Are Over-Under Conversion Kits Difficult to Install

Question:

Hi, I am restoring an old 1968 Ideal 19.5 travel trailer with dual wheels. I have all the work was done by RV repair shops locally. The last restoration project included replacement of the old holding tank with two gray and black water tanks. This caused the two new tanks to hang within 3-4 inches of the roadway on a level surface. I went with a 7 inch on the hitch and ball which helped some, but not nearly enough to be comfortable going over an rough road or speed bump. The RV repair shop says they can flip the springs put the axle on top of the springs and that it would help. I want to make sure that they are qualified to do this though since it isnt what I would consider normal work for them. The question is: Is flipping the springs something that I should have a specialty shop do, or is it something that a mechanically inclined shop should be able to accomplish without jeopardizing the safety of hauling the trailer, having the wheels fall off? Are there any special things I should make sure that they do who every I have do it while flipping the springs to insure that the wheels dont fall of while going down the freeway?

asked by: Tom M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Putting the leaf springs on top of the axle to increase the height of your trailer isn't all that uncommon and can be done at home by anybody who is mechanically inclined.

Since axles have a natural arch to them you do need to use an Over-Under Conversion Kit like part # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8" axle or part # K71-385-00 for a 3" axle. This comes with a spring seat that will fit on the top side of the axle and allow you to keep the axle in the original position like it is supposed to be.

An over-under kit will raise the height of your trailer the equivalent of the diameter of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring stack.

I have attached some review videow for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G