Can You Flip the Axle On a 5X8 Patriot Cargo Trailer Without New Hardware

Published 02/28/2020

Question:

My small cargo trailer has a straight axle, can I just flip it upside down and put it back under the springs using the same hardware?2 3/8 round axle

asked by: Bill B

Expert Reply:

In order to flip your axle you will need the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-384-00. This kit can be used to flip the leaf spring above or below the axle tube, it does not matter which. The reason you need a kit and can't just rotate the axle is that the axle tube actually has a slight arch which is to allow proper load distribution.

Furthermore, the u-bolts are a one time use only product and you would have to cut the old spring stack off to reuse it which would likely destroy it so you need these as well.

expert reply by: Conner L