Doing the flip!

joe8grouse · 05-07-2013, 08:30 PM

Hi,

Made an appointment with a local dealer to get the new to us 2000 2653's axles flipped. Debated about this with the 2363, but didn't really have any issues with that TT. The 2635's length really accentuates the low slung ride of the Sunline's in the rear end. The PO installed heavy duty casters and the first time I saw them in action is when we pulled out of the PO's drive way bringing it home. When I saw those caster hit I nearly had a stroke! Thought about the flip since we have had it home for the last 2 weeks and I have decided to do it. The estimate is around $350 and am going to have the dealership get the bearings and brakes up to snuff, too. They told me around $600 total. Didn't sound too bad. Wish I had a better driveway set up so I could do it myself, but it would be too harrowing given our set up at home. I know I will be pleased with the result. DW is worrying about the extra height getting in to the TT. I promised to help her if she needed a hand!! Thanks for letting me ramble.

Joe

**JohnB** · 05-07-2013, 08:58 PM

Yes, the longer the camper the worse the drag can be.

Also the TT wiggle...

If you tear up the camper getting in and out of your own driveway, it's time for an axle flip. They do make good extra steps if you need them. Many types out there.

Janalee · 05-08-2013, 08:13 AM

Just my HO..in all my many travels I had only a very few times drag came into play..I have always entered or left doubtful areas on an angle. I DO prefer skid bars to casters.I have to agree with your wife about the height! And I don 't think the cost justifies the few times you may have to go a bit out of your way. I have owned two 2653's and traveled several thousand miles so take it for what its worth! Either way...enjoy your new camper..try it for awhile before you go to too much expense...Janalee..
PS..I just had my bearings done last Nov. for $150.00 so shop around.

WASA 1500 · 05-10-2013, 04:27 AM

Love my flipped sunny, now my driveway won't show that we're gone!
I need to back into mine, so the drag was, well a drag!
I may add a second step, it raised 5"
A folding step works for now. GL

joe8grouse · 05-12-2013, 09:12 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I struggled with this decision, wanted to keep the original look of the trailer. I think in the long run we will be happy with this choice. A little booster step is a small price for not ripping up the rear of the unit. Not worried about gas mileage or tow issues. Our new TV, 2008 Tundra, will not flinch with the extra TT height. Thanks again for everyones interest.

Joe
PS: Will get some before and after pics

joe8grouse · 05-22-2013, 07:07 PM

Hi,

Well the "new" Sunny is at the local RV dealer getting the flip done tomorrow. Here are some before shots as we heading out earlier today. Oh, and that's the "new" TV too. Will post some after pics when we get her back on Friday. Comments are always appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

IMG_0746.jpg

IMG_0747.jpg

IMG_0748.jpg

IMG_0749.jpg

**JohnB** · 05-22-2013, 09:32 PM

Nice looking rig. Congrats. Thanks for sharing

Was just skimming through the 2000 brochure to see your floor plan. Back then Sunline had lots of options for floor plans offered.

And they made a 37' 3" bunk house... WOW that must of been something going down the road...

joe8grouse · 06-03-2013, 08:08 PM

Howdy,

Well, here are some after pics from the flip. Yes, she sits higher and the wife gave me a "look" when we picked it up. The PO had built some some steps for his wife to use as she had trouble getting in and out of the TT. I just loaded these steps in the the truck. It took about 3 minutes to put them together and they worked perfect. DW is very happy!! I think the flip was a good decision for us. The PO had a receiver welded to the frame and extending out past the rear bumper. We picked up a nice bike rack for that style of hook up and it worked great. Don't think it would've been good with the lower rear end. We averaged about 9.5 to 10 mpg on our trip to the UP last week. Didn't tow it with the new TV when it was lower so I can't give any figures to compare to. Thanks for letting me ramble.

Thanks,
Joe

OhhWell · 06-07-2013, 10:18 AM

That looks great. I've been seriously considering a flip for our 2753. I had to pull gravel out of the rear stabilizers when we took it out for the first time over Memorial day weekend. It's a tough call though because I really do like the road manners with the low center of gravity.

Then again, I have a large drop shank for our hitch and it still rides a little nose-up due to the ride height of our truck so maybe we'll just do it.

When you flip the axles, does it make it easier to adjust the brakes? I got a normal adjustment tool and the angle on the blade is not enough to get in in the adjustment hole.

joe8grouse · 06-07-2013, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhhWell

That looks great. I've been seriously considering a flip for our 2753. I had to pull gravel out of the rear stabilizers when we took it out for the first time over Memorial day weekend. It's a tough call though because I really do like the road manners with the low center of gravity.

With the new TV, I couldn't complain at all about how the trailer handled on the first trip. We had a steady 20 mph cross wind, with higher gusts, coming home and I didn't feel any out of the ordinary "excitement". Just like towing anything this big, you need to keep your wits about you at all times.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhhWell

Then again, I have a large drop shank for our hitch and it still rides a little nose-up due to the ride height of our truck so maybe we'll just do it.

I raised my hitch head up 2 holes on the hitch bar. It was slightly tilted down where I was at before. I had used the old set up the PO had and waited until this mod was complete before dialing the hitch set up in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhhWell

When you flip the axles, does it make it easier to adjust the brakes? I got a normal adjustment tool and the angle on the blade is not enough to get in in the adjustment hole.

Had the wheel bearings repacked and brakes adjusted by the dealer who did the flip for us. Won't know about the adjustment until next year, but one would figure the extra height would make this chore easier to accomplish.

Thanks for your comments and questions.

Joe & Tina

**JohnB** · 06-08-2013, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhhWell

When you flip the axles, does it make it easier to adjust the brakes? I got a normal adjustment tool and the angle on the blade is not enough to get in in the adjustment hole.

This may help on the brake adjust. When I had the T2499 I made an adjust tool to work with underslung axles.

- Start with a piece of 1/4" round bar.
- Forge (pound with hammer) the end to create this rounded flare.
- Bend at an angle
- Use like this

The round flare at the end allows you to reach in at an angle and still catch the adjuster

Poppy & Nana · 06-08-2013, 07:32 PM

John - that tool looks like something my dentist uses !!!!

**JohnB** · 06-09-2013, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy & Nana

John - that tool looks like something my dentist uses !!!!

H'mm Gee, maybe I can make a few and barter with my dentist next time I need a crown. Here doc, Nana said these may be of value to you, these should be worth a few hundred, I'll can even make them from stainless

Poppy & Nana · 06-09-2013, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

H'mm Gee, maybe I can make a few and barter with my dentist next time I need a crown. Here doc, Nana said these may be of value to you, these should be worth a few hundred, I'll can even make them from stainless

Stainless wil bring more money!!!!

**JohnB** · 06-09-2013, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy & Nana

Stainless will bring more money!!!!

Yup, just I won't hold out waiting to collect.....