a wider tire will fit when looking at larger diameter tires.

Third, it is also possible to increase the lift of the suspension beyond what the "flip" kit offers. There are several ways to do this: One is to add spacers between the axle and the spring pack. It is also possible to install a spacer between the spring hangers and the frame of the trailer. Either would require the services of someone who really knows trailer frames, suspensions, and axles. My recommendation would be to avoid RV dealerships and RV repair shops as they tend not to think outside the box and their shop people are not good with one-off modifications.

Instead, find a shop that deals in utility trailers. They generally do better suspension, axle, and brake work, and at less expensive shop rates. All the components used in RV undercarriages are exactly the same as those used in utility trailers and even boat trailers.

By lifting the trailer the 6" or so that you need, you will also create another challenge in the added height of entry and exit. But given the work you have already put into the trailer, that may be a pretty minor issue.

Good luck with this, and do let us all know how it works out for you.
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Old 03-27-2011, 09:02 AM   #4
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If I were in your spot, I'd take the trailer to a welding/fab shop and have them cut a section out of the "shank" of the gooseneck. Cut a section out and have them weld it back together. Then if you need more peace of mind have them weld a sleeve over the splice. The only issue may be clearing the sides of your bed, some measuring would solve that mystery.
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Old 03-27-2011, 11:08 PM   #5
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Thanks everyone for your help! I think the axle flip kit with additional spacers will do the trick. Great suggestions from everyone. I'll let you know how it turns out.
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Old 03-27-2011, 11:51 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunny86 View Post
I bought an 18 ft Sunline fifth wheel (1985/1986?, the one with the gooseneck hitch).
Do you have raw/bare aluminum window frames or painted brown? That's the big difference between those two years...
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Old 03-29-2011, 09:19 AM   #7
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My camper has window frames that are painted brown
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Old 03-29-2011, 10:39 AM   #8
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Quote:
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My camper has window frames that are painted brown
Then it's an '86. However, if you aren't completely sure of the year range you originally gave, the '86 has more bright blue, orange, and red stripes. The '87 up had the same brown windows but had dark blue and dark red stripes instead.
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2007 T-286SR Cherry/Granola, #6236, original owner, current mileage: 9473.8 (as of 6/18/21)
1997 T-2653 Blue Denim, #5471
1979 12 1/2' MC, Beige & Avocado, #4639
Past Sunlines: '97 T-2653 #5089, '94 T-2251, '86 T-1550, '94 T-2363, '98 T-270SR
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Old 03-30-2011, 10:37 PM   #9
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Thanks for the info. I feel confident now that mine is an 86. Getting the axle flipped this Friday.
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