Trailer lift kit? Lower Axles? Need advice!!

[blueriver]

I purchased a 24' trailer at auction. There is no adjustments on the Gooseneck hitch for height, when hooked to my 4x4 Dodge the rear is about
4" off the ground, I need to lift the frame up off the axles. Any advice or ideas? Thanks, Todd

 

[Skyco]

Dexter, the largest axle maker, has kits to do that. If they aren't Dexter you may have to fab something up.

 

[blueriver]

Thanks for the reply, I will check their web site. I have looked at axles on line, these are "drop axles" can they be rolled over to raise them?
Thanks, Todd

 

[Skyco]

Nope, most axles have a slight bend in the tube to camber the wheels out at the top a little, if you rolled them over it would be the wrong direction. If they are drop axles your best, but maybe not cheapest, option would be to replace them with straight axles to raise the trailer if the height gained works out right.
Other options are to put the axles under the springs if they are on top now, this requires attaching new spring seats, or build a subframe with spring hangers lower than what you have now.

 

[blueriver]

Thanks, I have sent an email to Dexter. I have to look and see where the springs are in relation to being on top or bottom. I am not looking for a hugh amount a few inches will help. And again thank you.

Todd

 

[john_bud]

Can you take the trailer to a welding shop and have them cut out a section of the neck and weld it back? That would be the more elegant solution.

jb

 

[RobS]

Go with the Dexter kit as someone else mentioned. It basically puts the axles under the springs instead of above. Keeps the same axle orientation. I had this done to our fifth wheel due to my truck's ride height. No issues in over six years of ownership.

One tip though, carry an extra step for the door and some blocks for the jacks. Everything moves up, not just the hitch! First time we used it the rear jacks wouldn't touch ground on the sloping site we had...

 

[blueriver]

I have decided on the Dexter kit. It is reasonably priced and that will give me the height I need at the rear. I did think about the neck however the problem is not at the front, the rear is only 4" from the ground when hooked up.

Anyway, thanks to all for your help and advice.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[MrJimi]

Todd, how high is your 4 X 4 ? do you have a picture of it
Jim

 

[blueriver]

Jim,
It is a stock 2004 Dodge quad cab dually 4X4, I don't have a picture. The problem is the trailer it is a 1996 Sundowner stock combo, 16' livestock area and 6' LQ / Tack area. It has no adjustment on the gooseneck, although I do have clearance over the tailgate on the flat open road I do have problems getting real close to the tailgate over rougher terrain and the back does hit and drag. Another issue is all the weight is on the rear axle, because of the low back bumper and the angle of the trailer. I believe the dexter kit is going to raise the rear about 5-6 inches, this should level me out and distribute the load more egual over the axles.

I have to pick up my NRHA Gelding this week, I will try to get a picture posted. By the way, The gelding is for sale, if you know any reinging horse people!!

Thanks,
Todd