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700WFO · 05-07-2008, 11:46 PM

I have to agree with tekimsbro on not just "flipping" the axles over, reason being is that axles have an engineered bend to them to provide 2 things. First it provides camber to take the natural flex of weight on it to hold the wheels in a straighter upright position, and secondly to provide toe-in to offset the natural action of the tire to want to turn outward during forward rotation while driving down the road. To simply flip them over would seriously compound the wear on them to a very premature death. If the axles are not already fitted with reverse saddles (top and bottom of axle), then new saddles can easily be welded on takiing care that they are exactly 180 degrees to the original saddles. If they are equipped with the reverse saddles, the easiest way is to take the leaf springs out and around the axle to avoid having to disconnect any brake lines or electric brake wires. This also gives an opportunity to inspect the bushings on the leaf springs for wear. The ease of this task depends on mechanical ability mostly and access to any welding needed. Parts are readily available at Princess Auto, and welding can be negotiated easily. hope this helps, Happy Camping

Originally Posted by randster

I recently moved up from 1/2 ton to a dodge 2500 diesel. Now my fifth wheel is pulling up hill and I have some clearance issues. The truck has no lift but has over sized tires. Flipping the axels should cure the problem, but I'm wondering if any one has done this them selves or should I pay the pro's to have it done? I was told by a RV dealer that there is re-welding of brackets involved. Trailer is 97 model Jayco with Dexter tandems.
Thanks in advance

05-07-2008, 11:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
700WFO Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sherwood Park, AB Posts: 46 Casino Cash: $77124 Thanks: 4 Thanked 17 Times in 12 Posts	Re: fifth to low I have to agree with tekimsbro on not just "flipping" the axles over, reason being is that axles have an engineered bend to them to provide 2 things. First it provides camber to take the natural flex of weight on it to hold the wheels in a straighter upright position, and secondly to provide toe-in to offset the natural action of the tire to want to turn outward during forward rotation while driving down the road. To simply flip them over would seriously compound the wear on them to a very premature death. If the axles are not already fitted with reverse saddles (top and bottom of axle), then new saddles can easily be welded on takiing care that they are exactly 180 degrees to the original saddles. If they are equipped with the reverse saddles, the easiest way is to take the leaf springs out and around the axle to avoid having to disconnect any brake lines or electric brake wires. This also gives an opportunity to inspect the bushings on the leaf springs for wear. The ease of this task depends on mechanical ability mostly and access to any welding needed. Parts are readily available at Princess Auto, and welding can be negotiated easily. hope this helps, Happy Camping Originally Posted by randster I recently moved up from 1/2 ton to a dodge 2500 diesel. Now my fifth wheel is pulling up hill and I have some clearance issues. The truck has no lift but has over sized tires. Flipping the axels should cure the problem, but I'm wondering if any one has done this them selves or should I pay the pro's to have it done? I was told by a RV dealer that there is re-welding of brackets involved. Trailer is 97 model Jayco with Dexter tandems. Thanks in advance