axle under springs?

[jimmysisson]

Like many trailers, the single axle on my utility trailer (former electric Co. 3/4 ton job) sits over the 7-leaf springs. Any harm in flipping it over so the spring saddle is under the springs, like on a pickup? I could see there's a longer lever arm when traversing a side hill, maybe stressing the shackles more? Any other objection? Trailer's about 20 years old, straight axle, light frame, heavy springs. I'm trying to get the bed higher off the ground.
Thanks, Jim

 

[RobS]

That's a common mod on fifth wheel RVs to raise it up when towing with a 4X4. Dexter axle even sells a kit to do it. I had it done to my camper and it's been fine in the 8 years that we've had it. Google Dexter axle.

 

[tommu56]

jimmysisson

Is it an on road trailer?

Axels have a chamber (bent up slightly in the middle). this is so when it is Loaded they are straigt. That makes the wheels slightly at the top
If you flip the axel over it will reverse the camber

as RobS sait you can change it but you have to keep the axel in the same orentation.
tommu56

 

[jimmysisson]

No, I'll only use it off-road. Not sure if the camber matters much at 5 mph?
Jim

 

[tommu56]

jimmysisson

I wouldent worry about it off road

tommu56

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I was going to try and do that with my trailer dual axle that I bought to haul my tractor. It was really low to the ground. If you scroll through some of this thread you might find the wisdom of others in it. But if you aren't going down the hiway it shouldn't matter. I ended up buying taller tires to raise it up.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...115401-electric-trailer-brakes-adjusting.html

 

[Egon]

I just had my trailer axles moved to below the springs to raise the trailer. It's a job I should have had done before I brought the trailer home.

 

[Eagleview]

Do'nt forget if the head on the center bolt is round you will need to reverse it as the nut will not fit the hole in the spring saddle . Also on a side note , as i was looking for springs and axles to build a Gooseneck lowboy . I found the carrying capacity is downrated if the springs are below the axles as oposed to above . The only reason i can think of is that the "U" bolts would be carrying the load in the underslung version .