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Old 08-23-2013, 05:45 PM   #1
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2013 22' FB Sport
Wichita , Kansas
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Additional Ground Clearance Options

Anyone have any reasonable ideas for raising the ground clearance on a 2013 22' Sport? We took our on a several hundred mile trip and were amazed at how are gas station selections were not based on price or apparent cleanliness, but instead by the approach angle of the drive. Even getting it out of the driveway is an extremely delicate situation. I know that the low ground clearance is best for stability and fuel efficiency, but I'd like an extra couple inches of clearance. On the same subject, anyone know how big of a tire can fit in the wheel well?
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Old 08-23-2013, 07:10 PM   #2
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I would measure a 16" LT tire and see if it will fit in the wheel well. That should raise you an inch or more if it fits. You could also call the factory and ask them if any kind of spring chocks can work.
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Old 08-23-2013, 07:30 PM   #3
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Are you sure you aren't being overly concerned with the approach angle...or estimating it correctly? It is maybe one in 20 that I drag the sacrificial skids on approach and exit. And I'm really not that particular on my selection.
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Old 08-23-2013, 08:56 PM   #4
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Anyone have any reasonable ideas for raising the ground clearance on a 2013 22' Sport? We took our on a several hundred mile trip and were amazed at how are gas station selections were not based on price or apparent cleanliness, but instead by the approach angle of the drive. Even getting it out of the driveway is an extremely delicate situation. I know that the low ground clearance is best for stability and fuel efficiency, but I'd like an extra couple inches of clearance. On the same subject, anyone know how big of a tire can fit in the wheel well?
There are only 2 basic ways to increase the ground clearance.

Changing the tire size, doesn't really do much.

1. Replace the axle with a higher starting angle axle.

2. You can lower the way the axle is mounted, but the ground clearance will remain the same since the axle tube distance to the ground, will not change.

Andy
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Old 08-25-2013, 11:29 AM   #5
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I don't think I'm being overly concerned. We drag just getting in and out of the driveway. The skids I'm not too terribly worried about, but the black water outlet has had some extremely close calls too. Replacing the axle sounds like a lot of work. If a larger tire would fit and give me another inch, I'd do that first. Sometimes an inch can make a big difference.
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Old 08-25-2013, 12:04 PM   #6
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I don't think I'm being overly concerned. We drag just getting in and out of the driveway. The skids I'm not too terribly worried about, but the black water outlet has had some extremely close calls too. Replacing the axle sounds like a lot of work. If a larger tire would fit and give me another inch, I'd do that first. Sometimes an inch can make a big difference.
Changing the axle is easy as pie.

Increasing the tire size, at best will only give you one inch.

Changing the axle with a higher starting angle, can give you 2 inches.

Andy
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Old 08-25-2013, 12:19 PM   #7
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I don't think I'm being overly concerned. We drag just getting in and out of the driveway. The skids I'm not too terribly worried about, but the black water outlet has had some extremely close calls too. Replacing the axle sounds like a lot of work. If a larger tire would fit and give me another inch, I'd do that first. Sometimes an inch can make a big difference.

Really? I'm surprised on a 22'er...and a 2013 at that. Do you know if AS put on a 22* down angle axle,or something like a 10* or less? My 30'er with a lot more rear overhang really rarely drags.

16" tires will only give you about 1/2" additional ground clearance, but every little bit counts. (I have 16"ers)
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Old 08-25-2013, 03:12 PM   #8
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When you are hitched and on level ground, is your trailer level? If the hitch is high, the read end will be lower.
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Old 08-27-2013, 07:29 PM   #9
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Our trailer is level when hitched. If we do go with a different axle to gain ground clearance, does anyone have one they can recommend?
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Old 08-27-2013, 07:39 PM   #10
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If you are dragging on a 22'er think about a 31' one. One of the things I've become very careful about is sizing up the entrances to gas stations. I've passed them up rather than take the chance. I have a rule of thumb to consider gassing once I hit half a tank. That way we can pass up a stop and maybe drive a little further for a better entry opportunity.

My other trick is to avoid a left turn into a station where I see that dip. That allows you a better angle than a left turn provides. I've been known to drive past the station and get turned around so that I can make that right turn into the station. It also allows for a slow turn into the station than having your rear end hang across multiple lanes as you try to ease in without tail dragging.

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Old 08-27-2013, 08:24 PM   #11
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Our trailer is level when hitched. If we do go with a different axle to gain ground clearance, does anyone have one they can recommend?
Dexter is the current supplier to Airstream for all the torsion axles they need for production.

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Old 08-28-2013, 08:12 AM   #12
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Hmmm... been towing mine for a number of years and only scraped the skids a couple of times. I'm carefull to judge approach angles and prefer to use truckstops to fuel.
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Old 09-15-2013, 05:41 AM   #13
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Installed the Dexter lift kit today and it worked beautifully. A breeze to install and now we are almost 3" higher than before. Here's the lift info:
Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - #11 Torflex Lift Kit (K71-724-02)

I've included before and after photos plus a photo of the lift kit. You can only purchase the lift kit a package deal for a tandem axle trailer. Since my airstream only has 1 axle, I have the other 1/2 of this kit (enough for 1 axle) for sale now for $90 plus actual shipping. If anyone is interested, PM me.
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Old 07-25-2014, 06:44 AM   #14
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Any thoughts on the lift kit after a year of use? We'd like to get a little more clearance, and that looks like an inexpensive and easy option.
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Old 07-25-2014, 10:20 AM   #15
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Love it. We did have to trim some plastic from the wheel wheel and we needed a small step stool to easily get in the trailer now, but that's no big deal to us. No more worries about scraping getting in and out of our driveway, gas stations, etc... is well worth it.
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Old 07-25-2014, 11:08 AM   #16
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So no adverse effects on driveability, handling, etc. I assume. We may have to follow your lead...
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Old 07-25-2014, 11:34 AM   #17
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I have only bottomed it out once- GPS took me the wrong way, and when I discovered it I turned around in a gas station parking lot with a dip-
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Old 07-25-2014, 11:45 AM   #18
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Well, we haven't bottomed out but we've come too close for comfort. We've camped at a number of Vermont state parks, and when the site wasn't flat the black water piping was threatened as we entered and exited.
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Old 08-25-2014, 09:49 PM   #19
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Love it. We did have to trim some plastic from the wheel wheel and we needed a small step stool to easily get in the trailer now, but that's no big deal to us. No more worries about scraping getting in and out of our driveway, gas stations, etc... is well worth it.
Would you mind posting a picture of your trailer so i can see the stance.
I have the same trailer and was concerned with stability and handling.
Have you noticed a change in that at all?
Thx
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Old 08-25-2014, 09:56 PM   #20
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Love it. We did have to trim some plastic from the wheel wheel and we needed a small step stool to easily get in the trailer now, but that's no big deal to us. No more worries about scraping getting in and out of our driveway, gas stations, etc... is well worth it.

Do you have a pic of the plastic you had to trim? I'm trying to picture this since it seems like clearance would be increased....


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