Thinking of going SPOA (spring over axle) and wondering if any draw backs to it ??
Basically why should I not do it ....
Already the toyhauler hooks up a little bit nose high and I am thinking of lifting my truck 2" and maybe a little larger tire.
I want to make an educated decision about flipping the axles to figure out all the pros and cons beforehand.
Any good places in/near the Orange County, CA area to do this ??
Thanks !
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2007 Coachmen Cross Country 354MBS
2005 LJ Rubicon Sahara
COG is thrown off, hence you then have alot of SWY. Our Sandpiper comes from the factory with alot of lift, if i flipped the axles it would be WTFH, so it works fine with the stock lift on our truck...
I just flipped my own axles this week. It took a few days of my time because I was replacing all the brakes and bearings too(and a few trips down to phoenix to pick up all the parts, very time consuming). I welded the spring plates on myself, very simple to do. The plates you need are $2/ea and you need four of them. Then the other part is your labor. My trailer sat level from the factory, but the only problem was there was only about 3-4" of space in between the top of the bed rails and the 5er. That was way too close, so I built a 2" spacer underneath of the hitch, to raise it up. It worked great that way for a year or two, but since I was replacing all suspension bushings, brakes, bearings etc. My trailer now sits completely level. My truck is stock height, but with 265 tires on H2 wheels, so about 2" higher than stock. I see no reason not to do it. It will make the ramp angle steeper, and will make the trailer higher off the ground(steps are higher too). Plan on the whole trailer being raised about 5" overall. I just pulled it about 80 miles yesterday to break in the wheel bearings, this thing tows almost exactly the way it did before the axles were flipped. If anything, it tows smoother because the suspension is not already starting out with too much weight to the rear. Don't raise the truck, definitely don't just raise the truck with the torsion bars to "level" it. It will start out nose high and with the weight of the 5er, it will be headlights up, not what you want. Leave the truck stock and put on 265's, it will ride much smoother. I also added airbags to my truck to help level/smooth out the ride. I have been using them for close to 3 years, much smoother. I don't know of any shops in orange county, but call around to at least 4 places before you make your decision on who will do it. If you can do it yourself you'd save a bunch of money. If not, just make sure you are dealing with a reputable shop that will stand behind their work. Hope this helps.
big buford wrote: Steeper ramp angle, higher center of gravity, may need tripple steps.
Agreed. I have flipped axles before. Not really and issue besides handling and access.
Mav
And alot more blocks for the landing gear and stabs, more steps too. We don't need a lifed TV for our 5vr, our F350 is only ment to tow our hauler. The most 4x4 it will ever see is sand or maybe some snow while towing, nothing else, we have other vehicles for that purpose....
Our completely stock F350 will pull our hauler anywhere at pismo, dumont or glamis without a liftkit....
The only issues I had were ramp angle, and overall height when camping, such as steps being high and rear landing gear needing blocks. I have had no adverse handling issues or anything else. The ramp angle is something that you should see in person before you do this, especially since you carry a Sammy. Arrow trailer in Ontario did mine, but I'm sure there are plenty closer that can do it. If you want to take a look at mine before you do it, just let me know.
2006 Chevy 2500HD 8.1 4x4 CCSB
2012 Eclipse Stellar 28SBG, Spring Over Axle
danojeno wrote: The only issues I had were ramp angle, and overall height when camping, such as steps being high and rear landing gear needing blocks. I have had no adverse handling issues or anything else. The ramp angle is something that you should see in person before you do this, especially since you carry a Sammy. Arrow trailer in Ontario did mine, but I'm sure there are plenty closer that can do it. If you want to take a look at mine before you do it, just let me know.
Thank you for the offer !! I may take you up on that.
Might be worth seeing how high it sets for all the reasons you have listed.
Ontario isn't too far, I am in Anaheim Hills.
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