As you all know I am the proud owner of a 6×12 Haulmark tool trailer.
If you didn’t know, you should be paying closer attention.
🙂
When entering or exiting driveways with more abrupt grade changes, the leveling feet or the screwjack will some times scrape the pavement.
One solution I am considering is to lift the whole triale for more clearance.
And Lo and behold it so happens the the leaf springs go under the axel.
I could gain about 5″ by droping the axel below the springs.
Seems this would be a relatively simple job, no brakes or other stuff to worry about.
so is it to easy to be true or am I set to go.
Anybody have any insight here.
Thanx in advance.
Mr T
“I think natural selection must have greatly rewarded the ability to reassure oneself in a crisis with complete bull$hit.”
I’m Swiss!
Replies
yes, it's done often with travel trailers....they call it an "axle flip", google that...also you can search the archives or post a question at the forums at rv.net http://www.rv.net/forum/
pretty simple, no real downsides, just remember you are raising your center of gravity slightly (should not be a problem).
hardest part, depending on your axle/spring setup, is moving the (welded on) spring perches from the bottom of the axle to the top. Any rv or trailer place should do this job for you halfway cheap if you don't ahve the time or skills (haha). Or joe blow's welding shop, too.
Actually, according to some, guess it depends on the axle -- if it has toe-in built in or not....you can rotate and flip the axle tube so the spring perch would then be on the top of the tube, rather than the bottom. Instead of welding on new perches. Depends on your axle and setup.
Edited 8/9/2005 8:26 pm ET by ProBozo
Edited 8/9/2005 8:27 pm ET by ProBozo
if your trailer jacks are scrap'n on rear (i'm assume'n) why not just use more of a drop hitch... drop'n your ball height down an inch might give you 4-6" gain in clearance in the rear... just might be easier than flip'n your axle...
p
Have set up dozens of travel trailers...was in the biz for a time.
First, are you towing pretty close to level? Adjust receiver drop (or rise) to change. Trailer will pull better, and stuff shifts around less. I see bunches of trailers being towed that ignore this simple rule of thumb. I've got at least four or five hitchheads for different trailer/truck combos.
I'd do the flip as a last resort for a coupla reasons. I like the trailer deck low, means less step up, easier to get stuff in and out whether ramp of door. (I'm in and out a lot). Lower center of gravity tows better, too, as was mentioned.
Almost all axles are cambered, need to weld new pads on axle as someone mentioned.
There are skids and caster wheels designed for this purpose, check RV stores, of fab some up. I'd do this unless there was some compelling reason not to. They just need to hang a hair below your stab jacks to protect 'em
Last but not least, five inches or more of space between tops of tires and fenders looks dorky to my eye and compromises the function of the fenders some...not that I"m vain or anything ;-)
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.