trailer project question

[desertrat]

I'm converting a boat trailer with a 4" drop axle into a flatbed which I plan to eventually use to carry a cabover camper and a bunch of gear.

I need more clearance and I'm thinking about flipping the axle. My question is this:

I realize "flipping" the axle refers to switching spring position and not actually "flipping" the axle, but I'm wondering if I could actually flip the axle and create a 4" lift instead of a 4" drop.

Does this sound possible? Anyone ever heard of doing this? Any problems to anticipate?

Thanks in advance for any help with this.

[mla2ofus]

If you flip the axle you'll wind up w/ an 8" lift. If it were me I'd locate a straight axle. you didn't say the weight rating of the axle and tlr frame. Is a cabover camper full of all the necessities and a bunch of"extra gear" going to be too much??
Mike

[tanglediver]

I measure about 14 inches to the spindle center of a 15 inch wheel & tire. Add to that the 4 inch (inverted) drop axle, now your at nearly 18" up.

Let's say for fun you put the springs on top, so from the top of the axle to the bottom of the frame, you are going to add spring seats, springs, and spring hangers. Those three items stacked up may gain another 6 inches. So, between the frame and the ground you have roughly 24 inches.

Other than being really tall, the only trouble that comes to mind is the amount of torque that will work against the spring seats, u-bolts, and the springs from the drop arms.
Hitting a pothole with a 4 inch drop acting as a lever may end up self-destructing. I don't know that for sure, so if somebody has tried it and want to share their experience, great.

A straight axle with springs on top is a tall trailer. Besides that, a frame lift is a relatively easy project to accommodate.
How much height does the frame need out there in the desert?

[bassboy1]

Every 4" drop axle I've seen is rated above 2000 pounds, and is cambered. Flipping it would not be good.