Flipping the axles on your travel trailer involves relocating the axle from its original position above the leaf springs to a position below them. This modification dramatically increases the trailer’s ride height, offering enhanced ground clearance for navigating challenging terrain and potentially preventing damage to the undercarriage. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach, crucial safety considerations, and answers to frequently asked questions for a successful axle flip.
Understanding Axle Flipping and Its Benefits
Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand why you might consider flipping the axles on your travel trailer. Standard travel trailers often have low ground clearance, making them susceptible to scraping on speed bumps, driveways, and uneven roads, especially when venturing off the beaten path. Axle flipping provides a cost-effective solution to increase ground clearance, allowing you to access more remote campsites and avoid costly undercarriage repairs. However, it’s essential to understand the potential downsides, such as increased step-in height and potential handling changes. Careful consideration should be given to your specific travel needs and trailer configuration before proceeding.
Essential Tools and Materials
Successfully flipping axles requires a specific set of tools and materials. Ensure you have everything prepared before starting to avoid delays and potential safety hazards. Here’s a comprehensive checklist:
- Jack and Jack Stands: Heavy-duty jack and appropriately rated jack stands are essential for safely lifting and supporting the trailer.
- Wheel Chocks: Securely chock the wheels on the opposite side of the trailer to prevent movement.
- Wrenches and Sockets: A variety of wrenches and sockets (both standard and metric) are needed to remove and reinstall bolts and nuts. Specifically, know the size of your U-bolts.
- Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
- Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are necessary for proper alignment.
- Leaf Spring Perches: These are the brackets that will be welded onto the bottom of the axle. Choose the correct size to match your axle diameter.
- Welder and Welding Equipment (or Access to a Welding Professional): Welding is required to attach the new leaf spring perches. This is a critical step best left to experienced welders.
- Grinder: Used to clean the axle surface before welding.
- Penetrating Oil: Helps loosen stubborn bolts.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from grease, dirt, and sharp edges.
- Wheel Bearing Grease: To repack the wheel bearings (optional, but recommended).
- New U-Bolts and Hardware (optional): It’s often recommended to replace the U-bolts with new ones.
- Cutting Torch (optional): May be needed to remove stubborn or rusted bolts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Axle Flipping
This is a generalized guide. Your specific trailer may have variations. Always consult your trailer’s manufacturer or a qualified RV technician if you have any doubts.
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Preparation: Park the trailer on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels on the side opposite the one you’re working on. Disconnect the trailer from shore power and any water connections.
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Lifting the Trailer: Using the jack, carefully lift the trailer frame on the side you’re working on until the tire is off the ground. Position jack stands under the frame rails for secure support. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.
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Removing the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel and tire.
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Disconnecting the Shock Absorbers (if applicable): Disconnect the lower shock absorber mount from the axle.
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Removing the U-Bolts: Spray the U-bolts with penetrating oil. Loosen and remove the U-bolts that secure the axle to the leaf spring. Carefully remove the axle from the leaf spring. Note the orientation of any shims or spacers present. You’ll need to reinstall these correctly.
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Preparing the Axle: Use a grinder to clean the axle surface where the new leaf spring perches will be welded. Remove any rust, paint, or debris.
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Welding the New Leaf Spring Perches: This step requires professional welding skills. Position the new leaf spring perches on the bottom of the axle, ensuring they are properly aligned with the leaf springs. Tack weld the perches in place, double-check the alignment, and then fully weld them to the axle. Ensure the welds are strong and durable.
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Reinstalling the Axle: Carefully position the axle on top of the leaf springs, aligning the leaf spring center bolts with the holes in the new leaf spring perches.
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Reinstalling the U-Bolts: Place the U-bolts over the axle and through the leaf spring mounting plate. Tighten the U-bolt nuts evenly, following the manufacturer’s specified torque.
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Reconnecting the Shock Absorbers (if applicable): Reconnect the lower shock absorber mount to the axle. You may need to purchase shock extensions if the shocks are now too short due to the increased ride height.
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Reinstalling the Wheel: Mount the wheel and tire and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
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Lowering the Trailer: Carefully lower the trailer back to the ground, removing the jack stands.
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Repeat on the Other Side: Repeat steps 2-12 on the other side of the trailer.
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Double-Check and Test: After completing both sides, double-check all connections, bolts, and hardware. Take the trailer for a short test drive, listening for any unusual noises or vibrations.
Safety Considerations
Axle flipping is a significant modification that can impact your trailer’s handling and safety. Here are some crucial safety considerations:
- Weight Distribution: The increased ride height can affect the trailer’s center of gravity. Adjust your load distribution to compensate for the change.
- Tire Clearance: Ensure there is adequate tire clearance after the axle flip. If the tires are too close to the fender wells, you may need to install larger fenders or use smaller tires (which is not recommended unless done with professional guidance).
- Brake Lines and Wiring: Check the brake lines and wiring to ensure they are long enough after the axle flip. You may need to extend them to prevent damage or failure.
- Professional Welding: Improper welding can lead to catastrophic failure. Only use a qualified and experienced welder for this task.
- Torque Specifications: Always tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque to prevent loosening or breakage.
- Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the axles, U-bolts, and welds after the axle flip to ensure they are in good condition.
FAQs: Answering Your Axle Flipping Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about flipping axles on a travel trailer:
H3: 1. Will flipping the axles void my trailer’s warranty?
Yes, in most cases, flipping the axles will void the warranty on the suspension and potentially other components of your trailer. Check with your trailer manufacturer before proceeding.
H3: 2. How much lift will I gain by flipping the axles?
The amount of lift depends on the thickness of the axle and the leaf spring pack. Typically, you can expect to gain between 4 and 6 inches of lift.
H3: 3. Do I need to replace the shock absorbers after flipping the axles?
You may need to replace or extend the shock absorbers if they are too short after the axle flip. This is crucial for maintaining proper handling and stability.
H3: 4. Can I flip the axles myself, or should I hire a professional?
While it’s possible to flip the axles yourself, it’s strongly recommended to hire a professional RV technician, especially if you lack experience with welding and suspension work.
H3: 5. How much does it cost to flip the axles on a travel trailer?
The cost varies depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Expect to spend between $300 and $800, including parts and labor.
H3: 6. Will flipping the axles affect my trailer’s handling?
Yes, flipping the axles can affect your trailer’s handling. The increased ride height can make it more susceptible to crosswinds. Drive cautiously and adjust your driving style accordingly.
H3: 7. What size leaf spring perches do I need?
You need to measure the diameter of your axle to determine the correct size leaf spring perches.
H3: 8. Can I flip the axles on any type of travel trailer?
Axle flipping is generally applicable to trailers with leaf spring suspension. It’s not suitable for trailers with torsion axles or other types of suspension.
H3: 9. How often should I inspect the U-bolts after flipping the axles?
You should inspect the U-bolts after the first 50-100 miles after flipping the axles and then regularly every few thousand miles.
H3: 10. Do I need to adjust the trailer’s brakes after flipping the axles?
Check the brake lines and wiring to ensure they are long enough and not stretched. You may need to make adjustments or extensions.
H3: 11. What are the potential downsides of flipping the axles?
Potential downsides include increased step-in height, potential handling changes, and voiding the warranty.
H3: 12. Is there anything else I should consider before flipping my axles?
Consider the overall height of your trailer after the flip. Ensure it still meets bridge clearance regulations and won’t cause issues with storage or low-hanging obstacles. Also consider if it will affect the use of your existing stabilizer jacks.