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Originally Posted by vcrt
So today, I'm ordering two axle flip kits. Reading the instructions JohnB provided in a previous post, I see Dexter recommends a wiring kit p/n K71-399-00. But I can't find any description or photos on any site that sells it. Does anyone know what I'd be getting for an additional $30.00 or so? And do I need one of these kits for each axle?
Also, the instructions call for removing spring eye bolts from front and rear hangers and then dropping front of spring (which I assume they mean for a tandem axle set up), but only the front for a single axle. Maybe it's their wording that's confusing, because it seems to me that only one spring eye bolt from each axle would be removed to pull the axle out. If that's good enough for a single axle, seems like it would be the same for each axle on a tandem set up. Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks,
Rich
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Hi Rich,
For quick ref, these are the instructions you are talking about?
http://l.b5z.net/i/u/6149609/f/Instr...059-551-00.pdf
And here is this wiring kit that are talking about.
DEXTER Electric Brake Parts Kit #K71-399-00
Looking at that wiring kit, the only thing you would use is the wire connectors. The rest you will not use. I think what they meant was is to use a good water proof connection like shown in that kit. If you can accomplish that through other means, then you do not have to buy the kit.
Now to the actual install. You used these words
Quote:
Maybe it's their wording that's confusing, because it seems to me that only one spring eye bolt from each axle would be removed to pull the axle out.
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Where you actually going to pull the physical axle tube out from under the camper? You are not really pulling out the axle from the camper sideways and then putting it back in. More of moving it forward and then back over the spring.
This pic is from my 2004 T-2499 so it is the same as yours.
And here is a post from SunlineFan with more trailer over/under conversion pics in it
http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f6...-kit-8167.html
What I think the instructions appear to be saying is, unhook the wires, take out the front and rear spring hanger bolts. Support the axle. Note: The equalizer and the spring ends at the shackles are still attached.
Then you lay down, (pivot down) the front spring unhooked from the hanger to the ground, the equalizer end of the spring is still attached. This allows you then with a helper, one on each end, to move the axle tube and brake drums forward off the end of the spring to the front of the spring end laying on the ground. Then pivot up the spring, and move the axle back underneath the spring so the axle is now under the spring.
For the rear axle, you do the same process just you move the axle to the back of the camper to do the switch.
In order to move the axle tube, it will be heavy with the brake drums on it, you may need 2 floor jacks to hold and roll it OR put it on a dolly or creeper or something to hold and roll it forward and back. Again a helper on both ends of the axle makes this easier.
There is another possible way pending what you have to work with. In order to do this conversion, you either need to move the axle back and forth over/under the spring, OR leave the axle in place on 2 floor jacks and move the springs. This sort of depends on the tools you have and if you have a helper or not. I have not done one of these, but since I do most all work myself, I would think through moving the springs and leave the axle in place supported on the floor jacks. The axle tube is light, but the brake drums are heavy and there are 2 of them all attached. The top heavy underslung axle will want to roll down when unhooked, so take care and let it down easy until the brake drums are on the floor. Granted moving the springs, you need to deal with more spring bolts taking them out, but it is the trade off of moving the axle tube.
A separate heads up, when removing a spring bolt, you need to have a wrench on the head of the spring bolt and hold the bolt from turning and take the nut off. If not, the bolt can rotate and it will tear out the serrations holding it from spinning in the hanger. Also be prepared for a galled up spring bolt nut. You may need a new one.
An important part to remember, there is a front and back to and axle tube and the brakes. Make sure when you are all done, the wire hole in the axle tube (where the brake wires come out) is still pointing to the back of the camper. The axle tube has a toe setting to it and the brakes have a need for left and right hand. The instructions talk about making sure the top of the tube so it is still up when you are done. On an underslung axle this is not so hard to mix up, on a straight axle someone can get it mixed up easier. Bottom line, the wire hole always needs to be on the rear side of the axle tube.
One point not mentioned on the instructions, the camper needs to be jacked up high enough on blocks or stands so when you are done, the trailer is high enough off the ground to get the tires back on. If you do not do this in the beginning, then you are going to have to jack it up after you convert to get the tires back on.
Maybe take a few pics when you are doing this to show the axle moving. We have a lot of folks who have done this, but not how they moved the axles or the springs.
Hope this helps
John