How to Determine the Correct Parts for an Axle Flip on a 1993 Skamper Pop-Up Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 1993 Skamper Pop-up and I wanted to do and axle flip for some more clearance. Can you give me an idea of parts I would need? I was thinking about purchasing springs, u bolts, and mounts. Is there anything else that may be required?

asked by: Brad

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Expert Reply:

To lift your single axle trailer leaf springs from the bottom of your axle to the top of your axle to provide lift for the suspension you will need 2 new spring seats, 4 u-bolts, 8 nuts and 2 U-Bolt plates, see links. This is assuming that your trailer suspension is in good condition otherwise. If your springs are worn 2 new springs will be needed also, see link.

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.

I have provided a drawing showing how the new parts will be installed on your trailer. I highly recommend checking with the trailer manufacturer or having a trailer professional look at your setup and determine if moving the springs to the top of the axle is a safe alternative for your trailer.

When lifting your trailer you need to keep in mind that the geometry of the trailer will change. You may encounter lower or heavier tongue weight, and/or the trailer may become top heavy, contributing to trailer sway and instability, especially when passing large trucks or in high winds. In these situations, it may require you to go with a weight distribution system with sway control, if you are not already using one. I have provided a video and a link to weight distributions systems for you to review.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Answer 1

Based on what I was able to find, your 1993 Skamper 17X more than likely has 2,000 lb axles. If that is the case, you will either have a #L44643 inner and outer bearing or #L44649. You will need to verify this information. You can inspect your…

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Answer 2

The best way to determine the replacement bearings needed on your 2011 StarCraft 1019 pop-up camper is to remove one of the wheels and then the hub and look for the number printed on the inner and outer bearing as well as the seal of that hub. Those…

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Answer 3

In order to choose the correct hub assembly, you are going to need to know a few things. The 2,000 lb axle and five lugs are a great place to start and considerably narrows down what else you need to know. One of those things is the wheel size, which…

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Answer 4

Hey Cliff, with the Replacement Controlled Motion Hinge #LC95VR to get the desired effect where the door doesn't swing open or closed all you have to do is replace is a single hinge and not all three.

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Answer 5

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 6

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 7

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 8

The BTR and BT8 denotations refer to the spindle, not the trailer hub. The difference between a BTR and BT8 spindle is that the BTR spindle uses a 1.063" diameter L44649 bearing and the BT8 spindle uses a 0.99" diameter L44643 bearing. In…

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Answer 9

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 10

Hey Jaime, yes you can replace your 25-1/4 inch 3,500 lb axle leaf springs with a 5k rated axle spring like the part #e44SR. This will increase the suspension's weight capacity and might make the ride quality a little rougher but it would fit and…

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