Lowering Your Camper Trailer: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to lower your camper trailer, there are a few methods you can use, depending on the type of suspension you have. For leaf spring suspensions, you can flip the springs using an over-under conversion kit if they are positioned above the axle tube. Alternatively, you can install smaller wheels or tyres, or shorter leaf spring hangers. If your trailer has torsion suspension, your options are limited to smaller wheels or tyres, or installing a drop axle. It's important to note that lowering your trailer may affect its stability and fuel efficiency, so consider the potential drawbacks before making any modifications.

Flipping axles

It is important to note that the term "flipping" can be misleading. Axles have a built-in camber, a slight bow in the rod, which allows them to flex with the weight of the trailer. Therefore, you cannot simply flip the axle over and reinstall it using the same spring seats. Doing so can throw off your trailer alignment, leading to poor handling and increased tire wear. Instead, you must install new spring seats on the upper side of the axle, ensuring that the axles remain in the same orientation.

Before flipping your axles, there are a few considerations and potential disadvantages to keep in mind. Firstly, check if your trailer is sensitive to sway or has stability issues. Flipping the axles will raise the trailer's centre of gravity, potentially making it more susceptible to crosswinds and trailer sway. Additionally, your trailer may experience more sway when driving due to the higher centre of gravity, and it may be less stable on uneven ground. You may also notice a slight decrease in fuel efficiency due to increased wind resistance.

If you decide to proceed with flipping your axles, you will need to order the necessary parts beforehand. Measure your axle diameter and purchase an "over/under conversion kit" from a local or online parts supplier. The kit should include new spring perches, spring plates, and U-bolts. If your trailer has seen significant use, it is recommended to replace the spring bushings and bolts, as well as the spring equalizer, shackle plates, and bolts.

To perform the flip, you will need to raise your trailer sufficiently to access the axles and wheels. Use jack stands and trolley jacks to support the trailer and ensure it is stable and secure. Remove the wheels and support the axles with additional jack stands. Disconnect or cut the brake wiring, allowing enough length for stripping and fitting crimp connectors when reinstalling the axles. Remove the shackle plate nuts and tap the bolt and shackle plates off the equalizer and spring. Install the new spring seats on the upper side of the axle and reinstall the springs over the axle on the new spring seats.

Smaller wheels

If you're looking to lower your camper trailer, one option is to install smaller wheels. This method is suitable for trailers with leaf springs or torsion suspension systems.

When considering smaller wheels, it's important to keep in mind that downsizing by one inch will only lower your trailer by half an inch, so you may need to opt for a more significant reduction to achieve the desired height. Additionally, smaller wheels will result in a loss of weight capacity, so it's crucial to select wheels that can safely support the weight of your trailer.

Before purchasing smaller wheels, it's recommended to measure the distance from the ground to the centre of the hub, as well as the diameter of your current wheels. This will help you determine how much smaller your new wheels need to be to achieve the desired height. Keep in mind that you'll also need to consider the bolt pattern of the new wheels to ensure they match your trailer's existing configuration.

When choosing smaller wheels, it's essential to maintain adequate clearance between the top of the tire and the trailer's fender, as well as between the inside wall of the tire and the trailer wall or frame. This clearance is necessary to accommodate suspension travel and prevent rubbing or damage to the tires and trailer.

If you're unsure about which smaller wheels to choose, it's always best to consult with a professional or seek advice from experts in RV or trailer maintenance. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific trailer model and requirements.

Leaf spring hangers

Firstly, you will need to establish the height of your current leaf spring hangers. To do this, measure the hanger from the centre of the axle to the highest point of the hanger. If you have a double-eye leaf spring suspension system, you will have two hangers per spring, so you will need to measure both the front and rear hanger.

Once you have established the height of your current hangers, you can decide how much you need to lower your trailer. This will determine the height of your new hangers. For example, if your current front hanger is 2 inches and your rear hanger is 3 inches, and you need to lower your trailer by 1 inch, you will need to purchase a 1-inch front hanger and a 2-inch rear hanger.

After purchasing your new hangers, you will need to remove the old hangers and install the new ones. This process typically involves welding the new hangers in place, although some hangers may need to be bolted instead. It is recommended that this process is carried out by a qualified professional.

If you are unsure about which hangers to purchase, or you would like advice on the installation process, you can contact a trailer expert for assistance.

Drop axle

If you have a torsion suspension system, one option to lower the trailer is to use smaller wheels or tires or install a new drop axle.

If your axle is on top of your springs, the best option is to weld spring perches to the other side and mount them under your springs for about 1-2" of chassis lift. However, ground clearance will still be limited by the axle.

When lowering a trailer, you can use jacks and timbers or a forklift to support the trailer while removing the landing gear. You can also use a crane to lift the trailer, torch off the running gear, and then swing the trailer to where you want it.

Level the trailer

To level the trailer, you must first find a flat, level spot to park your RV. You can check how level a spot is by placing a bubble level on your RV's bumper and/or steps. If the spot is not level, you may need to use levelling blocks to help get your RV level. Place the blocks in front of your RV's tires on the side that needs levelling and pull forward so the tires can rest on top of the blocks. Double-check how level you are with a bubble level.

If you have a torsion suspension system, your only option to lower the trailer is to use smaller wheels or tyres or a new drop axle. If you have leaf springs, you can flip them with an over-under conversion kit. If your leaf springs are already below the axle tube, you can use a slightly smaller wheel/tyre combination or install shorter leaf spring hangers.

Frequently asked questions