Solution to Allow Weight Distribution System to Be Adjusted Higher for Better Ground Clearance

Question:

When I pull out of my driveway, my hitch slightly scrapes the curb. I would like to adjust the height of the hitch ball, but not sure if I do this should I adjust other parts of the weight distribution hitch? Thank you for any help you can provide.

asked by: Ronald S

Helpful Expert Reply:

When you go to adjust the height of the head of a weight distribution system the most important (and really only) factor is what will allow the trailer to be towed as level as possible.

If your trailer is sitting with the nose too low to be level then you would want to raise the head of the system to allow it to set level. If it already sits level then I would not recommend you raise it any more as that will cause ride problems.

The best solution be to try and angle your way in and out the driveway more so that you can hopefully prevent dragging or to lift the trailer so that it can sit level with the head of the system adjusted higher.

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.

As long as your trailer matches the following three criteria an over-under kit would work well.

The trailer leaf spring stack is currently mounted under the axles
The trailer uses double-eye springs
And the trailer has 2-3/8 inch or 3 inch diameter round axles

If you cannot use an over/under conversion kit then the only other way to raise the height of the trailer is to have the old suspension hangers cut off and new, taller ones welded on by a qualified professional welder. I have included a link to the hanger main page for you.