How to Gain Ground Clearance for a Travel Trailer that Hits the Driveway When Entering or Leaving

Question:

I have a 19foot KZ single axel travel trailer. The tounge is as low as it can be mounted on the towing vehicle without hitting the ground when entering my driveway. Nevertheless, the front of the trailer rides several inches higher than the rear and the back end grounds out on the same driveway. Being able to raise the rear an inch or two will solve my problem. Is it safe to use longer by an inch or two spring shackles to lift the trailer and not create any spring geometry problems? The shackles now fitted to the trailer are 3 inches center to center. I looked at the article: Will Using Longer Suspension Hangers Make a Trailer Ride Higher. I do not need to raise the trailer as much as the 3 1/2inch by inverting the axel as you suggested. Thanks for the help.

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

There are a couple different ways to raise the ride height of your trailer, but before we choose the best option for you, we will want to take a look at a few things.

First, it sounds like you are not towing with your trailer level so you do not hit your ball mount on the driveway. A trailer that is not level can create many problems such as ground clearance and trailer sway. If you have any sway control issues with your trailer, then I would recommend moving your leaf springs above your axle using an over-under kit or by welding new spring seats to the top of your axle so you can tow your trailer level. I know you said you do not need to raise your trailer that much, but towing a trailer level will provide better ride quality and clearance.

We carry over-under kits for 3 inch diameter axles, # K71-385-00, or for 2-3/8 inch diameter axles, # K71-384-00. These two kits do not require welding to install but the manufacturer strongly suggests having the new spring seats tack welded to the axle.

Another option would be to add longer leaf spring hangers, if possible. If the spring shackles that you are referring to are the shackle straps, like part # TRSL350, then using longer shackle straps will not help your issue. Adding longer hangers will increase the height of the rear of your trailer, but it may not add enough height to allow you to tow your trailer level. Replacement hangers must be purchased based on the width and style of your leaf springs.

To replace the leaf spring hangers, the original hangers will need to be cut off and the new hangers will need to be welded in their place. We recommend having a qualified welder remove the old hangers and install the new hangers. It is important that the original hangers are cut off properly so the integrity of the trailer frame is not compromised.

If you can send me the width of your leaf spring, style (double eye or slipper), and the diameter of the bolt hole, then I can make a more specific hanger recommendation for you. I have also attached a link to all of the leaf spring hangers that we carry for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

Keith C.

7/7/2020

Hi... I have a 1972 single axel travel trailer. The brand name is "KITT" they were made in Idaho many years ago. It is apx. 15ft long. The leaf springs sit under the axel and the trailer just sits to low. Do you have an "Over / Under" kit for this old of a trailer? If yes, which kit do I need? Thanks,

Chris R.

7/10/2020

Our Over/Under Kits may work for the trailer, but you'll need to determine its axle diameter to be sure. Is it a round axle? If so, can you tell me the diameter?

Mary W.

6/20/2020

I have a 2017 17BH Clipper Coachmen and need to lift the trailer as it bottoms out constantly coming up my driveway. What parts do I need to order?

Chris R.

6/23/2020

I can definitely help you out but I would need to know the axle type and size on the Clipper Coachmen. Unfortunately this type of information isn't easily found.