Flipped axel to increase Clearance?

Trevordward · 09-17-2012, 10:03 AM

The previous owner says he "flipped" the axel to increase the ground clearance as he did some Off roading stuff. We want to return the axel to it's normal configuration to level the trailer behind our vehicle. Is there any help on this process or has anyone heard of this and knows how it is done? Currently the axel is below the spring (Single axel) with a shackle link at the rear.

MACK C-85 · 09-17-2012, 10:35 AM

If leveling the trailer is you main concern, it may be easier to change out your hitch shank to raise the ball. Most of the time owners do the axle flip to eliminate the trailer dragging/damaging the tailend. People have actually ripped off the triangle drag guards under the rear bumper. The axle flip can be reversed, but you might be trading one problem for another.

Mack

Steve Collins · 09-17-2012, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevordward

The previous owner says he "flipped" the axel to increase the ground clearance as he did some Off roading stuff. We want to return the axel to it's normal configuration to level the trailer behind our vehicle. Is there any help on this process or has anyone heard of this and knows how it is done? Currently the axel is below the spring (Single axel) with a shackle link at the rear.

The instructions for the Dexter axle flip kit are in the files area. They should give you a pretty good idea of what's involved.

Obvoiusly, "unflipping" would be reversing the process described in the instructions.

However, I am not sure how you'd go about getting above-the-axle spring pads to replace the ones that are now on your setup. In all likelyhood you'd need new kits anyway to replace the U bolts.

FWIW, the raised trailer created by the "flip" is the norm these days. Unless there is a serious reason to "unflip" your axles, I would advise leaving things as they are.

**Tweety** · 09-17-2012, 01:35 PM

We flipped the axle on our 2753 and it was a BIG help with dragging. Plus our gas mileage actually got a little better with the trailer sitting those 4" higher. Before our flip we would drag on roads that had switchbacks and had to avoid them. We'd drag getting into the driveway, or into gas stations. It was a real problem. Unless you have something short like a 1950 I wouldn't unflip!
Ooops...I see you have a 1550, so sitting lower shouldn't be so bad

WASA 1500 · 09-17-2012, 03:34 PM

I fipped my 19 1/2 - for the clearance- love it, raise up the ball !

GKLarson · 09-17-2012, 04:42 PM

Add one more vote to leaving it flipped. Had ours done & don't regret it for a moment. Only downside I can see (& a very small price to pay for the flipped advantages) is having a bit higher step up into entry
I couldn't even back up my Mother-in-laws driveway before the flip (Well, perhaps a 2nd advantage ?

)

aaron · 09-17-2012, 06:13 PM

I “flipped my axels” on my Sunny. It was one of the first mods I completed. The trailer was very low and was constantly dragging. Leaving any gas station it was guaranteed to drag. I would maybe think twice before flipping them back JMHO.

MarknShana · 11-11-2012, 07:36 PM

How much does it cost to get the axle flipped? And did you take it to an RV service center to have it done?

aaron · 11-11-2012, 07:45 PM

Parts and labor, just under $400 on my Sunny. I think it took about 3-3 1/2 hours.

**Tweety** · 11-12-2012, 05:11 AM

We paid around $300 but I don't remember the exact amt.

Al in PA · 03-21-2013, 02:58 PM

I dropped off my 2553 for an axle flip this afternoon. The dealer quoted me $325 for the job. Previously, I had the drag bars removed and replaced with swivel-mount wheels welded on the frame: This helped, but the frame actually bent and had to be straightened/reinforced due to it dragging at gas stations and almost anywhere that backing up an incline was required.

wilson3 · 10-01-2013, 06:34 PM

We live in Western PA and have a 2007 T-1950. Do any of you have a recommendation for a dealer to flip our axles?

Al in PA · 10-03-2013, 08:09 AM

I don't have a recommendation for Western PA since I live in Central PA. If you are willing to travel, Kennedy RV did mine: They are located in northern York county near Dillsburg, PA.

GKLarson · 10-04-2013, 08:13 AM

I'm in NNY but with the purchase of the $80 or so flip kit from Dexter a handy friend flipped mine in no time flat. Believe he had to also do a bit of welding but perhaps you've such a friend ???

dtstanton · 10-04-2013, 11:41 AM

The previous owner of our 1350 flipped the axle, and I'm glad he did. No thoughts about putting it back at all.

Why would you want it un-flipped?

02 WS6 TA · 10-06-2013, 04:44 PM

Here comes the view of the Hot Rodder- I love the fact that that the Camper doesn't make my lowered Silverado look ridiculous- But then, I'm used to going carefully over any such dangerous inclines/declines. If it is leveled when towing, I'd tend to agree with the majority here, and enjoy the added safety of the increased ride height.