Option to Lift Trailer to Match Taller Tow Vehicle

Question:

Can you lower the leaf springs from body of camper by shackles. Used to do this to raise cars higher, instead of using air bags. Shackles I think this is what they call them. Thanks

asked by: Jasper H

Expert Reply:

We don't have any lowering kits for your truck. We'd be able to help you raise the suspension of your trailer though to match your truck height.

You can do this by moving the axles from being above the leaf springs to below the leaf springs.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jasper H.

3/26/2018

Can you lower the leaf springs from body of camper by shackles. Used to do this to raise cars higher, instead of using air bags. Shackles I think this is what they call them. Thanks

Jameson C.

3/26/2018

Sounds like you are asking about using taller suspension hangers to add distance between the springs and the frame of the trailer which would add height to the trailer. We are aware that some people do this and have had luck. You'd want to measure the height of your current hangers and then check out the link I attached that has all of the hangers we offer for trailer suspension. You can use the filters on the page to narrow down height that would work best for you.