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Flipping the axle voids warranty on a Winnebago 1706FB ??

Micro1706
Explorer
Explorer
We have a new Micro Minnie 1706FB. We love it and enjoy the mobility it gives us. Having lived the past decade aboard a sailboat, we would like to take it off the better paved course. This alternative typically has more potholes and uneven territory, which sometimes seem like they are getting close to the clearance of the discharge pipe!!
We are considering "flipping the axles" at a Winnebago certified mechanic in Medford, OR, but it seems this may void the frame warranty.
Are the benefits of the 3+" extra clearance worth it?
Any suggestions?
thanks
13 REPLIES 13

mike-s
Explorer
Explorer
Acdii wrote:
I dont know if Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act covers travel trailers, or just motor vehicles, but it provides protection for the consumer in that the warrantor has to prove that modifications were the direct cause of a failure before they can deny a warranty claim.
It says no such thing.

Acdii
Explorer
Explorer
I dont know if Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act covers travel trailers, or just motor vehicles, but it provides protection for the consumer in that the warrantor has to prove that modifications were the direct cause of a failure before they can deny a warranty claim.

With that said, mod at your own risk, just have it done by someone who knows how to do it and do it properly and you will be fine.

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
Those are 'torsion axes' and you have very limited lifting options.

IF they are Dexter Torflex axles and are side mounted (vs top mounted) Dexter has some lift kits

2 5/8' to 3 1/8" depending on which Torflex Model

Dexter Torflex Lift Kits


Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

Micro1706
Explorer
Explorer
these axles don't seem like the ones in the picture above
see attached
each axle is a bit offset from the center of the wheel, then there is an attachment at a right angle, at the end of the axle, which then is attached to a very short piece at the center of the wheel
not sure what you call this
I think I heard someone mention a torsion axle?

been trying to attach an image but don't see how, and clues?
thx

Lynnmor
Explorer
Explorer
Old-Biscuit wrote:
If you flip vs correct track kit, install cross bracing from each spring shackle to the opposite side front/rear. 2" square tube works ---then no side to side leverage


Kinda like this:

Lynnmor
Explorer
Explorer
mike-s wrote:
It raises it vertically, and the stress is vertical. What lever?


As you round a curve, the weight of the trailer will push outwards, the greater the distance from tire/road contact to the frame, the greater the leverage.

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
If you flip vs correct track kit, install cross bracing from each spring shackle to the opposite side front/rear. 2" square tube works ---then no side to side leverage
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

colliehauler
Explorer III
Explorer III
I agree with Lynnmor, Make it to something you can use forget about the axle warranty.

When I flipped a axle on a previous TT it made a world of difference in where I could take it.

mike-s
Explorer
Explorer
Read the warranty. As long as the terms are clear, there's not much they can't disallow - they can definitely disclaim any warranty if you do modifications, if they say so in the written warranty. If the warranty doesn't say anything about such modifications, go for it.

And if it does disallow mods, I'd suggest writing (not email) Winnebago describing exactly what you want to do and why, and asking if they would approve that modification.

Lynnmor wrote:
It would stress the frame more since the greater distance will give more leverage.
It raises it vertically, and the stress is vertical. What lever?

Trackrig
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have a Nash 26X with flipped axles - it raised it up nicely which then allowed room for 16" tires which raised it more and provided a nice weight safety cushion. It's been on the AlCan and a lot of dirt miles without any problems. It's going to get a lot more miles on dirt when it goes on the Dempster Hwy next summer.

Bill
Nodwell RN110 out moose hunting. 4-53 Detroit, Clark 5 spd, 40" wide tracks, 10:00x20 tires, 16,000# capacity, 22,000# weight. You know the mud is getting deep when it's coming in the doors.

Lynnmor
Explorer
Explorer
It would stress the frame more since the greater distance will give more leverage. As for the warranty, they cannot disallow payment for repairs that are not related to the axle. It's your trailer, make into something you can use, forget the warranty.

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
Article about flipping axles


OR

Install 'correct track' alignment kit and gain 2" in height

Correct Track
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

donn0128
Explorer II
Explorer II
Forst, do the spring hangers have adjustable holes? If not, then it is a pretty simple job to add new perches to the top of the axle tubes and then locate the axle under the spring pack. People do it all the time.
BTW, who told you it might void frame warrenty, since you will not be doing anything to the frame.