Axle Angle

[Frank S]

Hi All--I plan to replace the two originial 2800# dead axles (about 5 degrees up) on my 1973 27' Overlander, which now has a loaded axle weight of 6500#, with Dexter 3500# axles. A little extra ground clearance wouldn't hurt, so I am considering more than the originial 22.5 degrees down, maybe as much as 45 degrees down, which would result in an additional 2.3 inches of ground clearance (about 6 inches from where I am now) under full load. Plan to stay with originial size tires 7:00-15LT D. Am interested in any comments or recommendations before I finalize the install plan.--Frank S

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Frank S

Hi All--I plan to replace the two originial 2800# dead axles (about 5 degrees up) on my 1973 27' Overlander, which now has a loaded axle weight of 6500#, with Dexter 3500# axles. A little extra ground clearance wouldn't hurt, so I am considering more than the originial 22.5 degrees down, maybe as much as 45 degrees down, which would result in an additional 2.3 inches of ground clearance (about 6 inches from where I am now) under full load. Plan to stay with originial size tires 7:00-15LT D. Am interested in any comments or recommendations before I finalize the install plan.--Frank S

Going beyond 35 degrees is not recommended, since it can cause handling problems.

Additionally, increasing the weight capacity by more than 10 percent, will result in a very rough ride for the trailer, which will result in structural failures, in time.

You would be increasing the capacity by 25 percent. Not a good thing, unless you add a frame kit and remanufacture the rear end to avoid rear end separation, along with, as an absolute must, have the running gear properly balanced.

You should not go beyond 3000 pound axles.

Andy

[Frank S]

Hi Andy--I put in the 45 degree down to see if I could get an answer to why info on the threads stopped at 35 degrees down, with no reason why. I also wondered if a 3500# axle might be too strong. Thanks for the quick response.--Frank S

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Frank S

Hi Andy--I put in the 45 degree down to see if I could get an answer to why info on the threads stopped at 35 degrees down, with no reason why. I also wondered if a 3500# axle might be too strong. Thanks for the quick response.--Frank S

As an absolute maximum increase you could go to 3200 pounds, but "ONLY" if you traveled with a large payload, and added the frame kit and rebuilt the rear end.

Andy