Spring Over Axle Conversion

[cs2kplus]

Greetings again.

I have posted about flipping axles. Which I have learned it is know as "spring axle conversion".

I have an old 89 trailer. Fleetwood Taurus. It is low and I have issues getting in and out of my driveway.

I asked an RV repair place what it would cost. One said $400 to remove axle (unclear if that one or 2 - 2 is what I have). Then the cost of replacement parts.

Another said $1000 for the job.

I am not sure what a good price range should be?

I think I agree that the actual change in height will be 4". That works for me.

I have some questions:


Its interesting how this axle (3") slings down. Will this be an issue - as opposed to a centered axle?


Here is a shot that I suspect the perch is not actually welded? Does not look like pics I've seen online.


Here is another view of the stackup

Any thoughts on all of this info?
Thanks,
Wayne

[cs2kplus]

@GoDucks: Thanks for the great advice and info.

I got a quote from a trailer (not dealer) for 1900 for everything including tires. Yeah it's high. But I think its pretty good for everything. This would be an upgrade as well to a straight axle with 6 lug (currently 5) wheels. It's an old camper..but we love it. To axles are like the engine of a trailer and I feel I can justify the cost.

[goducks10]

cs2kplus wrote:
redoing the whole axle would mean basically everything..correct? Drums, brakes, etc. basically you'd keep the tires....and by then you can get bigger ones?

Yes. You can buy a complete assembly from different axle suppliers. A dealer will gouge you pretty good. It may be worth your while to do an internet search for RV axles.
Another thing to consider is if you tires are older than 5 years then you should replace them anyway. I hope they don't look as bad as the axle. Ha.
Assuming you would need a 3500# axle and springs, here's a place to shop.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Dexter/35545E-ST-EZ-89.html

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Suspension/Universal-Group/SP-212275.html

You would need some new U bolts and bolts for the springs as well as maybe a set of leaf spring shackles.

[cs2kplus]

redoing the whole axle would mean basically everything..correct? Drums, brakes, etc. basically you'd keep the tires....and by then you can get bigger ones?

[colliehauler]

I would agree with others on replacing the whole axle assembly with a straight axle, should give you several inches of lift.

[WNYBob]

Here is a quick search of E-trailer

Axle with breakes

Spring x2

Of course you have to check your TT measurements and weights.

[cs2kplus]

Is there an option to raise the trailer with some sort of booster? Someone just asked me that question.

[cs2kplus]

@goducks: Is that considered a drop axle? Are you saying to get a whole new centered axle?

[goducks10]

Also with that drop axle and being over the springs, going with a straight axle and still over the springs would raise the TT 4"-5" or maybe more.

[GordonThree]

New springs aren't very expensive, and springs do wear out with time, regardless of miles. If you're going to all the trouble to rip the suspension apart to flip the axle mount, throwing in at least new springs sounds like a good plan.

[WNYBob]

2X on replacing the entire axle! Search for a complete kit springs axle and breakes. E-trailer has them based on weight you need.

Post old on Craigslist, and let someone else deal with them.

[cs2kplus]

Yes...I know its a sight to behold. But everything functions currently. I do believe that it is all surface rust. It is an 89. It was used as a fire department demo for fire safety and don't think it has actually seen many travel miles. I drove to and from NJ to Indiana with no issues.

[goducks10]

Those are drop axles and really junky looking. You'd be big money ahead to just buy new springs, axles and brake assemblies. Not sure you could even re-use most of that. Those springs are so rusted and corroded that I bet they hardy work.