Making a HF trailer axle-over rather than axle-under

[xzerokidx]

I reversed the pin in the leaf springs to mount the axle on top of the springs to see how it looked, but then switched back

Does anybody foresee any issues if it stayed axle-over?

Its the 90154 model.

[tinksdad]

Mine has been "over" for more than a thousand miles since it first hit the pavement. No problems so far. I know a thousand miles isn't much, so I'm not an expert by any means. I'm sure some more will chime in that are more experienced than myself.

[Steve_Cox]

I have no problems with you leaving your axle over the springs

(Got one like that myself.)

[xzerokidx]

Thanks.

I'll have to make a small design change to account for the lower ride height.

Every time I second guess myself I end up wrong.

[clarkbre]

Thanks.

I'll have to make a small design change to account for the lower ride height.

Every time I second guess myself I end up wrong.

Is that small design change notching the spring hangers?

I recently looked at doing this myself and had 2 concerns:

1. Does the notched spring hanger weaken that point? Those spring hangers seem to be a very structural part of the trailer. I'd hate to weaken the frame to lower the trailer an inch and a half.

2. Are the supplied u-bolts and nuts strong enough to support the flipped axle? With that modification, you're basically putting the entire weight of the trailer on those (8) 9/16th nuts.

These are just a couple thoughts I had. I do think it'd be kinda cool to lower those trailers down a little bit. I know with 4.80-12's the top of the frame rides about 18" above the roadway.

[CPlater]

I recently looked at doing this myself and had 2 concerns:

1. Does the notched spring hanger weaken that point? Those spring hangers seem to be a very structural part of the trailer. I'd hate to weaken the frame to lower the trailer an inch and a half.

2. Are the supplied u-bolts and nuts strong enough to support the flipped axle? With that modification, you're basically putting the entire weight of the trailer on those (8) 9/16th nuts.

These are just a couple thoughts I had. I do think it'd be kinda cool to lower those trailers down a little bit. I know with 4.80-12's the top of the frame rides about 18" above the roadway.

1. Not really. The major stress would be in tension and being bolted to the frame that removed section of steel is not going to matter.

2. Yes. Many trailer axles are mounted that way and use the same hardware.

Mike Schneider did that on his first Benroy as you can see here. http://www.mikenchell.com/4x8_Benroy_Photo_Album/slides/dscn1135.html

[Arne]

I switched my axle to lower the tear. be sure you have enough clearance for a major bump. I notched mine, but it bottomed out in a construction area. It hit bottom really hard..

[bobhenry]

Not only that but your tongue fell off too!

[gperks]

I flipped mine also. Notch out the spring support. I added a piece of angle at the former hinge point for a little added piece of mind. DON'T FORGET to cut off any length off the bolts above the tire so you don't split your tire in two. The lowered ride height is perfect (see gallery)

[Darren]

I reversed the pin in the leaf springs to mount the axle on top of the springs to see how it looked, but then switched back

Does anybody foresee any issues if it stayed axle-over?

Its the 90154 model.

Only problem I see is it still won't be as low as your tow vehicle. To get it even lower check out the torsion axles. I flipped the axel and notched the springs on mine also, no problems and this is the 3rd year on the road. I wish it was a few inches shorter though.

[xzerokidx]

Only problem I see is it still won't be as low as your tow vehicle. :

Thank you everyone for the replies

Rear air shocks, and a drop hitch flipped (not sure what size yet) are planned to help out as much as possible on the 3700 mile "test-run"

I'd love a torsion axle, but the cost factored in with new wheels and all i'd be in too much $$

I've gotten as far as setting up the trailer and im already not the happiest, but I knew the choices before I started.

Being a welder/fab/mechanic I want to build everything myself, but the trailer on sale and a 20% off coupon on top made me do it.

[Darren]

I could not be on the road without the air shocks. I have 3" blocks in the rear and a few hundred pounds of sub box to deal with. I ended up having to use a 4" raise hitch to keep the trailer level.

I saw a video of a purple truck and teardrop that were both air bagged. Very cool.