How Do I Determine What Axle I Have And If I Can Lift It?

Updated 03/06/2017 | Published 03/03/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(850)

$82.90

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(850)

$90.89

Question:

Im wanting to lift my pop-up camper and every thing I find keeps referring too #9 #10 etc torsion axle. What do these numbers refer to and how to I tell what axle I have

asked by: Randy S

Expert Reply:

A torsion axle uses interior spring for tilt and proper ride versus a standard axle that only uses the leaf springs to support the ride. To determine what axle is on your trailer depends on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere on the frame. Sometimes, the axle identity is stamped into the axle itself or into the hub if it was purchased as a complete assembly. You can also contact the manufacturer with your VIN and Serial Number of your trailer to see if they can track it down.

If you cannot find any markings or notation for the axle, you will need to look for replacement parts based on the capacity and dimensions of your existing parts. For example, if your trailer information shows that the maximum capacity of the trailer is 7000lbs, then you probably have two 3500lb axles. The bearings, races, and seals should have an industry standard number on the back edge which can be used to match replacements.

To raise an axle you can use taller hangers for your leaf springs, or use an over-under kit like # K71-385-00 or # K71-384-00 to put the axles underneath the leaf springs.

expert reply by: Jason S