Need to know what recommended clearance is for bed rails & when leveling trailer what accptable difference is from front to back on trailer. We just purchased a 2009 Chev diesel 4WD dually w/only 19,800 miles & are looking to keep the truck long term. Previously had a 1999 Ford diesel 4WD dually and we had 8" clearance & trailer rode level. Chev bed is 1" deeper than the Ford was. Hooked up to the trailer & we have 7" clearance on the bed rail, however, trailer is high the front. Can't bring the nose down or we won't clear the bed rails enough. This truck came with a "helper" spring + air bags which I understand were aftermarket. Took all the air out of the airbags but we are still 3" higher at front of trailer than back. I think if we took the helper spring off, it would probably bring the truck down enough to ride level & possiblly keep the air bags on since they are adjustable? We are towing a 2006 K-B 3 horse w/10' s/w but only ever haul 2 horses. I would rather not block the trailer & I think all the "extra" suspension is what is causing the problem. I know the trailer should ride as level as possible. I would appreciate any input or recommendations from the experts and/or anyone who has run into a similar situation. Thanks.
Posted 2012-03-13 2:27 PM (#142043 - in reply to #142039) Subject: RE: LEVELING TRAILER/BED RAIL CLEARANCE
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Tucson AZ
Don't know if there is a "recommended" gap between the rails and the trailer. I think a lot depends on the roads you travel. (only pavement, then less gap would be ok) . Also, here in AZ the common belief is that you want a slightly nose high on the trailer vice level. From what I've heard it is easier on the horses to travel that way.
Posted 2012-03-13 6:33 PM (#142045 - in reply to #142039) Subject: RE: LEVELING TRAILER/BED RAIL CLEARANCE
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
Traveling with the nose "high" will put extra stress on the rear axle, wheels, and tires of the trailer. If that is also your axle with brakes, you will be increasing the braking load and you could create a tire failure if you have to brake hard.
With that truck & trailer, I don't understand why you can't get a level alignment. You said you can't lower the front of the trailer anymore - is the coupler adjusted all the way up?
Even if you only travel on smooth paved roads, the gutters around gas stations usually creates a problem as you are turning in or out going through that dip. You also have to watch for any tanks under the trailer.
I suggest and recommend a trip to your Chevy dealer to lower the truck. You may need to use a smaller wheel and tire on the truck and larger sized on the trailer.
Posted 2012-03-14 6:49 AM (#142066 - in reply to #142039) Subject: RE: LEVELING TRAILER/BED RAIL CLEARANCE
Regular
Posts: 70 Location: PA
We do have more adjustment on the coupler but to bring the nose down any further puts us closer to the bed rails. Since the helper spring is not a stock item on the truck, it is possible the previous owner hauled a heavier trailer & needed it? My gut feeling is the helper sping is the culprit & I am going to call a dealership and we also have a place that does only spring work to see if they can tell us how much drop we would have on the truck without it. All of the people I have talked to do not seem to have a problem with the Chevy's but they don't have the helper spring on. Trailer has been fine as is. Would appreciate all opinions.
LEVELING TRAILER/BED RAIL CLEARANCE
