Why The Axles Cannot Be Rotated and Original Spring Seats Be Reused When Flipping Trailer Axles

Updated 04/30/2024 | Published 09/20/2011

Question:

I was reading about the axle flip, which I am also looking into. I am trying to understand why the spring seats must stay on the bottom of the axle and new seats must be installed. Can you explain why we cannot just rotate the axle so the spring seats are on the top? I have everything apart, as I am replacing the springs and hubs, and it seems to me that I can just rotate the axle so the spring seats are on the top and tighten down the U-bolts in the opposite direction as well??? Thanks

asked by: Dennis

Expert Reply:

The reason you will not want to rotate the axle and just reuse the spring seat is because there is a bow to the axles that flattens out as the weight of the trailer is applied to the axle that if you rotated the axle, the bow would flip and the alignment of the trailer tires would be way off and you would encounter problems with how the tires wear and with overall trailer handling.

This is why the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00 that you referenced includes an additional set of spring seats for you to bolt onto the axles.

When lifting your trailer you need to keep in mind that the geometry of the trailer will change. You may encounter lower or heavier tongue weight, and/or the trailer may become top heavy, contributing to trailer sway and instability, especially when passing large trucks or in high winds. In these situations, it may require you to go with a weight distribution system with sway control, if you are not already using one. I have provided an faq link and a link to weight distributions systems for you to review.

I attached a picture of how the axles should look once flipped for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Dan

4/30/2024

I have a dual axle trailer which looks just like the OEM setup, with springs on bottom of axle. I'd like to raise my trailer but am interested in flipping just ONE axle, not both. (Clearance for a dump conversion) Seems this would raise the trailer by about 2 inches instead of 4. The equalizer in middle would not ride level, but seems it should have plenty of articulation. Any reason this wouldn't work? Thank you!

Jameson C.

4/30/2024

@Dan Having one axle significantly higher than the other would not be ideal. To have the trailer sit level you'd have to have a lot more pressure on one axle over the other which would wear out the tires and overload the lower axle.