Had 5er axles flipped

[rweis]

Just bought a new Alfa. My 2002 CTD is 2wd with camper package and tow package. Not true "only" 4x4's need flipped axles.



The new 5er sat quite a bit too low. Had the axles flipped, added 6" (axles are Dexter 7k). 5er sits really level now. Also added significant ground (road hazard) clearance.



Cost was $366 at Tampa (FL) Spring Company. First class job, took most all day. Great company to do business with.



First entrance step is a little high now, but will just use a short step to get to the coach steps.



VERY VERY pleased with the flip.



Bob Weis

 

[klenger]

You can replace the 2 step with a 3 step entrance. CW has them. Enjoy

 

[pwr2tow]

You can also replace the three step from 7 inch rise to 9 inch rise.



Wife just said we still have one of the sets out in the garage. I will go look and measure it if your interested.



Ron

 

[rparlaman]

send some pics

I tried to flip the axles on my 2000 30 ft 5th, but when they did it it was way to high. I had them put it back wre it was i wanted to put 16 rims and e ply tires on. I guess i have to wait intill i retire and buy that 36 ft. travel supreme i want























1992 ctd,162,000miles,01 HO Banks Powerpack,jacobs e brake. 50 gal trans flow 30ft forest rver 5th

 

[rweis]

Travel Supreme was one of the contenders when we chose the Alfa. Each person has their own specs they want to see in a "perfect" rig.



The Alfa already has 3 step entrance so we'll try the little single step stool. Already have it for other things, looks like it has a permanent home as the 4th step.



When you flip axles you do have to "get out and get under" and measure where they are before the flip, and exactely what the difference is going to be. Then I built a graduated chock platform that went up 6" and parked the 5er on the platform so I could see exactely what the flip would do.



Turned out exactely as I thought.



Bob Weis

 

[VietDoc]

Very Interesting

Hi Bob,



Found your post very interesting. As I mentioned before we have a 2003 Alfa gold 36 ft and tow with our 2003 3500 srw 4x4.



I have not flipped the axles and the coach is nearly level but just a bit high in front when hitched. I have no problem with bed rail clearance loading or turning. It is at least 6 inches probably more.



The truck is about level when loaded, but that makes the low beams higher and I get flashed once and a while at night.



I have thought about adding a Kelderman air ride system to the truck front and rear for a better ride and to adjust how the truck sits. But if I start adding stuff it will cost big bucks -- exhaust brake, upgraded transmission, new T/C, air ride, flipped axles, etc... .



Thanks for your post When I hook up again I will recheck the level of the truck and trailer.



doc

 

[rweis]

Doc,



Yours is a 4x4 and I would think it would sit higher than mine. I guess not. I was 4" from the rear skid to the ground before and 12" after. Before the Alfa sat at about a 10* angle (lower in the rear), flipped it sit just about level. The bed clearance is about 7" even from front to back. Mine does have the "camper package" on it, ie heavy springs and "helper" springs.



Before the flip the storage lot where I store it has a very gentle roll to it and the skids dug the ground on several occassions. Now there is 12" clearance.



I had a few minor things corrected today. I learned that in the "factory set" refridgerators there is actually a "user" adjustment. Mine had frozen in the refridg compartment. I read the manual, everything I could get. Factory set, period. BUT, the little white temperature sensor that attaches to the metal fin inside the refridg compartment you move toward the middle to raise the temperature and toward the fin on the end to lower the temp.



I did break off the mirrored door in the bedroom. Something in the closet fell and forced the door open and then it swung wildly for 100 miles and was on the floor when we got home. After a new door will put travel locks on both doors.



Just for measuring sake I will take several measurements tommorrow and will post them so we can compare.



Bob Weis

 

[Archive]

Tire size??



JJ

 

[Texas Diesel]

Originally posted by ronsram1999

You can also replace the three step from 7 inch rise to 9 inch rise.



Wife just said we still have one of the sets out in the garage. I will go look and measure it if your interested.



Ron

I flipped my trailer axles too and have the same 'suicide' step. If no one else is interested in your extra steps I am. Thanks

 

[VietDoc]

Thanks

I mentioned my truck sits about level. Yours with the camper pkg is probably close to unloaded height. Mine is lower, but not yet measured. I would rather have my rear a little higher with air bags or kelderman air system. Then I would have to flip the axles or lower the front and rear to not drag???



I run stock tires but would like to have 19. 5 AL wheels but probably only 225 tires load range F So I don't raise the truck too much.



I'd love to see youre measuremnts. Flipping axels will increase the distance to the bottom step. mine is a 3 step.



The only times I drag the skid wheels is when I go off gravel roads to get to a boondocking campsite and then it has to be a fairly good roll. I also hit it an a good angle to minimize the drag.



No refer problems.



My closet is walk-in and part of the bdr slide with one large mirrored bi-fold door and a latch at the bottom. no problems here either.



Thanks so much, doc

 

[JohnE]

Originally posted by Tejas Deezul

Originally posted by ronsram1999

You can also replace the three step from 7 inch rise to 9 inch rise.



Wife just said we still have one of the sets out in the garage. I will go look and measure it if your interested.



Ron

I flipped my trailer axles too and have the same 'suicide' step. If no one else is interested in your extra steps I am. Thanks

Ron emailed to me to pass along he no longer belongs to TDR.

PM for his email if you're still interested in the steps.

 

[CraigJohnson]

Getting old

My wife and I just got too tired of climbing in the 4x4 2500 so instead of flippping the axles on the 5er, I lowered the truck and put on smaller tires. (245 E's). The truck drives much more firmer, easier for us oldies to get in, still has some rake in the front, and the 5er pulls level. The weirdest thing is that it seems to pull stronger on them hills. Must be the smaller diameter tires. Good luck on that axle flip. With the high suspension and the oversize tires, the axle flip is a good fix and it does cure the ride height problem of the 5er.