Increasing Ground Clearance on Trailer with Drop Spindles

Updated 02/11/2020 | Published 07/04/2015

Question:

Hey I have a 2007 jayco 1206 pop up. The trailer is great but I need more ground clearance. I have already ripped off a stabilzar and have come close other times. It is already a spring over axle set up. So I cant do an axle flip. It appears to have a drop axle though. Could I replace it with a straight axle? What other options do I have? Here is a picture. Thanks

asked by: Jarrett T

Expert Reply:

Since you have a drop axle, you could change it over to a straight spindle axle in order to gain 4 more inches of ground clearance. In order to get a new axle, some measurements of your current axle are needed. You will want to measure hub face to hub face, measure center of spring seat to center of spring seat, and find the axle capacity. The manufacturer name and part number are also helpful. Hopefully, the white sticker in the middle of your axle will have most of this information. If you do have to measure, I have attached a diagram showing the measurements needed.

If you want to get back to me with this information, I will be glad to see if we have a stock axle available to fit your trailer. If we do not, then you will want to check with a local axle dealer to order a custom axle for your trailer.

It is important to keep in mind that when changing from a drop axle to a straight spindle axle, the center of gravity for the trailer is raised. This increases the chances of trailer sway and roll.

expert reply by: Victoria B

click to enlarge

Justin F.

2/10/2020

It seems as though a lot of people convert and underslung axle to overslung to raise the trailer and gain more clearance. I however am looking to do the opposite. Is there a kit that will allow me to take an overlsung axle and make it underslung? I see the K71-385-00 Kit, will that work for me?

Jacob H.

2/11/2020

If your leaf spring seats are only on the top then you can use the over under kit to put your leaf springs on the bottom of the axle. There's two different kits available, # K71-385-00 for 3" axle diameter and # K71-384-00 for 2 3/8" axle diameter. If there are leaf spring seats on the bottom side of the axle then you will just need a U-Bolt replacement kit # CE23003.

Helpful Links

Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/K71-384-00.html

Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/K71-385-00.html

Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/CE-Smith/CE23003.html