Best Option for Gaining Ground Clearance with Travel Trailer to Prevent Scraping

Updated 12/05/2016 | Published 12/04/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$88.81

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$72.79

Question:

Im looking at getting some skid wheels for my recently purchased, 2005 extreme rv sportsman 26foot travel trailer. My rear bar measures 4x4inch and I cant find a large enough setup on your website. Heres my problem: I tried to back it into my driveway and the skid bars scrapped the ground. I am also interested in a permanent solution for this issue. I read some forums and it sounds like either air bags or flipping my axles would fix this. I would like your opinion on which is best/costs/how to install etc. Thank you.

asked by: Lyle S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Using an over under kit on your trailer's axles will give you a pretty significant rise and would be your ideal solution for gaining ground clearance as long as your axles are currently mounted above your leaf springs.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C