Top 103. What does “flipping” the axles mean and is it safe?
Flipping the axles is a way of raising the trailer’s frame higher off the ground without altering the springs or shackles. This is done by cutting the spring pads off the bottom of the axle and welding the spring pads on top of the axle. Then instead of the axle sitting on the top of the springs the axle is mounted below the springs, resulting in an excessive lift. In the process the load is changed on the springs and shackles. If the pads are not welded on straight the axle alignment will cause the trailer to dog track. In an extreme case, if the axle came loose, you would pull the trailer right over the axle. If the spring goes under the axle there is no way the axle can get out from under the trailer. The distance from the axle to the frame also cause less stability in the springs and allows the axles to move side to side more and make more bounce, or the trailer easier to go airborne. The proper way to raise the trailer is by altering the spring hangers. Some trailers are built wit
