Community Forums

GLWilliams58 · 10-24-2007, 09:34 AM

Hello,

I pull an 18' enclosed dual axel cargo trailer behind my MH and have a concern with the ride height. The tongue sits considerably higher (2-4")than the rear of the trailer and this results on the rear axel bearing the load. I am at my lowest ball height on my equalizer hitch and don't want to go lower there because it already hits ground on parking lot inclines.

My thought is to change the axels on the trailer by putting them under the leaf spring, as opposed to on top of the leaf spring. This will raise the trailer frame 4" and allow for a level haul.

So, has anyone here done this and regretted it? Is there an impact on the towability that I should be aware of? Are there any other suggestions of how to get the trail level with the hitch?

Thanks for you insight.

GLWilliams58 · 10-24-2007, 09:34 AM

Hello,

I pull an 18' enclosed dual axel cargo trailer behind my MH and have a concern with the ride height. The tongue sits considerably higher (2-4")than the rear of the trailer and this results on the rear axel bearing the load. I am at my lowest ball height on my equalizer hitch and don't want to go lower there because it already hits ground on parking lot inclines.

My thought is to change the axels on the trailer by putting them under the leaf spring, as opposed to on top of the leaf spring. This will raise the trailer frame 4" and allow for a level haul.

So, has anyone here done this and regretted it? Is there an impact on the towability that I should be aware of? Are there any other suggestions of how to get the trail level with the hitch?

Thanks for you insight.

GLWilliams58 · 10-24-2007, 10:35 AM

Here is a photo of how it sits now. You can see that the tail end is pretty low and the rear axel bears the weight.

Moder2 · 10-24-2007, 11:17 AM

GW,

I know many people who have done just that with Travel Trailers and 5th wheels. It shouldn't be a big problem. However, It will raise your Center of Gravity. This could offset your handling from a wind profile and stability issue.

I did flip our very first trailer (24 ft bunkhouse) and the difference was prey negligible, but in high winds, you could certainly tell.

John

GLWilliams58 · 10-25-2007, 05:06 AM

Thanks Moder2.

It seems like a simple process to go from over the springs to under the springs. It requires the welding of 4 pads where the springs will connect to the top side of the axels. Otherwise, I don't see anything difficult about it...but don't want to over look anything before I start. Am I missing anything?

Thanks for your feedback.

Moder2 · 10-25-2007, 08:23 AM

I had to lengthen my electric brake wires, but that wasn't a big deal. I also had to relocate my shock mounts. I could have gotten longer shocks but moving the mounts made more sense at the time since I didn't care for the angles they were on...

Once you have it all back together I would double check the wheel alignment. Make sure the distance between the axles is the same on both sides, and both axles sit under the trailer the same distance on both sides. I would recommend you replace the U-Bolts. Not always a great idea to reuse them because they do stretch.

Just be careful on how you jack the trailer up, use good jacks, and solid supports. 4 months ago I saw someone die working on a car in a campground with no jack stands and the jack collapsed... Not to mention the damage you can cause to the trailer itself.

John

Neil C · 10-25-2007, 05:10 PM

I tow a 20' cargo trailer and use an adjustable
hitch...you probably just have to drop the height
of the hitch ball to level trailer.

Gary RVRoamer · 10-25-2007, 05:16 PM

The only drawback is that you raise the center of gravity of the trailer by whatever amount the axle flip gains for you in height. Depending on where the center of gravity now is, that may or may not have any noticeable effect. I suspect it will not unless the CG is already quite high (a lot of weight carried high inside).

GLWilliams58 · 11-05-2007, 04:59 PM

Well, I put the axels under the spring and here is what it looks like. It is considerably higher (4 inches) and the trailer rides level and both axels share the weight of the trailer. This photo is with an empty trailer and rig, so the ride height will be a little lower with 2000# of bikes and gear in the box.

I would like to lower the fenders, but that is not in the plan due to the way they cut out the wheel well, so it looks a little strange to me for now.