Teardrop Suspension Modification Advice

[Colin hughes]

I'm new to the trailer scene but we've been bitten by the Teardrop bug. There is one for sale close to me at a reasonable price which is built on a 10 1/2' platform with a queen bed and a very good sized galley that would accommodate my ABB fridge and our other chuck supplies rather nicely. The unit is built with composite panels so there are no seams visible and weights around 750-800 lbs. It was also the owners of the companies personal unit so it has a few extra features. However, it sits low and I'd want to get it up a bit as we have an LR3 for towing and we may find ourselves on backroads. The frame, photos attached, appears to be a triangle shape and I'm wondering what the best route would be to raise the height of the unit. Could I modify the frame, attached something (new axle) or would I be best to build a new frame and transfer the trailer over. Any advice, suggestions or questions to help make an informed decision are welcome and appreciated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS7eAaFdjEU
https://www.google.ca/search?q=tadpole+teardrop+trailers+canada&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Tom-VJS-J8mpNu72g4gK&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1680&bih=929#imgdii=_&imgrc=gug2QmkI8C4sjM%253A%3B8fvY4d4FoeNX_M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcampingearth.com%252Fimages%252Ftadpole_frame.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcampingearth.com%252Fblog%252Fquestions-and-answers-about-tadpole-teardrop-trailers%252F%3B350%3B264

[Socal Tom]

Are there springs under the trailer?
Judging from the pics on the website, the body is bolted to the frame, and I don't see evidence of springs in the picture, so I'm going to assume there are no springs.
So I see three options
1) Just get bigger tires, this will probably require relocating the fenders, but it will raise the body of the trailer. The downside is that your trailer will have a rough ride off the pavement without springs ( like now)
2) Purchase a new axle, springs and hangers ( and probably tires and rims) and mount them under the trailer ( see northerntool.com for examples). Welding will probably be required, and relocating the fenders may also be required. This will give you height and provide some suspension for rough roads
3) There are some fancy independent suspension setups available using air bags that could probably be retrofitted, but this will require more money and welding. here is an example http://timbren.com/axle-less/
Tom

[KCStudly]

Says it is a Flexride torsion axle, which has trailing arms that are located and cushioned be rubber material bonded inside of the axle tube. I believe the Flexride torsion arms are splined to the torsion shaft, so you may be able to reindex the trailing arms to get a steeper start angle. Also, you could easily add steel lift blocks between the mounting point on the trailer and the mounting pad on the axle perches. If using box tube for lift spacers, just be sure to use anti-crush sleeves at the bolt holes.

Easy.

[Colin hughes]

Thanks for the responses. I'm going to see it on Saturday and can get a good look underneath then. Unfortunately the manufacturer is no longer in business so I can't ask them any questions. Right now I'm leaning towards purchasing the teardrop and spending the additional to lift and beef up the suspension. As I'm fairly new to trailers, I wanted to be sure modifications were possible.

[mrsteve]

It's a Teardrop! Of course, Anything is possible!