Why so much ground clearance?

[VentureVan]

Why are almost all of the new travel trailers built so high off the road? I have had several travel trailers in the past and they all were closer to the ground so they had less wind resistance and a lower center of gravity. Most of the new travel trailers have the bottom of the body almost above the top of the tires. Are they built this way to save $$$?

[69_Avion]

My 34" Avion triple axle trailer is low to the ground and tows as good as any large travel trailer. It is a real dream to tow, but sometimes it would drag just coming out of driveways. I had to installs heady duty, small diameter wheels on the rear just to keep from damaging it.
I built my 19" trailer with high ground clearance since I boondock with it. You just need to purchase the right configuration for your needs. For going boondocking, it is not only the ground clearance, but the overhang that can create issues. A short overhang with good ground clearance is a must for serious off road boondocking.

[CavemanCharlie]

VentureVan wrote:
Our trailer box is only 14 ft. long but I can see how trailers that are in the upper 20's or over 30 ft. could easily drag the back end on the pavement over even regular driveway inclines because of so much rear overhang. Maybe coil springs and airbags, that way you could raise the trailer when clearance was needed then lower it for cruising on the highway. 🙂

Humm,, You know , my 1984 Lincoln has a air spring at each corner. No coil springs at all. I've seen videos of people that use this type of system to lower the car for show and then raise it up to drive. I suppose something like this could be added to TT. Not sure why you would want to but, it could be done.

[VentureVan]

Our trailer box is only 14 ft. long but I can see how trailers that are in the upper 20's or over 30 ft. could easily drag the back end on the pavement over even regular driveway inclines because of so much rear overhang. Maybe coil springs and airbags, that way you could raise the trailer when clearance was needed then lower it for cruising on the highway. 🙂

[msgtord]

colliehauler wrote:

msgtord wrote:

colliehauler wrote:

msgtord wrote:
Has anyone here flipped axles on an older trailer?

I had the axles flipped on a 96 Seahawk.

Any issues with alignment or stability? Did it affect your fuel mileage?

Thanks.

It pulled fine no issues at all. I did not have to worry every time pulling in the driveway or gas station. I did not worry about taking out the sewer line as well.

I never check mileage, But don't think it made a difference.

Thanks for the response. My little trailer is only 17 inches at the hitch when level. 😞

[colliehauler]

mojonator wrote:
My new trailer is 26 inchs from ground to frame,how would i jack it up to change a flat.

Is your trailer a tandem? If so they make a ramp you drive up on with the good tire that allows you change the flat tire.

[colliehauler]

msgtord wrote:

colliehauler wrote:

msgtord wrote:
Has anyone here flipped axles on an older trailer?

I had the axles flipped on a 96 Seahawk.

Any issues with alignment or stability? Did it affect your fuel mileage?

Thanks.

It pulled fine no issues at all. I did not have to worry every time pulling in the driveway or gas station. I did not worry about taking out the sewer line as well.

I never check mileage, But don't think it made a difference.

[profdant139]

We raised ours because we boondock -- great clearance. No more dragging on steep driveways at gas stations.

But yes, there is more wind resistance and a slightly higher center of gravity.

[mojonator]

My new trailer is 26 inchs from ground to frame,how would i jack it up to change a flat.

[CavemanCharlie]

My old TT is quite low to the ground but, that is because it has sunk. The springs have lost some of there um,,, spring.

The shed I store it in is up a steep incline. The tires will drag on the top of the wheel wells when I'm coming out of the shed.

It does tow quite easy behind my 2004 Chevy half ton pickup but, that was broke down once and I couldn't tow it behind my bothers one ton Ford. His truck bumper was so much higher off of the ground that I couldn't even get the jack on the front of the TT to go high enough to hook up.

[69_Avion]

It is nice to have enough groud clearance to keep from dragging, but the higher the CG, the less stable they are. You can't have everything. You just need to get the rig that works for you. For those who don't take them off road much, a lower rig will handle better on the road, assuming everything else is equal.

[rbpru]

I believe the elimination of interior wheel well space, especially with dual and triple axles, was the main incentive. Floor space is always at a premium.

Also,more ground clearance is handy when slinging tank and plumbing etc. under the floor.

[msgtord]

colliehauler wrote:

msgtord wrote:
Has anyone here flipped axles on an older trailer?

I had the axles flipped on a 96 Seahawk.

Any issues with alignment or stability? Did it affect your fuel mileage?

Thanks.

[cyntdon2010]

Higher trailers = less damage to underside.

[colliehauler]

msgtord wrote:
Has anyone here flipped axles on an older trailer?

I had the axles flipped on a 96 Seahawk.