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Old 07-17-2017, 10:59 AM   #1
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Nofrills is an unknown quantity at this point
Newbie post 87 Saturn

Hello, I have an 87 Saturn I picked up last Nov. So far I love it...very well built and great use of space too. I just upgraded the scary nonlocking hitch and added a class 3 weight distribution/sway bay setup,which I know is overkill for a 2700lb TT,but what a difference it made! Now the next project I'm about to tackle is increasing the ride right by flipping the axle. Has anyone done this? It will give me 5 1/2" of clearance and is pretty straightforward. I plan on keeping this baby for some time...it fits every need I have....so far😀
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Old 07-17-2017, 03:43 PM   #2
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Hi Nofrills,

Welcome to the Club and congrats on your camper!

The axle flip, this is actually an over under axle conversion but many folks call it the axle flip and we know what you are talking about. The spring pack is actually moved from the bottom of the axle tube up to and mounts on the top of the axle tube, no flipping. We have has many folks do this and be successful about it.

2 things to know when doing it,

1. You may need a new WD shank to accommodate the higher trailer ball height. Pending which one you have, you may be able to adjust it can be OK. Point being, you will need a WD hitch reset to level out the camper.

2. You may need to make or buy a step the help get in and out of the camper.

These are most of the 2 changes that come up after the conversion. That and added clearance to not drag bottom anymore.

Here are just a few posts on this. There are lots more

http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f6...sion-9122.html

http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f6...3-a-17477.html

http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f6...lip-13470.html

http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f6...lip-16029.html

Here is one with many pics of the conversion kit from Dexter
http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f6...-kit-8167.html

Hope this helps and good luck. Let us know how you make out

John
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Old 07-17-2017, 04:06 PM   #3
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My current set up is an over the axle type,so I'd be moving it under. I have an adjustable hitch...I understand it will need to be adjusted accordingly. On my way to tractor supply as we speak for new u-bolts and axle brackets...not sure the actual name..they are in between the string and axle(welded to axle I believe).
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Old 07-17-2017, 05:35 PM   #4
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H'mm, we must be mixed up in our naming conventions wording as I thought you said you where going to flip the axle to get more ride height. Not actually flipping it over but moving it in relation to the spring pack. If you are actually flipping it over 180 degrees, we need to talk as that can change the toe of the wheel settings of the axle tube.

Sunline traditionally created under slung axles. Meaning the spring pack was under the axle tube (spring on bottom, axle tube on top) To raise the ride height, the springs end up on top of the axle tube (axle tube on bottom, springs on top).

The "axle seat" that is what the industry calls it, is the metal formed piece welded to the axle tube so the spring pack can lay/bolt flat against it. When the over/under kit is used, they give you 2 of these axle seats per axle along with the u bolts/nuts. They also give you an adjuster nut setup as the new axle seat needs to go on top of the axle tube and ideally get tach welded on once all is said and done and aligned.

Ends up looking like this, Pic curiosity of Sunline Fan's post.


Is this what you are doing? Pics are worth all the words in the world....

Thanks

John
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Old 07-17-2017, 05:55 PM   #5
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Yes,I'm movingg the axle underneath the spring. Where do I get the over/under conversion kit that you're speaking of?
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Old 07-17-2017, 06:29 PM   #6
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I just realized I worded my setup wring from the beginning...my axle is currently above the spring and I am moving it under for more ride height. Ha...that makes more sense!! So yes,if there is a kit that will supply all I need to correctly do this, I'd rather go that route as long as the parts are quality.
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Old 07-17-2017, 08:07 PM   #7
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Dexter Axle makes kits.

These folks. Up to 7K
However it seems they may only make these kits in 2 3/8" and 3" axle tube setups. Scroll down to K71-384-00: Over/Under Conversion Kit for the 2 3/8". What is your axle size?

Here is the instructions sheet http://www.dexteraxle.com/docs/defau...s.pdf?sfvrsn=8

I have bought a good qty of Dexter parts with good service from these folks. Note they have 2 sizes of over/under conversion kits. Get the right size for your axle. You need to know the axle tube dia.
Trailer Axle Tie Plate Kits at Trailer Parts Superstore

I also use E Trailer who has good pricing and free shipping if you order enough stuff
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...71-384-00.html

If your axle is smaller then 2 3/8" you may need to create the kit yourself.

Hope this helps

John
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Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
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Old 07-17-2017, 08:12 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nofrills View Post
I just realized I worded my setup wring from the beginning...my axle is currently above the spring and I am moving it under for more ride height. Ha...that makes more sense!!
No worries, I messed up my post too....LOL. I did go back and tweak mine so future folks do not get confused.
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Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
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Old 07-18-2017, 07:49 AM   #9
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Yes,axle is 2 3/8" and I ordered the kit you referred me to last night! $44 is at least half of what it would have cost me buying it all individually. Thanks so much for the propor direction you sent me in and time spent doing so!! This is my first camper ,but I'm an auto mechanic of 27 years,so I get the majority of it all...jus the proprietary stuff I'm steadily figuring out. Btw,I pull this lil guy with a GMC Yukon XL 2500,so the height increase won't be an issue as far as handling goes. Thanks again for all your help!!

John
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Old 07-18-2017, 08:27 AM   #10
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Hi John,

You welcome! Your skill set will go a long way on this camper trust me. We can help by pointing you in the right direction and then you can run with it. We all learned it along the way too... I never knew much about campers until I bought one... then the learning curve began.

The brakes and axles are out of the 50/60's vintage technology
The control systems, most all 12 volt are out of the 60's/70's vintage
The wood working, well that is close to the beginning of time...
The sealants and caulking to seal up the camper is special to the RV world, also very old.

The fun you have can be addictive!

A GMC Yukon XL 2500. Nice truck. We used to have a 2003, K2500 Suburban (6.0 liter with the 4.10 rear axle) to haul our prior Sunline camper around. It even had the rear wheel steering, Quadrasteer. I miss that truck, it was great. Just it was not large enough for the current Sunline.

Have fun and let us know if you need more help.

John
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Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
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Old 07-18-2017, 08:57 AM   #11
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Is there a reason you want to raze the trailer height just asking because I have a 90 T1700 and the wheelbase is short enough that nothing drags and I have had it in some pretty rough spots. With some of the longer trailers I can see why it would be a good ideal because of the waste tank mounting I guess I like the ideal of keeping it out of the wind some of the newer things I have seen you need a step ladder to get into them! I guess I just don't get it.
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Old 07-18-2017, 10:11 AM   #12
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Well,it sits lower than I like and the truck I pull it with is fairly high in the back,so the only logical route for me not to bottom out is to raise it.
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Old 07-18-2017, 12:02 PM   #13
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Interesting, I tow mine with a Tacoma with a 6" drop bar once in a great while I tow it with my old dually diesel Dodge and I use a 3" drop bar. I'm just curious I have been in some interesting places seldom am I in a campground and never had a problem maybe I'm just lucky.
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Old 07-18-2017, 12:24 PM   #14
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Here's a few shots.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20170718_115701_HDR.jpg (98.8 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg 20170718_115603.jpg (118.0 KB, 9 views)
File Type: jpg 20170718_115556_HDR.jpg (121.8 KB, 9 views)
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