MainerBob
Waterville, Maine
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Joined: 12/26/2011
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My Avion has torque tubes, not springs. Can this still be done? What about the rise in center of gravity for the trailer?
1991 Avion 30' F'er, not silver
2006 Silvarado 2500HD Duramax, CC, Short Bed
16K Draw-Tite Slider
Bikes on the back
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ExRocketScientist
Laurel, MD
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Joined: 11/11/2010
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MainerBob wrote:My Avion has torque tubes, not springs. Can this still be done? What about the rise in center of gravity for the trailer?
I have successfully raised a trailer with a torsion axle. I had to modify the axle mounting flanges and add some spacers under the frame. When I was done, the axle mounting flanges were twice as thick.
The center of gravity of the trailer is raised, but unless it was unstable to begin with, raising it 6 to 8 inches won't make it unstable. I actually ran across a formula for this the other day somewhere on the net. IIRC, you divide twice the height of the center of gravity by the width of the vehicle. If that is greater than 1 it is unstable. When it is less than 1 it is stable. The closer to zero it is, the more stable it is. Keep in mind a good portion of the weight is in the frame and running gear. Then you have a lot of other weight that is usually low like the furnace, hot water heater, tanks, batteries, converter, and propane bottles. Items that are high will be your fridge and contents, your dishes, and your air conditioner.
ERS
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RWeaver
tampa, fl
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Joined: 03/05/2006
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i am assuming you are talking about the folks over on busch blvd for doing the flip? if so they are more than capable and can even custom fabricate springs if needed... that being said, given your occupation, i agree with the others that supporting the rig will be the biggest obstacle.
on my gulfstream, it had 2 inch square tubing welded to the frame extending beyond where the springs originally attached. and this has gotten me by for the most part. but with the dodge out in california, i did have one time where the hitch contacted the side rails of the truck when i had to come up a steep hill and make a hard turn at the very top.
btw you will more than likely need to change your steps out when you flip to a 3 or 4 step unit to retain the comfortable first step 
2006 Dodge 2500 4X4 Cummins turbo SB quad cab
93 27' Gulfstream Conquest with slide.
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hypoxia
Arizona
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Joined: 04/29/2003
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RWeaver wrote:btw you will more than likely need to change your steps out when you flip to a 3 or 4 step unit to retain the comfortable first step
Yep, I forgot about that.
Jim
My Trailer Rebuild Project
2003 Fleetwood Revolution 40C
2008 F-350 6.4 Diesel
2001 Jayco 311RLS 5th Wheel
ATV Trailer follows the 5er
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MTPockets1
Florida
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Joined: 09/19/2011
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When you flip the axle you get the added benefit to use the other side of your tires & bearings.
2012 3055RL Big Horn - Dexter 7000 lb axles - G rated LT Tires
MorRyde, Genset, Dual Panes, 2 A/C, Yeti Package
2012 F350 SRW 4x4 Crew King Ranch
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ExRocketScientist
Laurel, MD
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Joined: 11/11/2010
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MTPockets1 wrote:When you flip the axle you get the added benefit to use the other side of your tires & bearings. 
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pressure_welder
brandon
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Joined: 02/05/2012
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MTPockets1 wrote:When you flip the axle you get the added benefit to use the other side of your tires & bearings.
Yes i have already made a wide, deck like platform for the first step, so all is well there. What do you mean by using the other side of your tires/bearings?
2012 Duramax Denali Dually
2004 27' gulf stream conquest fifth wheel
1850 crestliner sportfish w/ 150 optimax
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ABinOK
oklahoma
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Joined: 05/06/2006
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I flipped mine using a kit from Dexter. Took about 3 hours and some welding. Pretty easy job. I have about 7 1/2 inches of clearance and I had to go to a four step entry. No towing issues at all, even when double towing.
Alan Brown
2001 Ford super duty 4x4 CC SB 7.3 powerstroke Tymar Performance Intake/Muffler deleted/Reese 16k slider
2001 KZ Sportsman 25 foot 5th wheel,axles flipped,low profile,10,000 GVWR/2006 RMZ450/2003 RM125 double towed on a 5x8 3 rail trailer
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pressure_welder
brandon
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I had to take the camper in for a few other things that i wanted done this year, new awning, hail damage/decal repair, wiring for boat, and the axle flip. they ended up having to weld on a 2" x 6" piece of tubing and relocate the suspension. He said it should be sitting perfectly level now in relation to my truck.
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MTPockets1
Florida
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pressure_welder wrote:MTPockets1 wrote:When you flip the axle you get the added benefit to use the other side of your tires & bearings.
Yes i have already made a wide, deck like platform for the first step, so all is well there. What do you mean by using the other side of your tires/bearings?
Just my brand of trying humor... like when you have a flat tire - turn it over and use the other (non-flat side) .................. Never mind
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