Can a 2016 Riverside Whitewater Retro 155XL Be Raised for More Ground Clearance

Question:

Hello: I have a 2016 Riverside Whitewater Retro 155XL. My tow vehicle is a 2015 Ford Edge Titanium w/tow package. When I purchased the camper, the dealer included a hitch/receiver assembly that included anti-sway bars. The issue I have is ground clearance. With the bars in place, the backend of the camper is only about 3-4 inches from the ground. Without the bars, the hitch/receiver assembly is too low and I cannot get in my standard driveway apron. Would bigger wheels stock are 13, a lift kit, or other method be best. Frankly, even if the camper were level, Id like to raise the ground clearance. Thanks,

asked by: Bill W

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you have the clearance to go with larger wheels/tires that would be one way to raise the suspension. Or if your axles are above your leaf springs you can move to being below the springs and you can gain ground clearance that way as well. This is the way most raise trailer suspension and is by far the most effective way.

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.