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Old 09-24-2018, 08:56 PM   #1
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Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Ridgway, Colorado
Trailer: 2018,5.0 TA
Posts: 317
Installed 5th Wheel Hitch and Air Bags

I just installed a Pro Series 15K 5th wheel hitch, a Firestone Ride-Rite air bag suspension kit, and new Bilstein heavy duty rear shocks on our Tundra. Getting the Tundra ready to tow our soon to be new 5.0. Now all I need to do is get the brake controller and 7 pin plug installed. Our completion date is November 27th and I didn't want to be out in the snow and ice doing this work. I ordered the high lift axles on our 5.0 not for the bed rail clearance but for more ground clearance. We like to camp in unincorporated camp sites in the National Forest and BLM. The roads can be pretty rough with some ditches getting into and out of camp sites. I was told the hitch height with the lift kit is 49.5" right now my hitch is at 50.5" but it is lifted an inch with 20 lbs. air pressure in the air bags.

With all I have heard about the Anderson Ultimate Hitch I would like to upgrade to one someday but I got a really good deal on this hitch $202 on Amazon prime, with the universal bed rail kit. It's pretty heavy but it will get us on the road. Our Tundra only has 1,500 pound cargo capacity so weight is going to matter. It also has pretty soft springs and sags quite a lot when fully loaded that's why I added the air bags. With them I can keep the hitch height the same as unloaded height. The Tundra has a 6' bed and the recommended placement of the rails put the hitch pin 1 1/2" forward of the axle center, and 31" from the back of the cab. The center of the pin is then 52" to the back edge of the bumper, and 65" to the back edge of the tailgate with it open.


Here's a couple of pictures.
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Old 09-24-2018, 09:04 PM   #2
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Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Ridgway, Colorado
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Old 09-24-2018, 11:48 PM   #3
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bandon, Oregon
Trailer: 5.0TA
Posts: 27
DanandDaphne, We also have a Tundra w/ 6ft bed which we use to tow our 5.0TA - we have a sliding fifth wheel but have never had to use the slide option of the hitch. I opted for the taller suspension limiters rather then the air bags and have been satisfied with them. The Tundra seems to tow the trailer fine although as you mentioned I do keep track of the hitch weight/Gross vehicle weight to keep it within limits. Good luck with the weather on your way home. Dan & Beth
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