Does Flipping a Single Axle Cause a Drastic Change in Tongue Height

Updated 11/12/2018 | Published 11/10/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(783)

$89.31

A-Frame Trailer Coupler - Underslung - Thumb Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - Weld On - 14K

(462)

$49.32

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 18" Long - 7" Rise, 3" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW

(492)

$190.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(783)

$72.79

Question:

Hello: Im seriously thinking of flipping the single axle on my Coachmen Clipper 17FQ 17-foot travel trailer to provide me with more ground clearance for two main reasons: 1 To allow me to move from a 185/80R/13 Load Range D tire which seems to be near the max of carrying capacity load bearing to a ST205/75R14 Load Range D which will more than accommodate my towing weight capacity of the trailer + cargo. 2 Also, I have a sewer hose tube bolted on underneath the original bumper which has many bolts going through it to hold on my two toolboxes I installed on the back bumper many years ago and this will insure enough ground clearance for this tube. My question though is: by gaining approximately six 6 inches in height with the axle flip, how will this affect my tongue angle vis-a-vis connecting up to my Equalizer Hitch which cannot be raised or elevated on the tow vehicle?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

The tongue height of your trailer is going to increase in relation to the amount of lift gained from the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-385-00 for 3" axles or part # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8" axles. The amount of height you gain will be equal to the diameter of the axle plus the height of the leaf spring seat and stack. Basically, the over under kit raises the trailer's frame and since the coupler is attached to the frame, it is going to raise that as well.

In order to minimize the amount of tongue height you gain, the only option would be to install an underslung trailer coupler like part # CA-5335-B. The other option you have opposed to the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit is to install taller leaf spring hangers which is still going to raise the coupler height but you can control the height gain more. This option however requires welding but I have still attached a list of the leaf spring hangers we offer for you.

The question I have for you is why the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System that you have cannot be raised? The shank can be flipped to give you a rise instead of a drop. If this is still not enough we have replacement shanks like part # EQ90-02-4500 which offer up to a 7" rise.

expert reply by: Conner L