Flipped axles

[lrhull]

I'm purchasing a fifth wheel and it all ready has the axles flipped. Will there be a diference in towing or safety? Is it really needed?

[Hawkez]

I flipped the axles on a trailer we had years ago and the Fifth wheel that we have now has flipped axles.  I have never had any issues with them.  It gives more clearance to your trailer.  I would ask who flipped them and double check the work to make sure it is quality.

[Ilikeoldfords]

The other thing to double check is make sure the camber in the axle tubes are going in the right direction. The bend should be up in the center of the tube. I have seen a lot of people camber the axles upside down when flipping them.

[Mopar1973Man]

I've thought of flipping the axles on my RV. What all has to be done to flip them?

[Hawkez]

We did this to an axle a many years ago and it really wasn't that hard to do.  I had a friend that had done several so he was to one barking orders and I was just doing what I was told.  I think the only thing that I had to buy was new U bolts.  They had a home made tool that verified everything was straight and it pulled just fine after we did that.  I bet there are a few YouTube video floating around. 

[Ilikeoldfords]

All you really need is another set of spring saddles. Weld them on to the tube opposite of where the original ones are now. Then everything goes back together upside down from what it was. 

[IBMobile]

9 hours ago, Hawkez said:

I bet there are a few YouTube video floating around. 

                                  You can start with this You-Tube video   

                            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pk3u2rDF7s

 

 

Edited March 7, 2016 by Mopar1973Man

[Mopar1973Man]

Hmmm... I've thought about doing both trailers on a axle flip but that's a bit more than I could do solo.

[Killer223]

Mike it really isn't that hard. i didn't watch the video maybe i should. i flipped all my trailers axles took about 2 hours with my 10 year old helping me. as for making them strait. i used a tape and go to the tongue. each side should match. then you'll want to make sure your spring hanger on the trailer is in good order. i've seen several brake off. i weld a cross piece or some might think of it as a fish plate on mine to help stiffen it up. it's more an issue on heavier trailer like toy haulers.

something i didn't see them do was put a torpedo level on the old spring perch.

if this was for a small flat bed you don't have to weld new perches just role the axle around and over. i did that on my 5x10 flatbed and no tracking issues or tire ware issues either.

[IBMobile]

3 hours ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Hmmm... I've thought about doing both trailers on a axle flip but that's a bit more than I could do solo.

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