Axle flip on TT
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Axle flip on TT
I have friend that purchased a new springdale TT that is 26' long. He has a lifted truck and would like more clearance on the TT. His springs are currently UNDER his axles and is wondering if he can just put the springs OVER the axle for 3" more clearance. They are straight al-ko 3500 axles.
I think it would be fine, but putting out there for a majority vote. The camper dealer wants to sell him a bunch of crap for a lift kit that I don't think is necessary. Thanks for the input
Kenny
I think it would be fine, but putting out there for a majority vote. The camper dealer wants to sell him a bunch of crap for a lift kit that I don't think is necessary. Thanks for the input
Kenny
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He can "flip" them, But if he does, Make sure he also rotates the brakes back to their original position. They are designed to work one way. More pressure towards the front, Less to the back. If you flip them they'll work backwards and almost be useless. Anouther way is to weld taller shackles to the chassis. Either way would work and now would be a good time to look at the wheel bearings and brakes just to be safe.
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Some axles are bent in the middle for either camber or caster. Can't remember which. I have 2 Dexter #3500 axles and both are bowed in the middle but the trailer pulls straight. And this is on a 32 Ft. long unit weighing in at around #5500. Also, This is when I repacked the wheelbearings and replaced the hub seals and had the chassis on 4 jackstands.
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Some axles are bent in the middle for either camber or caster. Can't remember which. I have 2 Dexter #3500 axles and both are bowed in the middle but the trailer pulls straight. And this is on a 32 Ft. long unit weighing in at around #5500. Also, This is when I repacked the wheelbearings and replaced the hub seals and had the chassis on 4 jackstands.
Denny
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Denny
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You actually don't flip the axles. You slide them out from over the spring to underneath the spring. just cut the brake wires and re-splice. No flipping, no brake direction to worry about.
You actually gain over 4" of lift,
Kits cost appx $50.00
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit Dexter Accessories and Parts K71-385-00
You actually gain over 4" of lift,
Kits cost appx $50.00
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit Dexter Accessories and Parts K71-385-00
At least, IIRC I do. 
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You actually don't flip the axles. You slide them out from over the spring to underneath the spring. just cut the brake wires and re-splice. No flipping, no brake direction to worry about.
You actually gain over 4" of lift,
Kits cost appx $50.00
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit Dexter Accessories and Parts K71-385-00
You actually gain over 4" of lift,
Kits cost appx $50.00
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit Dexter Accessories and Parts K71-385-00
So basically, grab two of those kits (one for each trailer axle), jack the trailer up and support it, drop the axle, cut the brake wires, move the axle, install the kit, splice the brake wires back on, and repeat for the second axle?
Very good!
Stewart
Last edited by Stewart_H; May 2, 2013 at 01:15 AM.
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Be sure you check the axle diameter, they make them for 2 3/8" and 3" axles only any bigger and there isn't a kit that I could see.
Denny
Denny
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Here's a link to Dexter's info sheet on the over/under kits: http://l.b5z.net/i/u/6149609/f/Trail...Adjustment.pdf
And a link to the install sheet: http://l.b5z.net/i/u/6149609/f/Instr...59-551-00A.pdf
They do strongly recommend that you tack weld the spring pads in place. A number of my friends in the Sunline RV Club have done these mods, and they all said that if you don't weld yourself, you can do the whole assembly nice and tight and then tow the trailer to a welding shop. The tack welds are extra insurance that things won't move.
And a link to the install sheet: http://l.b5z.net/i/u/6149609/f/Instr...59-551-00A.pdf
They do strongly recommend that you tack weld the spring pads in place. A number of my friends in the Sunline RV Club have done these mods, and they all said that if you don't weld yourself, you can do the whole assembly nice and tight and then tow the trailer to a welding shop. The tack welds are extra insurance that things won't move.
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