Rockwood suspension

Here is a link for the Dexter catalog Torflex lift kits. You will probably have to call them to insure you get the right parts. Seems pretty straight forward for the install.

Good idea Laknox. I will give the Rockwwod Forum a try. If I find a recommended, tried and true method for this I will post. Thanks all

mountainsam wrote:

randygk wrote:
He recommended new axles with more down angle on the wheel stubs to raise the trailer. I looked at the axles and think there's probably a way to raise them with some proper engineering and fabrication. I just don't want to burn my warranty. My clearance is a little over 5 inches and my rear axle weight is getting close to max, so will keep an eye on everything. I was hoping the stupid truck would squat more, so will just load the trailer accordingly.

This is what I am afraid of, also insurance issues if the project isn't engineered. I would buy new axles but the cost of installing makes it prohibitive for me. Not something I could do at my age and without proper tools. I would assume everything would need to be realigned. I would do it as Doyle1 recommended if it were a light trailer without a lot of load.

Probably just try to be careful. We seldom if ever get off the road but if something happens it will be pulling out of a fuel stop with a steep piitch.

Thanks all for your great responses. Every one is worth consideration.

Since you're out of warranty, why not contact Rockwood and ask =them= what they recommend? If there's a heavy trailer shop near you, talk to them and see what they recommend, too. Also, if there are any Rockwood-specific fora, you could ask there and see if anyone has done a lift?

Lyle

randygk wrote:
He recommended new axles with more down angle on the wheel stubs to raise the trailer. I looked at the axles and think there's probably a way to raise them with some proper engineering and fabrication. I just don't want to burn my warranty. My clearance is a little over 5 inches and my rear axle weight is getting close to max, so will keep an eye on everything. I was hoping the stupid truck would squat more, so will just load the trailer accordingly.

This is what I am afraid of, also insurance issues if the project isn't engineered. I would buy new axles but the cost of installing makes it prohibitive for me. Not something I could do at my age and without proper tools. I would assume everything would need to be realigned. I would do it as Doyle1 recommended if it were a light trailer without a lot of load.

Probably just try to be careful. We seldom if ever get off the road but if something happens it will be pulling out of a fuel stop with a steep piitch.

Thanks all for your great responses. Every one is worth consideration.

I have Dexter TorFlex axles on my Norco engineered frame. One advantage of the TorFlex is the axle can serve as a structural frame cross member. My guess, due to the extra cost, my frame needs those axles right where they are for support. I would be hesitant to mess with them.

Being in the same boat, so to speak, I contacted Dexter and had several conversations with one of the techs. They used to offer a kit for raising the trailer, but no longer recommend it. He didn't say why, but I assume maybe problems with side loading issues and strength of bracket on axle. Also you can't weld axle to beef up bracket because of the torsion rubber inside. He recommended new axles with more down angle on the wheel stubs to raise the trailer. I looked at the axles and think there's probably a way to raise them with some proper engineering and fabrication. I just don't want to burn my warranty. My clearance is a little over 5 inches and my rear axle weight is getting close to max, so will keep an eye on everything. I was hoping the stupid truck would squat more, so will just load the trailer accordingly.

Years ago I had a different brand with torsion axles and needed to lift it. I purchased a lift kit directly from the trailer manufacturer. It was two lengths of steel tube and four flat steel plates with pre-drilled holes. The axles were unbolted from the frame, and the flat plates bolted in their place. The tubes were then spot welded to the bottom of the frame. Finally the axles were bolted to the second set of holes in the plates. This was a 4 inch lift as I recall. Any good welder can fabricate the needed parts, just no welding to the axle assemblies, bolts only.

I don't know why you couldn't just add three inch tubing to where your suspension attaches to the frame, and reconnect the suspension to the tubing.

I have a tandem axle 26' long enclosed snowmobile trailer, with Dexter rubber torsion suspension. It does not look to be a hard job on mine, if it needed to be raised.

Jerry