Trailer SOA Conversion?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I have a 5x10 trailer for hauling my ATV. It's got a 2 foot dove tail so the rear hangs somewhat low. Currently the leaf springs are under the axle. I was thinking about converting to spring over axle to gain a couple inches of lift. It seems easy enough to do, but I was looking for some input on the pros/con's of doing this. Is it as easy as unbolting the leaf springs, rotating the axle, and bolting back together? I don't really know anything about this, so any input would be appreciated.

 

[having fun]

As long as it is a single axle set up, you shouldn't have a problem doing this.
The axle should be just a pipe with a hub assembly bolted onto it, which has it's own bearing in them.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

As long as it is a single axle set up, you shouldn't have a problem doing this.
The axle should be just a pipe with a hub assembly bolted onto it, which has it's own bearing in them.

Yep, just a single 3500 lb axle. Just looking at it, I can't foresee any issues, but figured I better double check since I've never done anything like this.

 

[Kmvreter]

... Is it as easy as unbolting the leaf springs, rotating the axle...

Sounds good as long as the current axle is a straight tube. Some axles, probably like your 3500# for medium to heavier loads, have an upward bend toward the center of the tube to give a preset camber. If you then rotate the tube the camber will be in the wrong direction and will affect tire wear. Google the Dexter axle application manual or PM me with an email. It's over 1.8 Mb so too large to attach here.

Unless you need the extra ground clearance, the easier route is to get a deeper drop ball mount to level the current setup.

Give us some pics of the axle and axle/spring pack mounting points.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Sounds good as long as the current axle is a straight tube. Some axles, probably like your 3500# for medium to heavier loads, have an upward bend toward the center of the tube to give a preset camber. If you then rotate the tube the camber will be in the wrong direction and will affect tire wear. Google the Dexter axle application manual or PM me with an email. It's over 1.8 Mb so too large to attach here.

Unless you need the extra ground clearance, the easier route is to get a deeper drop ball mount to level the current setup.

Give us some pics of the axle and axle/spring pack mounting points.

I was thinking it was a straight tube, but I measured from the top of the axle to the bottom floor, and it's roughly 1/8" higher in the center. Now, this could be due to a slightly uneven floor, but also possible it's got the upward bend.

Even when level, the rear dove tail will occasionally drag. Not a huge deal, but thought if I could easy lift with no cutting/welding I'd go for it.

Here are a few pics of the setup. The axle is made by Al-co Axis.

 

[Kmvreter]

... it's roughly 1/8" higher in the center...

Looks like it may have a bend. Can you put a straight edge along it to double check? It's a 5-bolt 3500# so I'm thinking it has some camber designed in. That rating label may even say right on it somewhere.

You could also make it SOA by not rotating the axle tube. Get 2 new spring blocks (the small channel blocks with the half-round cut-outs that cradle the axle; between the large u-bolts.) Put them on top of the axle, bolt everything up and then throw a small tack weld on each side of the block. That's why I wanted pics because some axles come with lower and upper blocks already attached from the factory.

 

[having fun]

I would go with above stated, as mine has a 1/2" height difference from side to side, but that's due to the weight loads I put on mine as a tandem axle. Mine does have the 1/8" upward curvature as stated above also. You should be able to take a cutting wheel and cut the weld as mine has a minimal weld
(1/2" each side) holding the cradle on to the axle.

Picture for reference.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks guys. Put the trailer on jack stands and used a 4 foot level on the axle. It definitely doesn't have any upward curvature, maybe a very slight downward bend in the middle. It looks like going soa and just rotating the axle will work without any issues. Here are a couple pics, not sure if you'll be able to tell much from them though.

 

[gfluff]

Flipped the axle on my pop's tent trailer. Went from a low rider to something you can actually drag over speed bumps and stuff without worries. also bumped up a couple tire sizes. added about 4-5 inches of height with the flop....
No noticeable handling differences, but it's a super light tent trailer. No tire wear issues, but it only gets used a few times a year....

 

[Kmvreter]

... It looks like going soa and just rotating the axle will work without any issues...

Agree.
Post pics when you're done.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I ended up getting this done over the weekend. Turned out to be more lift than I thought, not sure if I will keep it this way, or flip it back and get a slightly bigger drop hitch to level it out and bring the rear up slightly. My main concern is what size tires I can run to make this look right, most of the taller tires are wider than I need. Thoughts?

 

[Kmvreter]

I ended up getting this done over the weekend...
My main concern is what size tires I can run to make this look right...

Good work.
Don't change the tire diameter. If possible, just lower the fenders.

 

[having fun]

Keep the tire you have, drop the fenders and just change the slid hitch to a little nose high unloaded and will level out when loaded.

Nice trailer btw. Good job there.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks guys! Without a welder I'm not able to lower the fenders, but sure I can find someone willing to do it.