Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher? - Dutchmen Owners
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Old 12-27-2011, 05:50 PM   #1
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Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

I just bought an Aspen Trail 2710BH made by Dutchmen and it rides pretty low to the ground. I am worried about how it will perform when trying to get to our favorite dry camping spots. I'm going to chat with our RV dealer about what kind of options I have to put a lift on it, but I'm wondering if anyone here has input as well. Thanks.
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Old 12-28-2011, 02:13 AM   #2
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

If I'm correct, your Aspen Trail is equipped with a Leaf Spring suspension.
Below is a drawing of the axle(s) being moved from an Over Spring to an Under Spring configuration. This will give the trailer a taller Ride Hight(lift).



Dexter sells an Over/Under conversion kit. Click here.

If your trailer do raise(lift) the trailer Ride Hight, you'll need to re-adjust your WD hitch and also raise the ball mount on your hitch.

If you axle is already a Under Spring configuration, you can add spacer blocks between the springs and axle perch. Longer axle U-bolts will also have to be installed.

Below is a photo of axle spacer blocks and longer u-bolts.(these are for a truck lift. for example only) I'm sure you get the idea!



The spacer blocks can easily be made using square tubing. When making homemade spacer blocks, you'll need to install an axle locating hole on the bottom of the block and a locating pin on the top. This isn't hard to do. I've made a few in the past.
Longer u-bolts can be bought from a trailer parts supply dealer.

Hope this helps,
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Old 12-28-2011, 02:32 AM   #3
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

Thanks admin, good stuff.
Ed
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Old 12-28-2011, 02:35 AM   #4
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

Trailer lift Reading material.
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Old 12-28-2011, 02:53 PM   #5
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

Here are what my axels look like. Looks like they could moved to under the spring.

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Old 12-28-2011, 10:40 PM   #6
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

Looks like you'll need the Over/Under conversion kit from Dexter.

Click here.

You'll need to measure the axle diameter.

Here are the installation instructions.
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Old 03-13-2012, 01:04 AM   #7
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Axle flipped

Before.


After
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Old 03-13-2012, 02:44 AM   #8
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

Looks like that worked out great. Now you could even put on a bigger tire if you needed more clearance.

Did raising the center of gravity change the way it tows?
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Old 03-13-2012, 08:47 AM   #9
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

Great job. What a difference She look's quite a bit higher....Let us know how the ride has changed...
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Old 03-13-2012, 11:11 PM   #10
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingDutchmen
Great job. What a difference She look's quite a bit higher....Let us know how the ride has changed...
I'd be interested as well in how the TT tows that high in the air.....seems like crosswinds might be more of a problem?
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Old 03-14-2012, 01:26 AM   #11
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

We did the same thing with our prior (KZ) trailer. I had to add an extra step to the front & rear doors. I didn't notice anything different in the way that it towed and the extra ground clearance was nice to have.
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Old 03-14-2012, 01:46 AM   #12
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Re: Lift a travel trailer so it sits a few inches higher?

I don't have really any pre flip miles on it so I won't be able to make a comparison. But the size of the trailer did not change so I don't expect it to tow any different.
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