Options to Increase Height of Trailer for Better Suspension Clearance and Level Towing

Question

Question:

my axle from the top to the bottom of the trailer frame is about an inch. i just installed new axles because of bottoming out and bending the axle tube. any ideas to repair this. i thought about placing the axles on the bottom of the springs with new seats. the trailer is lower than the truck and the gooseneck is slanted because the truck is so high and my clearance for the gooseneck and truck bed is about 4 inches. trailer is a 20 ft gooseneck dual 7000#

asked by: Mickey

0

Expert Reply:

Trailers tow better when they are level so an axle over-under kit like # K71-384-00 or # K71-385-00 can be helpful in increasing the trailer height to better match the tow vehicle. These kits are designed for specific axle diameters. Each one will provide a height gain for the trailer about equal to the axle diameter plus the height of the leaf spring stack.

Another option is to install all new spring hangers that are taller; these will give you more clearance between the trailer frame and the suspension system. All of our spring hangers are shown on the linked page. You can also refer to the linked articles on trailer suspensions.

If an axle has been damaged by impact with the trailer frame it really should be replaced since there can be hidden damage that could affect its stability and carrying capacity, so you were wise to do this.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Will

6/22/2020

can you use existing u bolts and hardware? just put it under?

Reply

Chris R.

6/25/2020

You really should replace the U-bolts when making this conversion. This type of hardware just has an increased chance of failure when re-used. I've linked an answer page below as well that goes a little further into this.

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Answer 2

Those are 12 x 2 Dexter brake assemblies, 5200 capacity, with 5 bolt mounting flange. But the Nev-R-Adjust brakes on these axles should be the 12 x 2 inch brakes. We have several parts available including the following: Actuating Arm, Left Hand,…

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Answer 3

What I recommend, if the trailer has round axles, is an over-under conversion kit. For 3 inch round axles use #K71-385-00 and for 2-3/8 inch round axles use #K71-384-00. This of course will only work if the leaf springs are mounted to the bottom of…

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

As long as you have at least 2-1/2" between your axles and the frame of your trailer when it is unloaded you should be good to go. Altogether your leaf springs should only be deflecting about 1-1/2" when carrying a load. If you wanted to…

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

Hello Jim, thanks for reaching out. We do offer lift kits that can be used with the Dexter Torsion axles. Do you happen to know the weight capacity of the axle? The S/N seems to indicate a 3,500 lb axle but please do confirm. We offer lift kits for…

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Answer 9

The best solution to lift a tandem axle trailer like yours 2 inches is the 2 inch lift for tandem axles from Lift Kit #RR23QX. This attaches to the suspension hangers and gives you a safe and very stable 2 inch lift like you are needing!

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Answer 10

The recommended clearance with leaf spring suspension on an unloaded trailer is between 2 - 2-1/2 inches. You should have sufficient clearance with your loaded trailer, as leaf springs only tend to deflect 1-1/2 inch when carrying a load.

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Answer 11

I have a couple of options for you that will lift your tandem axle trailer. The first option is going to be an axle flip kit. This will move your axle below your leaf springs and give you an increase in height equivalent to the diameter of your axle.…

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Answer 12

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Options to Increase Height of Trailer for Better Suspension Clearance and Level Towing

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