Solutions for Camper Trailer that Has Rear Bumper Drag Ground When Connected to Trailer
Updated 06/20/2018 | Published 06/18/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 1977 coachman camper. Hooked up to my truck the back bumper is only a few inches off the ground. Looking for options as far as hitches for my truck and/or lift kit for the axles of the camper to level things out. Has weight transfer with sway bar hitch now.
asked by: Alex B
Expert Reply:
Sounds like your trailer is sitting nose-high currently and would need a ball mount with more drop to allow it to sit level. I attached an FAQ that details how to pick out the correct ball mount. Picking out the correct ball mount will allow your trailer to sit as level as possible. Basically you will first measure the height from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the hitch while on level ground. Next, you will measure the coupler height from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler when the trailer is on level ground.
Next, you will need to compute the difference. If the hitch height is greater than the coupler height the difference is the drop required. If the coupler height is greater the difference is the rise required. You will want to pick the ball mount with the rise/drop closest to the difference.
There are ways to lift the suspension of your trailer though.
You can do this by moving the axles from being above the leaf springs to below the 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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: lift supports
- Search Results: lippert electric jack
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Can I Install etrailer Hitch e63TR On 2021 Ford F-150 XLT If I Remove OEM Hitch?
- Shop: HappiJac Electric Truck Camper Jack System - 34-1/2" Lift - 8,800 lbs
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
on Trailer Suspension Parts
