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Akronguy · 05-29-2014, 05:05 PM

I have a 1993 25 foot Excella and a 2014 Ram 2500 4x4 which sits pretty high. When I attach the Reese hitch to the trailer the trailer is not perfectly level. The front is up a couple of inches higher than the back of the trailer. I cannot adlust the hitch any further to compensate for this. How much of an issue is this really? When we picked it up a few weeks ago, we pulled it 260 miles with no issues!.

switz · 05-29-2014, 06:07 PM

I replaced the Dodge factory hitch (cut it off with a torch) with a Curt 15409 hitch rated 2,550 pounds with a receiver opening about 4" lower than the factory unit.

That would allow you to lower the front of the trailer to nearly level.

newroswell · 05-29-2014, 06:12 PM

You're putting more load on the rear axle of the trailer with the nose high. That would also cause a more harsh ride. But 2 inches probably isn't too significant at 25'. I would level the trailer if for no other reason than to get the rear ground clearance back.

SteveH · 05-29-2014, 06:45 PM

I also have a Ram 2500 4X4 using a Reese hitch, and had the same problem, so I bought an extended draw bar from e-trailer that allowed me to lower the ball. This is the one I'm using: Reese Weight Dist Shank - Drop Only - 14" Long - 4-3/4", 6-1/2" Drop - 1,500 lbs TW Reese Accessories and Parts RP63971

RickDavis · 05-29-2014, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akronguy

I have a 1993 25 foot Excella and a 2014 Ram 2500 4x4 which sits pretty high. When I attach the Reese hitch to the trailer the trailer is not perfectly level. The front is up a couple of inches higher than the back of the trailer. I cannot adlust the hitch any further to compensate for this. How much of an issue is this really? When we picked it up a few weeks ago, we pulled it 260 miles with no issues!.

What you need is a drop bar. This is the one I am using on my 2013 Ram 2500 4x4. I have the reese head on it.

Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing 17124 Adj Hitch Bar 11 In X 8 3/4 In No Rise: Automotive

PurdueMom · 05-29-2014, 07:25 PM

I'm trying to absorb as much as possible before ordering an Airstream and purchasing a tow vehicle. Do 20" tires on a Dodge Ram and stock(?) 15" rims on the AS result in the problem described? If so, is it a best practice to aim for standard 18" tires on a Ram 2500 and upgrade to 16" rims on the AS as a starting point?

RickDavis · 05-30-2014, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurdueMom

I'm trying to absorb as much as possible before ordering an Airstream and purchasing a tow vehicle. Do 20" tires on a Dodge Ram and stock(?) 15" rims on the AS result in the problem described? If so, is it a best practice to aim for standard 18" tires on a Ram 2500 and upgrade to 16" rims on the AS as a starting point?

The trucks are higher than they used to be. My 2013 Ram 4x4 with stock tires (17 inch) is 5 inches higher than my 99 Dodge 2 wd.
This isn't really a problem, the use of a drop bar takes care of it. The typical Airstream requires a ball height in the 19 inch area. Most white box trailer are higher off the ground.

Bill M. · 05-30-2014, 08:01 AM

I have a 2500 4x4 and use a Reese hitch. I use a drawbar with around 6"of drop. In my opinion you do not want the trailer tongue high at all.

PurdueMom · 05-30-2014, 08:25 AM

Your comments are helpful. Thank you!

Bob4x4 · 05-30-2014, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurdueMom

I'm trying to absorb as much as possible before ordering an Airstream and purchasing a tow vehicle. Do 20" tires on a Dodge Ram and stock(?) 15" rims on the AS result in the problem described? If so, is it a best practice to aim for standard 18" tires on a Ram 2500 and upgrade to 16" rims on the AS as a starting point?

The OD of the tires will be very close,the less sidewall the less risk of sidewall flexing but also slightly less comfort

perryg114 · 05-30-2014, 08:35 AM

Trucks in general are too high off the ground. There is no technical reason for this other than a marketing ploy. Actually, the higher the truck the worse of a tow vehicle it is. I would contact Reese and find a bar with more drop than what you have now. The problem is the draw bar is part of the load distributing hitch.

Perry

switz · 05-30-2014, 09:35 AM

The 16" wheel conversion to Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires and SenDel T03-66655T wheels on any 25' or longer Airstream (some of the shorter Airstream units come with 14" tires with five lug nuts and these 16" tires and wheels could be too large in diameter to fit) is the same modification that can be done at the factory during the build process or as an after sale install. Many of us have acquired the wheels and tires locally. I put my spare on a SenDel S62-66655TG galvanized steel wheel and kept a spare aluminum wheel "just in case" in the storage unit.

I added the Centramatic wheel balancers to both the truck and the Airstream (tires are still balanced the usual way) and a Dill TPMS 1506 system so I had six senders with one in the spare tire.

I run the stock Michelin LT265/70R17E tires on the Dodge. After switching to an all air bag level ride suspension, the rear of the truck was lowered about three inches. It will fit under a standard garage door opening. Without the lowering, it was too tall in the rear.

Between the Curt 15409 hitch and the suspension change and the use of a ProPride hitch with 1.5" offset from straight, the Airstream is about ¼" low in front.