smokiebk
Canada
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Joined: 07/19/2007
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I have a stupid question, that I'm sure I'll get flamed on...but just exploring all my options...so here goes:
I'm hoping to upgrade my current 3/4 ton Chevy Silverado gasser, with a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel (I'd like a Dodge). However, I've found that many of the newer trucks are considerably higher than my Chev.
My 5er is fairly low to begin with, and on the Chev I've got only 5.5" of bed rail clearance. So on a Dodge, I'll have to tilt the trailer back quite a bit. Unfortunately, this 5er has the suspension with no leaf springs (whatever that's called), so I can't do a flip. I could probably get the axles lowered with a bunch of welding and such, but that's the last resort.
So here's my question: If I towed the trailer with a decent amount of rearward tilt, could I put say 225/75R15 tires on the front axle to go with the 205/75R14's that are on the rear to even out the load a bit? I currently only have about a 2" spacing between the two tires at the moment, so I can't really go to 15" tires on both axles.
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siliconjunkie
Buckhannon, WV
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Joined: 04/25/2004
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Interesting question. The only worry that comes to mind for me is that the axles will not be loaded evenly.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Do it? sure you can do anything. Where you run into problems is the rear axle could get overloaded causing all sorts of future problems. Are you considering a 4X2 or a 4X4? When I wend away from the 4X4 I actually had to do a lot of adjustments to get my trailer up from a nose down attitude even upgrading to a dually from a 3/4 ton. Remember Dodge sits pretty high in the rear when unloaded, but when you put a loar on then, they by design drop to level.
Donn
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loveshack1
Whitewater, Wi
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Joined: 02/08/2005
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Like donn0128 said, if you're looking for a 3/4 or 1 ton dodge, get the 2wd. It'll sit about 4"-6" lower than the 4wd version.
I've got a 3/4 ton 2wd Dodge and was considering a trade to a 4wd (same everything else) and the bed rails were 6" higher on the 4wd.
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
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smokiebk
Canada
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It's very rare to see a 4x2 out where I am...but I'll keep an eye out. I'd prefer a 4x4 for the winter.
Can a 4x4 be lowered, without compromising weight specs, towing ability, etc?
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Gary & Maureen
Palgrve, Ontario
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Joined: 06/09/2007
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Yes, the Dodge rear can be lowered 1 5/8" by putting the spacers on the leaf springs in a different position.
You might also be able to adjust the height of your king pin a few inches. Maybe explore creatively lowering the 5er hitch too.
This could all add up to lowering the front of the trailer by 6" or more.
2000 F29RKS CAMEO by Carriage
2005 DODGE 2500 5.9 Diesel Laramie Quadcab (shortbx) w/ Prodigy, 60gal RDS aux tank, AFE stage II & SMARTY cr
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Drifter_59
Concord, NC
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Joined: 11/30/2006
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DO NOT mix tire sizes. Once you get the truck you WANT, raise the trailer as needed to maintain 6" or better clearance. Don't go cheap or you or we will be sorry.
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jlnix
Georgia
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Joined: 07/20/2006
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This isn't responsive to your actual question, but you've already had several good answers, so I just want to make a comment about an alternative solution to your problem. What you say is a last resort was my my first choice (after finding that it wasn't feasable to lower the front of my F350). My truck sits level when loaded with the pin and everything else we take along, and I didn't want to change that by lowering just the rear. Since I also have the Torqflex axles, I had a trailer and axle shop weld in 3.5 in. box steel spacers to raise mine. The trailer now rides level and still handles great!
1992 Avion 35.5 5th Wheel
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pinesman
virginia
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Joined: 08/21/2006
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I have those axles on my horse trailer. I read somewhere that they can be adjusted. I don't remember where I read it or how to do it but it is worth checking into.
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smokiebk
Canada
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Great, thanks for all the replies.
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