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FarmerDill's avatar
FarmerDill
Explorer
Aug 20, 2013

Spring over axles towing characteristics

I had to flip the axles under the springs on our 36' 5ver to gain clearance from my Dodge pickup bed. The spring over added about 6" + in height.

Now I'm switching from a normal pickup bed to a flatbed so I no longer will need the extra clearance so I'll probably lower the trailer back down.

Other than lowering the center of gravity, any other ideas how lowering the trailer will effect towing? I had the axles flipped at the time of trailer purchase so I've only towed it with the spring over.

Thanks.
  • In a relation ship of frontal area to wt, you will lose about 4 sqft for frontal area, that is the same wind drag equal of 1000-2000 lbs of added wt. So yes, you will/should notice the lowering of the rig. Possibly gain a portion of an MPG, ie 1/4-1/2 mpg. Or gain some speed up a hill etc. Not a lot, but something.

    Along with other factors mentioned.

    Marty
  • dont know if any are available, but just see if ya can change the shackles vs having the axles redone. A longer shackle will lower the arch in the spring making it sit lower.
  • Lowers the CG and in all things vehicle, lower CG better than higher...unless
    you need the clearance for off roading. Even that is misnomer if there is a
    diff pumpkin, but trailer so just the axle with no pumkin

    Most don't understand that all things designed/engineered is NOT for the good days
    out there. Where just about anything will be okay

    It is for the bad day(s) out there...especially when Mr Murphy crosses you path

    Meaning in an emergency maneuver where a lower CG will help or a higher CG will hurt
  • donn0128 wrote:
    Probably not worth the cost and effort to change it back. I doubt you will notice any difference. Except maybe getting in and out of the trailer.


    Lowering the trailer is a plus for me. I hated having to raise it up so high.
  • Probably not worth the cost and effort to change it back. I doubt you will notice any difference. Except maybe getting in and out of the trailer.
  • Better aerodynamcs, the trailer will also be lower at the rear so be careful on driveways and ramps.

    I raised mine 2" last year for LT tires and really didn't notice any difference in how it tows.

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