GregK
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Hi folks!
I just purchased a 2003 Coachmen Chaparral 30' 5th wheel trailer last week.
My tow vehicle is a 2011 Nissan Titan SV 4x4 extended cab that has a 6" lift kit on it (6" front, 5" block in the rear). It has the 6'6" box.
I am getting a Patriot 16K hitch installed on Monday. It's a dual pivot non-slider that I'm hoping will be perfect for pulling this trailer.
I've never pulled a fifth wheel trailer before, so please forgive any seemingly silly questions. 
I've been trying to research any additional requirements for pulling with a lifted truck and keep coming up empty. Even my local RV shops can't provide solid answers.
Although I haven't been able to measure HD or 3/4 ton models of other trucks for comparison my Titan sits at 60" to the top of the box rails. I've been told I need at least 6" of clearance above that, putting the bottom of the overhang of the trailer at 66" minimum.
I'm sure that I can get that height through hitch and pin box adjustments but what I'm not sure of is the final angle of the trailer once it's hooked up to the truck. I've been told that too much of an angle will create havoc for the furthest rear axle on the trailer and will burn out bearings quickly. I've also been told that there is a good chance I will be battling trailer sway.
I see lots of fifth wheels on the road that have a considerable angle, so I'm just not sure what to think. If I do have to get the rear of the trailer lifted how do I do that? It has Dexter axles with the springs on top of the axles.
Sorry for the long first post, but I am trying my best to be as knowledgeable as possible before hitting the road.
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kakampers
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You need to be as level when towing as possible...if the towing angle is visible, then you have problems. What is the towing capacity of that Titan...are you within oft limits...if not, that too can cause you towing issues.
2013 Heartland Landmark Key Largo with Mor Ryde IS and disc brakes
2011 Chevy Silverado 3500 DRW Crew Cab Duramax Diesel
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GregK
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I'm within the ratings for the truck although it would be pretty close to maxed out if I had to pull with full tanks. But didn't consider the lift kit until afterwards. Oops.
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romore
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Welcome aboard. Keep reading, there is a wealth of experience here. No point repeating our mistakes.
IMHO, and remember it is just my opinion, your truck is not suitable for pulling that trailer. It is too light and underpowered stock, the tail will be wagging the dog. If you didn't change the gearing to compensate for the large tires, you won't pass a fat kid on a bicycle on the slightest hills. Stopping will be a white knuckler at best. Your mods have only made things worse, you will definitely have to raise the trailer making for a high unstable load.
I really suggest a 3/4 ton domestic with the largest gas engine available or even better a diesel.
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GregK
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I haven't gone to larger tires on the truck, they're still 33" and the truck has the tow package with 3:35 gearing. I also have a Bullydog tuner on it. Stock rating is 317HP and 385lb-ft of torque.
It pulled my approx. 7,000 lb (gross) car and trailer like it wasn't even behind me. But that's with the Class IV hitch not a fifth wheel. I expect the travel trailer to weigh in at around the same as long as I keep the tanks empty.
Although I haven't measured other trucks it appears visually that the HD and 3/4 ton versions sit at about the same height, but I could be wrong there. I'm hoping that if anything I only need to lift the trailer 2-3". I know I'll find out on Monday once I back her up and hook up, but any heads up prior to that would be a bonus.
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GregK
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Another question, someone mentioned that I could go up a couple of tire sizes on the trailer to get some lift on it as well. Is this a better option if I require some lift?
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bpounds
Whittier CA
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Neither Nissan nor Toyota make one, so my advice to you is to start thinking about which of the big three 3/4 ton trucks you like best.
I know, not helpful, but I don't think there is any other helpful info for this situation, except for being honest.
* This post was
edited 07/14/12 12:09pm by bpounds *
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Mile High
Denver, CO
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I saw a lot of Titans pulling 5th wheels while on the road last week.
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"Comparison is the thief of joy! - Theodore Roosevelt"
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michaelman501
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Trust me on this one as i have been through this...You will not be happy with how your truck will pull this 5th wheel...i drive a 1/2 tonne 2010 ram with 3.92 gears....I pull my 6000 LB TT through alot of steep mountain grades, and i would never ever ever pull a 5th wheel with a half ton...They are just not cut out for 5th wheels....Whats the max payload of your truck and whats the pin weight of the 5th wheel ?
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bpounds
Whittier CA
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Looking at the pics I could find of that trailer, you're going to need a slider. It does not have a contoured front cap.
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