Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Fifth-Wheels: Axle Flip $$


	Already a member? Login here. If not, Register Today! \| Help

Newest | Active | Popular | RVing FAQ

Forum Rules | Forum Help and Support | Contact

Open Roads Forum > Fifth-Wheels

This Topic Is Closed | Print Topic | Post New Topic |

Crackerssouth

Fenelon Falls, Ontario, Canada

Senior Member

Joined: 07/26/2010

View Profile

Posted: 09/02/10 03:29pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

Anyone know what the average cost would be for an axle under spring conversion ? My dealer up here gave me a price of $200, everything needed and included. Seems fair.

Experience is the result of too many mistakes

2008 F350 6.4L 4x4
1999 Jayco 3610 Designer

PhilipB

Senior Member

Joined: 01/30/2004

View Profile

Posted: 09/02/10 03:41pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

Seems like a great price to me. I think we paid around $250 or so over 10 years ago on our TT. Best money ever spent.

Camping Family
Me, Mom, 3 Boyz & Toyz
2004 GMC 2500HD D/A CC
2005 Ameri-Camp 321QBS

Vulcaneer

Northern New England

Senior Member

Joined: 10/17/2007

View Profile

Posted: 09/02/10 03:58pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

Good price at $200. But see if it includes lazer alignment at that price. I doubt it will. And you'll need to get a good alignment done after. My alignment cost $320. After I had a set of springs replaced.

2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
2011 Open Range 393RLS 14,250 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide

4*phun*2

Canada

Senior Member

Joined: 09/24/2008

View Profile

Posted: 09/02/10 05:44pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

You will need an alignment. And at that price is not included.

Glenn & Karen
'08 Chevy LT 3500 HD 4x4 CC LB DRW (nice hips)
'06 F350 4X4 Lariat CC LB DRW (nice hips) retired
'09 Victory Lane 38SRV Toy Hauler
'02 HD Road King FLHRCI KRUZN
'04 F150 XLT Super Crew
Our Toys

handysam1

SW, Ohio

Senior Member

Joined: 09/06/2006

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 09/02/10 05:47pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

Can someone please explain the "axle flip". Is it a matter of just adding spring leafs to the axles?

2007 Dodge Mega cab 2500 6.7 CTD
2011 327RES Cougar Fifth Wheel

F-TROUP

VISALIA, CALIF

Senior Member

Joined: 05/13/2007

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 09/02/10 06:47pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

handysam1 wrote:

Can someone please explain the "axle flip". Is it a matter of just adding spring leafs to the axles?

Most people do an axle flip to raise the 5er to gain clearance between 5er and truck bed. No additional springs required most the time.

handysam1

SW, Ohio

Senior Member

Joined: 09/06/2006

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 09/02/10 06:53pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

F-TROUP wrote:

handysam1 wrote:

Can someone please explain the "axle flip". Is it a matter of just adding spring leafs to the axles?

Most people do an axle flip to raise the 5er to gain clearance between 5er and truck bed. No additional springs required most the time.

So you say axle flip as in the one in the back goes to the front and front to back. Sorry don't get it.

azbohunter

arizona

Senior Member

Joined: 03/03/2009

View Profile

Good Sam RV Club Member

Offline

Posted: 09/02/10 07:26pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

handysam1 wrote:

F-TROUP wrote:

handysam1 wrote:

Can someone please explain the "axle flip". Is it a matter of just adding spring leafs to the axles?

Most people do an axle flip to raise the 5er to gain clearance between 5er and truck bed. No additional springs required most the time.

So you say axle flip as in the one in the back goes to the front and front to back. Sorry don't get it.

Axle Flip is to put the axle below the springs instead of above the spring where they are typically installed from the factory. It will usually lift the trailer overall about 3 to 4 inches, the diameter of the axle plus mounting hardware.

2006 Dodge Quad Cab Cummins 5.9 Automatic 4x4
2002 28RKD Lakota fifth wheel
Pullrite Hitch
2006 Polaris Ranger
16'Lund w/50HP Merc tiller
A great wife who loves to travel and fish
I love to archery hunt/she joins me and cooks!

Vulcaneer

Northern New England

Senior Member

Joined: 10/17/2007

View Profile

Posted: 09/02/10 09:16pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

The axles are removed from the trailer frame. And next removed from their position on the top of the springs. To do this they remove the springs from the shackles and disassemble and reassemble and reposition the springs on the top of the axles on unused spring perches. Then re-attach the springs to the shackles. And shackles to the frame mounts. There is a lot of slop in these various assemblies and opportunity for incorrect positioning. You cannot just "eyeball" it. It's ok for temporary until you can get to an alignment shop. but not for long term over the road travel.

Remember that trailer axles are bowed upward in the center. So they cannot just roll them over. The bow would go down in the wrong direction. And the brakes would be upside down.

The front axle must be lined up true to the kingpin. Then the rear axle must be lined up exactly parallel to the front axle and within tolerance to the kingpin. Takes specialized equipment. And lazers work best, to sight in a plumb line from the center of the kingpin.

Flipping axles can raise the trailer 5 inches or so. And that means your first entrance step will be that much higher too. But if you need to radically level out your trailer for towing, or more bedrail clearance for a 5th wheel, this is usually the best alternative. Expensive, but a one time deal. With quick results.