Lifting a camper

[ktmoutfront]

Go staight axle on that one. I have done over 30 trailers for people. When you go spring over, it screws up the geometry on the axle to spring design. The system is designed for the axe rotation leverage to be on the long spring. When you spring over, the rotational load is exaggerated. With the magnetic drag actuated drum brakes, it will create a chatter and the brakes don't work right..

Also, if you look at the bushings on the leaf springs, they nothing like truck bushings. They aren't designed for the side to side rotation that you will force on the by going spring over.

Cut the perches off. Add a 3x whatever the frame channel width is. Run bracing side to side, weld the perches back on.


Just my 3 cents.

 

[Blue85]

We're wanting to get a cheap pop-up and axle flip it to use on mild off-road trails as a family base camp.

I have the same plan. Don't think we have many adventure trailer threads here, so we'll have to start some. I'm thinking more along the lines of a whole 2nd frame underneath.

 

[Hosalabad]

Or two new straight axles and lose the 4" drop.

I think I would go this route as well. You keep the stability offered by spring under.

 

[azblazer]

Don't you live in CS? Might wanna put a wing or 3 on top of said camper to keep it on its wheels. I notice every time i am down your way i see a semi trailer or two laid over on the side of the road from your crazy winds...

 

[TerryD]

I have the same plan. Don't think we have many adventure trailer threads here, so we'll have to start some. I'm thinking more along the lines of a whole 2nd frame underneath.

I was going simple and just going to axle flip it. We've done several small utility trailers over the years and they've all worked out ok. None of them had brakes though.

Its more of a proof of concept. If it works out ok I'll probably swap to the Timbren tubeless axles in the future.

It would just be nice to have something a little more robust than our tent for trips to places like the beach.

 

[70jimmy]

I want to do the spring under to spring over on my utility trailer. I also have some coil springs I figured I would throw in the mix along with the leaf springs.

 

[muddermilitia]

I have the same plan. Don't think we have many adventure trailer threads here, so we'll have to start some. I'm thinking more along the lines of a whole 2nd frame underneath.

Frame stack eh? Will you also be adding flourescent pink shock boots to each of your 37 shocks?

 

[jekquistk5]

Frame stack eh? Will you also be adding flourescent pink shock boots to each of your 37 shocks?

That's only a requirement if you stack more than 2 frames. Since he is only doing one his only requirement is a double or triple chrome roll bar.

 

[Blue85]

I don't think anybody is really imagining getting a 2nd pop-up frame and stacking them . A pop-up is pretty flimsy when you're talking about trails and they're only set up for the tiniest of springs/axles. To solve that and get protection out at the sides will require a whole substructure. That's as far as I've thought it through, without having one to work on.

 

[imiceman44]

the axle is bent in a arch and if you flip it it will mess with camber of the tires.

This.
I was reading through to see if someone mentioned it before I said it.
In theory they arch them so when you put weight on it it gets closer to straight.
You flip it and you make it arch more when weight is applied.
I say spring over is the cheapest, best option.
Second would be straight axles.
You can actually just get a straight beam for the hubs you have built for you for a couple of bills.
My friend did that

 

[mrk5]

The big question for me going with a straight axle is if my hubs will work on the new axles. If I can use my hubs on the new axles, that makes it much more cost obtainable.

 

[frankin5]

Brakes are a universal fit to most axles. Ask the axle maker if your will fit his bolt pattern and if the bearing are the same size as the axles you have. I changed brake manufacturers on my axles with no problem. As long as the bears are the same.

 

[imiceman44]

The big question for me going with a straight axle is if my hubs will work on the new axles. If I can use my hubs on the new axles, that makes it much more cost obtainable.

A place here in Sacramento will build the tubes and spindles to your specs.
Width, size of bearings and even spring perch where you want it.
I am sure Denver should have a place like that.