Capt Frank Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 As my search for a 5th wheel and truck continues, I've found a really nice, low milage Dodge Ram 2500 4x4. The truck recently received a dealer installed 6 inch lift. Since that will elevate the receiver height, I'm concerned about the viability of using a lifted truck. The truck is low milage and and really clean but I don't want to make a naive newbie mistake. Can anyone offer some insights? Thanks! Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSeas Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 Run the other way...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mptjelgin Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 The immediate problem with a lifted truck is that the drive-line angles (driveshafts to differentials, driveshafts to transfer case) are significantly different than stock. So stresses on U-joints and other components may be increased. The second concern is that as you've stated getting the hitch to line up with the trailer may be an issue. I think that the intangible here is that a truck that has been lifted 6" may have been otherwise modified or "worked hard" in some other manner. No way to know that, but it would concern me a bit. Give me a nice stock truck anytime! Mark & Teri 2021 Grand Designs Imagine 2500RL, 2019 Ford F-350 Mark & Teri's Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 The larger trailers will require a dropped hitch if equalizer and if fifth wheel then it will be too high for the trailer. Probably a poor choice. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill LeMosy Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 If you have a two-axle trailer, raising the front end of the trailer could put too much weight on the rear axle and cause bearing, axle, or tire failure. Very bad idea. This would also reduce the pin or tongue weight enough to cause porpoising of the hitch and affect handling of the truck. Another very bad idea. 2001 Volvo 610 HDT with Smart Car bed and ET Junior hitch 2007 New Horizons Summit 38 2013 Smart for Two 2012 Easy Racer Tour Easy recumbent bicycle "There is no path. Paths are made by walking." – Spanish poet Antonio Machado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt Frank Posted May 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 Thanks. This is the input I was hoping for. I'll continue searching. Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Schneider Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 Of course you could "unlift" it. Make a deal with a performance shop and trade them straight across - the performance parts in return for the stock springs and shocks they removed from another customer's truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 I agree with the folks above. I buy used too. I got my first short bed and it came lifted and with no muffler straight after catalytic. It had giant rims and cheap Nitto Grapplers tires. It has since gotten an even trade for new stock rims a guy took off for a trade item I took in trade. I put a muffler on it, and I thought about it and realized that the wear on the drivetrain is at one angle and with 130k miles on the perfect drive train I don't want to see if it is an issue. So I'm selling it and am waiting to hear on a friend's truck, a Dodge 1 ton SRW long bed and hitch already in it. I'd recommend staying away from the "kid" trucks modded for loud, fast, and too tall to get into easily. I had a 92 Dodge dually when we full timed in the 90s-2003. No 4WD or loud exhaust. I'd also stay away from ones that have been "Programmed." This is my third Ram diesel, the other two were long bed and this is my last short bed. I need the exercise walking from the back of the parking lots anyway. I can get in the narrow spaces, then the doors get dinged like it is my truck's fault they made parking good for only compact cars and todays small SUVs (by comparison) RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangeMaggotBob Posted May 8, 2016 Report Share Posted May 8, 2016 You can buy different size stingers for your receiver. Even WalMart sells different sizes, or you can have one custom made at any welding shop. Good luck, and at least you're looking at the right brand of truck. 2015 Forest River Rockwood Signature Series Ultra Lite 8289WS w/ Diamond Pkg. 2014 RAM CTD 6.7 Tradesman 4WD Crew Cab Long Bed 😀 Honda eu2200i generators Daisy May, the Golden Doodle Wonderdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloud 9 Posted May 8, 2016 Report Share Posted May 8, 2016 Not a good choice for all the above mentioned things. I had one, bought from a neighbor, great price, nice looking, lots of fun to drive, and totally impractical!! Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted May 8, 2016 Report Share Posted May 8, 2016 Frank, The advantage to looking for a Ram 2500 or 3500 with a long bed, no 4WD, not lifted, no fancy after market tall rims and noisy mud grips, no top mounted light bars, and no programming is that those are the trucks are not the ones folks are looking for. They will be asking less for a truck more likely to give long service. A good used Diesel with 100-150k miles will show if it was a crew work truck or used like I do 99% of the time - for one person as a car and for very light loads for gardening and projects. I look for private owner truck and rarely get to going for a test drive without it being a pretty good looking truck. I stay away from stealerships because I know what I am looking at with a Cummins by now. They are great with an auto tranny and the manuals are fine too. My favorite years are 2005-2007 with the 5.9. I am not familiar with the later years as I get absolute steals on the older trucks barely used and well cared for inside and out. In negotiating with a person who has the "undesirable" truck with the long bed, a must now for me, I find they are willing to be extremely negotiable because they know a plain jane used truck with over 100k miles won't bring top dollar, but many times a clearance price. I am about to sell the short bed, and since I am not in any hurry will start looking for a long bed along the above parameters. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt Frank Posted May 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2016 More great advice. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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