Over Under Axle Kit Availability for a Pop Up Camper Trailer

Published 09/17/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(788)

$92.50

3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 20-3/8" Long

(2084)

$31.05

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(787)

$82.57

Question:

I have a 2002 Starcraft 2108 pop-up camper. I have had a couple tire blowouts on one side due to the tire hitting the rear wheel well, literally shredding the tire and tearing up the rear wheel well as well. And it was not due to some huge bounce or other traumatic traffic event. The tires are the standard ST175/80R13, I know the leaf springs are probably tired, but even brand new, the clearance in the wheel well was anemic. I have also never liked the minimal ground clearance I like to take this camping in the woodsnot a campground. So I would like to consider moving the leaf springs to the top of the axle. I also want to buy new leaf springs. The leaf springs are double-eye, 4-ply, 1 1/4inch wide, 19 1/2inch long. And I believe they are rated for 1500 or even 2000 lbs each even though the entire trailer is under 2000 pounds total Not only would this raise the entire camper, but it would open the possibility for me to get slightly larger tires, for higher clearance on the axle as well. But mainly, I just need more clearance in the well to avoid another blowout. I have a laundry list of other stuff I need to fix on the trailer, but this is my main urgency.

asked by: Gabe F

Expert Reply:

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

Some refer to this process as "flipping the axles," but since axle has a slight bow to it you can't just flip them and reinstall them under the springs using the same spring seats. You have to install new spring seats on the opposite side of the axle so that it can be moved below the spring.

For a leaf spring with the closest dimensions you would want the part # e84SR. This spring has a 2,000 lb axle rating and is 20-3/8 inches from eye to eye. You may have to move your hangers to get this spring to fit.

expert reply by: Jameson C