mossypad
Canada
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Hello, I have a 17' travel trailer and am towing with a SUV. The trailer has a drop axle and rides really low to the ground so I would like to raise it.
Being a drop axle,does anyone think there would be a problem if I had new axle perches welded on and put the springs over the axle instead of under the axle as it is now??
I know another option would be to buy a straight axle but that is a little more costly.
Thanks!
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Probably gonna need to invest in additional steps to get in/out of the RV too!
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mossypad
Canada
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I dont plan on flipping the axle over, just adding new axle perches/spring seats. Would only be about 4 inch lift....
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tmprkswyo
Southwest Wyoming
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I have done it and had no problem. To combat the step being raised I installed spacers on each side. Worked fine.
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jblz51
Otto, MO, USA
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I did the axle "flip" on my Jayco, and found the steps were actually spaced better afterwards. Before it was a four inch step and then like a ten inch. Now it's close to them both being ten inches. Steep, yes, but much more comfortable than before for us. By the way, the flip was easy enough that I did all of work by my self. Try and find out who the axle manufacturer is, and you may be able to get a kit specifically designed to do what you want. I know that Dexter has one for theirs. I used it and it worked out great.
Josh
2001 Chevy Tahoe
1991 Jayco Eagle 220
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mossypad
Canada
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Thanks for the info. I will definitely do as much of the work as I can. With the Dexter kit, do they not recommend to weld the perches on instead of only using the bolts?
I have the same step issue. Bottom one is always too close to the ground. My septic drain/hookup is also way to close to the ground for my liking, any hilly terrain and I get a little nervous!
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eHoefler
ozark mountains
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It would be simpler and cheaper to install a bare straight axle, and swap all your brakes and hubs over.
2010 Ram 3500, Crew Cab, Long bed, 4 x 4,Dually, Lights & Siren!
2006 40' Landmark Mt. Rushmore
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recycler
michigan
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for $40 flip it.. the 4 inches or so will make huge difference
1968 franklin 11fk
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mossypad
Canada
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My trailer is only 2500lbs GVW so I am not using the brakes anyhow. The Problem with switching to straight axle is that perches are 58" apart and on my trailer they are 56".
I'm not sure how you could say that buying a new axle would be cheaper than welding a perch on my existing axle. The perches are less than 20$ and a welder will weld them on for 20$....$40 is cheaper than $200 
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recycler
michigan
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mossypad wrote:Thanks for the info. I will definitely do as much of the work as I can. With the Dexter kit, do they not recommend to weld the perches on instead of only using the bolts?
I have the same step issue. Bottom one is always too close to the ground. My septic drain/hookup is also way to close to the ground for my liking, any hilly terrain and I get a little nervous!
we used a dexter kit on a 5th wheel years ago the mounts had ears that sat against the factory spring mounts to locate them properly...have you looked into just buying tubes and swapping the brakes if their dexters should be easy to do
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