jonaz
Southern California
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I have a little Jayco Kiwi 17' trailer. Is it possible to flip the axles and get some more clearance? Sometimes we go camping in the desert, and those washed out roads cause my little trailer to scrape and such. I also dont like scraping my trailer tongue when I pull into gas stations with a sharp incline.
Thanks!
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donn0128
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Actually the term "flipping" is a misnomer. What you actually do is remove the axle, weld new spring perches on the top of the axle and reinstall it with the springs over instead of under the axle. Yes, it is possible, relatively cheap and easy to gain more ground clearance. You might first look to see if there are multiple holes in the spring hangers. If so moving them to the lower most hole is also a cheap alternative.
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PhilipB
MO
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I did this some years ago on a 30' TT we owned. We were dragging all the time and I was careful. Worked great for us. Eliminated dragging the tail and it didn't seem to effect handling or anything else.
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dahkota
Washington, DC
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We did it on our 22FB. Gained 4" of clearance. Before we did it, we bent both front stabilizer jacks (separately).
Things you have to take into consideration:
The step up is higher - not a problem for most, but may be for some.
You will have to redo your hitch - we had a dropped ball because our truck was higher than our trailer. The swap raised the trailer more even with the truck, necessitating a new shank and an adjustment to the weight distribution system. Not sure where you are with yours but you'll want to re-check the trailer's levelness and make adjustments.
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Chuck_S
Broadview Hts, OH, USA
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You can "flip" a leaf spring trailer. Convert it from "spring under" to "spring over" mounting. There are kits and other than getting it aligned is pretty easy with jackstands and air tools.
Flipping a torsion axle, like the Jayco hybrids I've seen isn't possible but there are some setting that can be changed.
First stop is the axle manufacturer. Hint: it ain't Jayco.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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as Chuck said, you can't "flip" a torsion axle.
you have the #1 comlaint of Jayco hybrid owners, its terrible lack of clearance.
the only thing you can do is have a welding shop install "spacers" between the axle and the frame.
an interesting note, the 23J and the 21M have higher clearances than the older Jayco floorplans.
not sure if the newer 18D, 20E, 23F are the same.
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Chuck_S
Broadview Hts, OH, USA
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My torsion bar suspension Roo has a 3" box channel steel section welded between the bottom of the frame and the suspension mounts. This gives 3" more ground clearance. In addition the trailer is fitted with 14" 205 tires rather than 13" 175 tires so an additional inch of clearance is added.
-- Chuck
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Jayco254
Eastern Missouri
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Putting the 205-14s on is a good idea, I did it and have never been sorry, just before you do it check your clearances. But unless you can a put a section of steel under your frame like Chuch S. is talking about I don't know of any way to raise a trailer with torsion suspension. If you do try it make sure that everything is square.
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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a member here added the 3" box channel to his Jayco Kiwi 23B.
you might find his pics that he posted here, by doing a search.
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jonaz
Southern California
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Great idea guys. I should have known better about the torsion axle.
Thanks
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