pros and cons of flipping a HF axle

[LDK]

I'm just wondering how much it would lower the profile if I flipped the axle. I opted not to do it at the beginning of my build but I can still do it anytime as long as the fenders are not attached. My concern is, will it bottom out any? The reason I'm asking is because I have my spare tire mounted underneath. Looking at these pics it almost looks too tall for a 4'x8' camper. I may or may not do it, I'm just wondering what others have done and what they think.

Thanks

[Boodro]

I would not flip the axle , it would probably be easier to mount the springs on the bottom of the axle if you are just looking to lower the body. You would just unbolt the axle mounts of the springs, pull the axle out one( after removing the wheel & possibly the hub.) side then reinsert the axle on top of the springs & remount.
That should drop the body 3 to 4 inches Good luck!!

[Yota Bill]

I would not flip the axle , it would probably be easier to mount the springs on the bottom of the axle if you are just looking to lower the body. You would just unbolt the axle mounts of the springs, pull the axle out one( after removing the wheel & possibly the hub.) side then reinsert the axle on top of the springs & remount.
That should drop the body 3 to 4 inches Good luck!!

unless, of course, the spring perches are welded onto the axle.

[CliffinGA]

Larry one thing you want to do is measure the height it is not answer then subtract 3-4" and see if you are going to have room for stabilizers and to get your spare down. I had the opposite problem on the dew drop, the dropped axle left 6" of clearance and you could not get the stabilizers down. I then put on 14" wheels and tires and the tear looked better.

Cliff

[LDK]

have any rail road tracks around your neck of the woods?

your not planning on going off road or over any large drains in city steets are you?

you have never ran over the curve backing up any where have you?

not going to go over any speed bumps in parking lots are you?


next queston. WHY?

what are you going to gain out of it?

my opion. Un nessary. wast of time.

whats the reason for a low rider?

SLow.

I guess because of looks more than anything plus the kuffel creek cubby plans call for it. I know alot of people have done it and I just wanted their input on it.

[Loader]

Larry,

I used the Kuffle Creek plans on the Bungalette, I never flipped the axle, I left it per the trailer instructions, not the Cubby instructions. Towing with the F150, and having a driveway that is a pretty good incline, I wanted the extra clearance. It may sit a little high, but it has worked well for us.

[MarkD]

Larry,

I used the Kuffel Creek plans too and I did flip the axle which has worked well for us. The advantage that we saw was being able to sit in the doorway with my feet on the ground.

Mark

[LDK]

Larry,

I used the Kuffel Creek plans too and I did flip the axle which has worked well for us. The advantage that we saw was being able to sit in the doorway with my feet on the ground.

Mark

Thanks for your input Mark. I hope others that done it chime in on this thread.

[Steve_Cox]

Flipped the axle on the gypsy trailer so the trailer would fit under the garage door. Did the job twice, because I didn't notch out enough for the axle the first time.

[down under tech]

Hi Larry: I did the axle flip so I could keep my Cubby lower for aerodynamics (less wind drag). I also decided to install 14" wheels and tires on it. I then had to change the axle (wider Dexter with the larger US bearings) to fit the larger wheels and tires on it. It is still about the same ride height that I started with using the 12" set up un-flipped. I upgraded the u-bolts to 3/8" and the plates that they go through to 3/8" plate. I want it to stay in place. I will be using it mostly on road but I'm sure it will see some light dirt road usage as well.

[LDK]

Thanks Steve and Johnny for your input.
Steve, since you didn't notch the axle holder the first time you flipped it, did the axle actually travel enough to hit it???

[oicu812]

Hi Larry, I think your profile looks real good, but the sharp corners on the bottom front and back, and the visible frame make it look high. How about a "skirt" or trim band to lower it and soften the corners a bit.
just my two cents. Nice job on your camper.

[parnold]

I mounted my axle on top of the spring, but never notched the frame. It has only hit twice that I know of, both times going over some very large bumps. I still plan on notching one of these days, but since my trailer is fairly light, I don't think it's a big deal.

I too can sit in my doorway and my feet touch the ground. Makes it easy to put my shoes on in the morning.

[LDK]

oicu812, thanks for your honest opinion. Paul, I may or may not flip it. I guess if I do flip it I could always mount my spare somewhere else.

[cdfnchico]

We flipped ours...but after we were done, requiring us to remount our fenders. We did it for a couple reasons...when you followed it down the road...or walked up behind it, the axle really stood out...looked goofy! Being able to sit in the door with our feet on the ground was also huge; you can really tell the difference, it is much easier to get in and out. We tow with a CRV, the lower profile looks better. We never bottom out on railroad tracks or anything. We do have to go slow out the driveway or the hitch will drag a little. We're very happy with it!