Dexter Axle - Overslung/Underslung Conversion kits

[Runaway]

Wanted to get my 5th-wheel to ride more level when towing. Looked at bigger tire option, lowering the beast, flipping the axles (not an option after the last mess-up). Came across a post here on the TDR about these conversion kits, decided to give it a try.

The kit comes with all the hardware for the conversion (modified spring plate, U-bolts, nuts and cap) for each axle. Need to measure diameter of your axle tube so you can order the correct kit - 2 3/8 inch or 3 inch. This kit is designed to be a NO WELD installation.

Conversion was straight forward, everything fit as designed, directions were accurate. Took me a little over 4 hrs to do the conversion and test tow.

I used to be 6" lower at the back of the 5ver. Now I sit level with 5 1/2" of bedrail clearance. I didn't have to readjust the 5-wheel plate either. I noticed less turbulence in the box than when the tail was dragging and suprising its more stable now sitting higher than before.

Like I stated, this kit is designed as a NO WELD install, but a person could tack weld the "modified spring plates" for peace of mind. I have access to a welder, so I tacked each side - I like peace of mind when on the road. #ad
Web site is www.dexteraxle.com

A long post, but thought some of you might be interested.

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"01" Forest Green QC/LB ETH/DEE,4x4, 3. 54LSD, VDO (boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars and Grill Gaurd, Delta tool box, K&N.
00 28' Jayco 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher
Towing with a slight "edge" on the competition!

 

[Utah Willie]

You were smart to level your rig and you are seeing just a few of the benefits. I lowered my 3500 4x4 by two inches by replacing the blocks between the rear axle and the springs as I was worrying that my 32 foot Alfa, being right on the edge of the GVWR, would end up with too much weight transferred to the rear axle of the 5er which yours undoubtedly suffered from as well. The other benefit is that you need not disconnect on an overnight stop to achieve a level floor.
#ad

 

[Bob Wagner]

Great report Runaway

Thanks,
Bob

 

[RAMalama]

Did the same thing to my 'ol 32ft TT. Unfortunately I did it only a year and a half before buying my 5er. Another benefit with a level trailer is it's fulcrum location. Towing nose low shifts the trailer fulcrum fwd and making your hitch weight lighter (dangerous). Of course the opposite is true as was your case.
Strangely, my TT seemed more stable in all circumstances once raised as well.

Ian.

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2001 2WD Quad Cab HO 6speed. Less than 300 miles. Bought 18MAY01!!!35ft 14K-lbs triple slide 5er. Completely stock but learning...

[This message has been edited by RAMalama (edited 05-20-2001). ]

 

[FMcClaren]

HI
I,ve been back and forth on this deal. I lowered truck and that looked sick,So i put it back were it belongs and put trailer axle under the spring. It sets high put i,m level.
Question-- I,m going to use the same shocks
and make new brackets. should i use the middle of the travel of the shock? Or maybe
3/4 open for my resting height. Hope you know what i,m talking about.
THANKS
Mac B

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01 2500 Bright silver QC A/T 4x4 LB 3. 54 50 gal. tank tool box combo. Autometer gauges. Full length DC boards. DC flip out towing mirrors. chrome exhaust tip, front bumper S/S inserts. Reese 5th wheel hitch. 25 ft. Joyco eagle 5th wheel.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Originally posted by Runaway:
Wanted to get my 5th-wheel to ride more level when towing. Looked at bigger tire option, lowering the beast, flipping the axles (not an option after the last mess-up). Came across a post here on the TDR about these conversion kits, decided to give it a try.

The kit comes with all the hardware for the conversion (modified spring plate, U-bolts, nuts and cap) for each axle. Need to measure diameter of your axle tube so you can order the correct kit - 2 3/8 inch or 3 inch. This kit is designed to be a NO WELD installation.

Conversion was straight forward, everything fit as designed, directions were accurate. Took me a little over 4 hrs to do the conversion and test tow.

I used to be 6" lower at the back of the 5ver. Now I sit level with 5 1/2" of bedrail clearance. I didn't have to readjust the 5-wheel plate either. I noticed less turbulence in the box than when the tail was dragging and suprising its more stable now sitting higher than before.

Like I stated, this kit is designed as a NO WELD install, but a person could tack weld the "modified spring plates" for peace of mind. I have access to a welder, so I tacked each side - I like peace of mind when on the road. #ad
Web site is www.dexteraxle.com

A long post, but thought some of you might be interested.

I like your set up . I think ill do like you did . Question how did you jack up the trailer and what did you use . Did you remove the wheels ?I read the information on Dexter website but it's not too clear on moving the axle around ect. Any information will help Ill have to do it in a gravel drive way next to my house not much manuver way and ruff. what to use ect. thanks



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99DCTD3500 5spd pac,/American Star 26ft 5th wheel one slide. (95),mod

 

[Runaway]

ddskipper;

sent you an e-mail, hope that helps.

 

[Southbound]

Hello Runaway! I just recently purchased a Jayco 25ft 5th-wheel and had to reverse my axles in-order for it to fit on my 4x4. I also changed my tires to a 16 inch wheel hoping to put more rubber on the ground... . long story short... when pulling my trailer home one of the welds broke on the saddles which caused my axle to spin and ofcourse caused major damage to both axles. Basically I have a new trailer that I cant even pull now. Did you experience the same?

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2000 QC 2500 4X4 SB

 

[Runaway]

Southbound,



I've got about 1000 miles of towing this rig with the conversion kit so far. I just check all the axles yesterday and re-torqued the U-bolts. No welds cracked on original saddles or the new ones. When you say you reversed your axles, did you mean flip them so the spring saddle (plate) was on top? On my Terry, I had the axles flipped to fit the truck. This put the arch of the axles in the wrong direction (caster/camber/tow-in become out of alignment). The folks who did the axle flip for me re-arched the axles three times befor they got it right. I like this Dexter Converstion kit better. Since the axles on my 5ver are made by Dexter, I felt they must know what they are doing with their conversion kit.



But NO, I never had what you experienced happen. Much damage to the coach?