How to Gain Additional Clearance on Cargo Trailer

Question:

Hi eTrailer Team! Big fan of all your content!! I have a cargo trailer that I would like to have more clearance on. Below is my info. Should I replace the axle? I plan to take cargo to our cabin that has some rock but is traversable by most cars. Current Info: Hitch Height 16 Platform Height 17 Receiver Height 16inch Tow vehicle clearance: 9

asked by: Allen J

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the kind words!

A replacement axle like # 8327830 wouldn't gain you any ground clearance. Since your photo you kindly provided shows that your leaf spring are currently mounted under your axle, an Over-Under Conversion Kit would allow you to mount the springs atop your axle, gaining you roughly the axle diameter plus the thickness of the spring pack as a height increase. Dexter offers the kits for 2-3/8 inch or 3 inch diameter axle beams. If you have a 2-3/8 inch axle beam which would typically be found on a 3500 lb axle, use # K71-384-00. For a 3 inch beam like what's usually found on a 5200 or 6000 lb axle, use # K71-385-00. If your axle beam isn't 2-3/8 or 3 inches in diameter, get back with me and we'll look at some other options.

This would be the easiest and most economical way to gain some clearance.

expert reply by: Mike L