Recommendation for Raising Utility Trailer for Better Ground Clearance

Question:

I have a 20 ft landscape utility trailer with a 2 foot dovetail. Having a problem backing down my driveway into the area I want to park it. The bottom back scrapes the ground so I either have to tear out and replace concrete, purchase a new trailer or raise the puppy. Hoping to do the latter. It is a Kaufman tandem 4000lb axles. The truck is a tall 4x4 so hooking up wont be a problem. Looking at raising it between 3-4 inches. Any help will be highly appreciated

asked by: Michael S

Expert Reply:

Lifting a trailer is something people do quite a bit so I believe that would be your easiest and best option. 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. The height you'll gain will be the diameter of the axle plus the thickness of the leaf spring.

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