One of the limitations we had for buying our last fiver was that a number of the longer ones we were interested in couldn't make it up our driveway without bottoming out somewhere, e.g. sewer drain, rear bumper, etc. We settled on our current unit because a) it had a floor plan that met our needs and b) it made it up the driveway with no problem. Luckily, it was all for the best as I learned more about pin weights from this forum I discovered that some of the longer (and heavier) units probably would have been too much for my truck (naturally, the dealer never helped with that consideration!). So now, to the question. I am about to pull the trigger on a dually that will greatly expand our weight horizon; and we have started looking at some longer fifth wheels. But I am mindful of the "bottoming out" issue with my driveway. I think I have seen reference on the forum to folks who have "flipped axles" to increase the clearance of the bottom of their units. Is this easily done--by a service shop--- and how much additional clearance can be gained (probably specific to the unit) by this?I appreciate any thoughts/comments. Thanks!

Don't know about turning the axels over, but I've read of at least two folks that have replaced wheels & tires to 17.5" size (mainly to get an 'F' load range)on their Montana's.

Yes a trailer shop can flip the axles. I was locally told it would be about $150/axle but didn't need to get it done after all. Prices will vary depending on where you are. You'll gain maybe 4-6 inches. Can you do anything to reduce the slope into your drive? If you are on a city street then I suspect the answer will be no. But otherwise some asphalt or cement might fix your problem by building up the dip. Or even some temporary boards laid down.

Yes, you can flip the axles. Basically this is moving the spring hanger from under the axle to the top of the axle. This will increase the ride highth from 3 to 4 inches depending on the suspension system. One thing to keep in mind is that you will have to adjust the pinbox height. I don't know about changing the rims and tires as our trailer came from the factory with the axles flipped (we requested it).

Keep in mind as well this will affect your overall height. I dont think there is a way I could flip the axles on our creek without being over legal height. It will also be a little more top heavy. I have seen 3 large 5ers blown over in storm this summer already.

We raised our Sunnybrook by 4 inches were concerned about getting on and off the ferry that we take from Vancouver Island to the mainland, a deck hand on the ferry mentioned that if there is a low tide there might be a problem as we exited the ferry. We also had to raise the hitch on the truck to keep the trailer level. Since 5ers vary in height I doubt that 4 inches will cause a major problem. Make sure that you know the height of your trailer and act accordingly.

Probably dumb question, but here goes.... | Good Sam Community

netjam
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
Some of the larger trailers come with the axels on the bottom of the springs from the factory so flipping is not an option. (my KZ Escalade has axels on the bottom of the springs from the factory)
CobraGT40
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
I have flipped axels on my '98 Jayco 293-RKS ...Mainly because I have a 4" suspension lift on my SuperDuty...
Pulls down the road just fine...although I broke a rear spring on my truck a couple months ago (although I blame that on SuperLifts sh***y springs)
The_Mad_Norsky
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
One thing to keep in mind is a lot of the larger fivers already have 16 or 17 inch wheels/tires on them from the factory.

There exists the possibility you may not need to make any changes with the increased ground clearance these units offer.
mamestra
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
We raised our Sunnybrook by 4 inches were concerned about getting on and off the ferry that we take from Vancouver Island to the mainland, a deck hand on the ferry mentioned that if there is a low tide there might be a problem as we exited the ferry. We also had to raise the hitch on the truck to keep the trailer level. Since 5ers vary in height I doubt that 4 inches will cause a major problem. Make sure that you know the height of your trailer and act accordingly.
Goostoff
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
Keep in mind as well this will affect your overall height. I dont think there is a way I could flip the axles on our creek without being over legal height. It will also be a little more top heavy. I have seen 3 large 5ers blown over in storm this summer already.
Swamp_Man
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
Yes, you can flip the axles. Basically this is moving the spring hanger from under the axle to the top of the axle. This will increase the ride highth from 3 to 4 inches depending on the suspension system. One thing to keep in mind is that you will have to adjust the pinbox height. I don't know about changing the rims and tires as our trailer came from the factory with the axles flipped (we requested it).
agesilaus
Explorer III
Jul 07, 2013
Yes a trailer shop can flip the axles. I was locally told it would be about $150/axle but didn't need to get it done after all. Prices will vary depending on where you are. You'll gain maybe 4-6 inches.

Can you do anything to reduce the slope into your drive? If you are on a city street then I suspect the answer will be no. But otherwise some asphalt or cement might fix your problem by building up the dip. Or even some temporary boards laid down.
waltbennett
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
Don't know about turning the axels over, but I've read of at least two folks that have replaced wheels & tires to 17.5" size (mainly to get an 'F' load range)on their Montana's.

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