Is it Safe to Install a Dexter Over-Under Conversion Kit on a Gooseneck Horse Trailer

Question

Question:

I have an older 3 horse slant load gooseneck trailer that sits to low to haul. The clearance on my old 03 f350 the trailer would drag going into parking lots and driveways. There was about 2” or so from the bed rails when when pulling into the driveway the trailer all but touched the bed rails. We recently bought an 08 f350 srw that sits higher then the old truck. We have 205/75/15 on it currently I’m thinking I can pick up a little room with taller tires, but afraid it won’t be enough. Is it safe to do an axle flip kit to raise it? My concern was that we would be hauling live weight that would be shifting around. And causing the center of gravity to be displaced.

asked by: Chris

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Expert Reply:

You are correct in the fact that you may get a little bit of room with taller tires but it really won't be a whole lot.

When it comes to using an axle flip kit I wouldn't be too concerned about the shifting weight from the horses in the trailer. The amount of height an axle flip kit provides is great for clearance but is dangerous only when you get the larger size tires and longer hangers as well.

To choose the correct kit for your trailer you simply need to note the diameter of your axle. The Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00 is compatible with a 2-3/8" diameter axle while Kit # K71-385-00 is compatible with a 3" axle. These will raise your trailer height equivalent to the diameter of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring stack.

I have attached some review videos and installation instructions for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

We have exactly what you need! To move the leaf springs on your trailer to the top of the axle, you will want the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit #K71-385-00. This is designed for 3 inch axles and for use with double-eye springs…

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Answer 2

The 175/80-13 tire that you have now is 24" diameter x 6.9" wide and the new 225/75-15 tire is 28.3" diameter x 8.9" wide. Therefore, the new tire size will be 4.3" larger in overall diameter and 2" larger in overall…

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Answer 3

When using an over/under conversion kit such as #K71-384-00 to add ground clearance to a trailer the amount of height gained will the diameter of the axle plus the thickness of the leaf spring stack at the axle. So for example if your axle is 2-3/8…

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Answer 4

The lift that you will get with an over-under kit is the diameter of the axle plus the thickness of the leaf springs. The Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, #K71-385-00, fits 3 inch diameter axle, so your trailer will sit 3 inches…

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Answer 5

Yes! We have exactly what you need to move your axles so that they are under your leaf springs. If you have 2-3/8" diameter axles use part #K71-384-00 or you can use part #K71-385-00 for 3" diameter axles. These will raise your trailer…

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Answer 6

The options you have are as follows; lower the tow vehicle, raise the trailer, or tow nose high. The best option would be to lower the truck a few inches so you can tow the trailer level without raising it more. However, this is going to be the most…

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Answer 7

If they are double-eye leaf springs, it should not matter which way they are facing. But if they are slipper springs, the eye end is at the front and the slipper is at the back. The springs that we carry are not marked as to which end is front and I…

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Answer 8

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 9

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 10

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 11

Increasing the tire and wheel size can increase the height of the trailer but it's usually quite minimal. Before you do anything else you should see if the pin box can be adjusted. Although you have to be careful here since This will lower the…

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Answer 12

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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