Over Under Axle Kit Availability for a Pop Up Camper Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 2002 Starcraft 2108 pop-up camper. I have had a couple tire blowouts on one side due to the tire hitting the rear wheel well, literally shredding the tire and tearing up the rear wheel well as well. And it was not due to some huge bounce or other traumatic traffic event. The tires are the standard ST175/80R13, I know the leaf springs are probably tired, but even brand new, the clearance in the wheel well was anemic. I have also never liked the minimal ground clearance I like to take this camping in the woodsnot a campground. So I would like to consider moving the leaf springs to the top of the axle. I also want to buy new leaf springs. The leaf springs are double-eye, 4-ply, 1 1/4inch wide, 19 1/2inch long. And I believe they are rated for 1500 or even 2000 lbs each even though the entire trailer is under 2000 pounds total Not only would this raise the entire camper, but it would open the possibility for me to get slightly larger tires, for higher clearance on the axle as well. But mainly, I just need more clearance in the well to avoid another blowout. I have a laundry list of other stuff I need to fix on the trailer, but this is my main urgency.

asked by: Gabe F

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Expert Reply:

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

Some refer to this process as "flipping the axles," but since axle has a slight bow to it you can't just flip them and reinstall them under the springs using the same spring seats. You have to install new spring seats on the opposite side of the axle so that it can be moved below the spring.

For a leaf spring with the closest dimensions you would want the part # e84SR. This spring has a 2,000 lb axle rating and is 20-3/8 inches from eye to eye. You may have to move your hangers to get this spring to fit.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety…

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Answer 2

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13…

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Answer 3

The roof rack I recommend for your Rockwood Freedom 1940LTD Pop-Up Camper is the Swagman Roamer LT Roof Rack for Pop-Up Campers and Camper Shells #S80510 because of its strength and durability. This rack, which has been used by our customers on a…

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Answer 4

For pop up campers like the 2017 Rockwood Freedom 1640ltd that you have the SportRack roof rack part number #SR1020 that you referenced is just what you need. It will fit the roof of the camper and then give you the ability to carry a few bike racks.…

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Answer 5

AC power like what is found in a house is different from DC like the 12 volt battery setup you mentioned. Since you want to convert from DC to AC all you need is the inverter part #WC3720 that you mentioned. It would wire to the battery and then give…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 10

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 11

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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