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Old 03-14-2013, 10:51 AM   #1
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Dexter Torsion Axle Lift Kit

Dexter makes a 2-5/8ths and 3" lift kit for Torflex axles.
You can find the installation instructions here: http://www.dexteraxle.com/i/u/614960...x_Lift_Kit.pdf


I also found an aftermarket kit listed on Amazon, but it's an old listing
Dexter Torflex #11 Torsion Axle Lift Kit - Amazon.com



Looks like they're made by this company in TX. They offer a $79 kit for #10 axles, but I didn't call to see if they have one for #11. I assume they do becuase the Amazon listing was for #11. I imagine the differences will be a thicker sidewall block and 5/8ths hardware.
perfectcasita.com

There is a way to get a higher ride height without just ordering new axles with a higher start angle. This would actually be a better option because you can keep the the loaded arm angle at a more desired 0 degrees.

Disclaimers: (or frankly, don't waste your breath)
1. Raising your Airstream will raise the CG (center of gravity).
2. Raising the CG will contribute to inducing sway or PIO (Pilot Induced Oscillations).
3. Raising the CG will reduce emergency handling characteristics.
4. Raising the coach will increase air resistance and decrease fuel economy.
5. Raising the coach will most likely require raising the TV ball height accordingly.
6. A lift kit is no replacement for warn out axles. If the rubber has solidified in any torsion axle it should be replaced.
7. Raising the coach may require adding another step so Great Aunt Mildred can get inside.
8. Lifting an Airstream could induce scoffing from Airstream traditionalists. Mutterings of "Clown!" and "Humph!" could and may be heard under-breath.
9. Some Airstreams need to have the undercarriage tank protection skins modified for clearance because there is some interference with the axle bracket.
10. It should be noted that the pictures listed here are for regular mounted bracket orientation. Airstreams use "reverse" side bracket mounting which would make threading the side bolts into the nuts inside the block kind of tricky.


-Kevin
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Old 03-14-2013, 11:04 AM   #2
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Those lift kits are popular with Casita owners because they typically have an issue with draining the holding tanks, and some folks desires to be able to go farther off road. Those that have changed seem to be happy with the change.
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Old 03-14-2013, 12:57 PM   #3
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Might be a good idea with longer trailers that tend to drag tail on the slightest incline.

Perry
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Old 03-14-2013, 12:57 PM   #4
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I like #7.
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Old 03-14-2013, 01:40 PM   #5
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I don't use my lower step anyway so adding 3 inches would make that lower step usable.

Perry
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Old 03-14-2013, 02:31 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by outofcontrol View Post
Dexter makes a 2-5/8ths and 3" lift kit for Torflex axles.
You can find the installation instructions here: http://www.dexteraxle.com/i/u/614960...x_Lift_Kit.pdf


I also found an aftermarket kit listed on Amazon, but it's an old listing
Dexter Torflex #11 Torsion Axle Lift Kit - Amazon.com



Looks like they're made by this company in TX. They offer a $79 kit for #10 axles, but I didn't call to see if they have one for #11. I assume they do becuase the Amazon listing was for #11. I imagine the differences will be a thicker sidewall block and 5/8ths hardware.
perfectcasita.com

There is a way to get a higher ride height without just ordering new axles with a higher start angle. This would actually be a better option because you can keep the the loaded arm angle at a more desired 0 degrees.

Disclaimers: (or frankly, don't waste your breath)
1. Raising your Airstream will raise the CG (center of gravity).
2. Raising the CG will contribute to inducing sway or PIO (Pilot Induced Oscillations).
3. Raising the CG will reduce emergency handling characteristics.
4. Raising the coach will increase air resistance and decrease fuel economy.
5. Raising the coach will most likely require raising the TV ball height accordingly.
6. A lift kit is no replacement for warn out axles. If the rubber has solidified in any torsion axle it should be replaced.
7. Raising the coach may require adding another step so Great Aunt Mildred can get inside.
8. Lifting an Airstream could induce scoffing from Airstream traditionalists. Mutterings of "Clown!" and "Humph!" could and may be heard under-breath.
9. Some Airstreams need to have the undercarriage tank protection skins modified for clearance because there is some interference with the axle bracket.
10. It should be noted that the pictures listed here are for regular mounted bracket orientation. Airstreams use "reverse" side bracket mounting which would make threading the side bolts into the nuts inside the block kind of tricky.


-Kevin
Kevin.

It appears from your photo's that the axle torsion arm, with no load on it, is parallel to the mounting bracket.

That says, the rubber rods are history.

Adding a lift kit is OK, but it will not take the place of good axles, nor will it provide a soft ride for the trailer.

Therefore, the shell will take a beating when the coach hits bumps.

Adding that lift kit, to new axles or axles that still have serviceable rubber rods, is an entirely different situation.

Andy
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Old 03-14-2013, 02:42 PM   #7
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I agree the proper answer for this unit was to replace the axles with ones with proper down angle and load rating.
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Old 03-14-2013, 03:12 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dwightdi View Post
I agree the proper answer for this unit was to replace the axles with ones with proper down angle and load rating.
What unit?
None of the pictures in this thread are of my trailer. They are pictures from the advertisements for the lift kits that I listed.

-Kevin
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Old 03-14-2013, 03:21 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by outofcontrol View Post
What unit?
For the unit that's in your photo's that you posted.

Unless that's not your Airstream.

Andy
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Old 03-14-2013, 03:27 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In View Post
Kevin,

Adding that lift kit, to new axles or axles that still have serviceable rubber rods, is an entirely different situation.

Andy
Andy,
Agreed.

I thought this information might be useful to someone with good or new axles looking for a lift solution.

I searched for hours on this forum for ideas on lifting the ride height and all I found were hundreds of answers; and they all basically said: "Buy new axles".

-Kevin
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Old 03-14-2013, 04:02 PM   #11
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I think the lift kit makes sense if you are trying to get more ground clearance and it is better than increasing the starting angle too much. The kits should not be used to get ground clearance back resulting from a bad axel. My trailer is not riding lower than normal and it drags the tail on gentle inclines entering and exiting gas stations.

Perry
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Old 03-14-2013, 06:12 PM   #12
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Sorry if I wasn't clear. None of the pictures in this thread are mine. For that matter, none of the pictures in this thread are even an Airstream.

The first one is from the installation instructions for the Dexter lift kit.
The 2nd one is from the perfectcasita.com kit, assuming that's a Casita trailer.
I used them as an illustration for the products.

Perry,
Yes, I think it's a great alternative if you have good axles, but not enough ride height.

-Kevin
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Old 02-13-2015, 04:31 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by perryg114 View Post
I think the lift kit makes sense if you are trying to get more ground clearance and it is better than increasing the starting angle too much. The kits should not be used to get ground clearance back resulting from a bad axel. My trailer is not riding lower than normal and it drags the tail on gentle inclines entering and exiting gas stations.

Perry

Perry,

Just curious - did you ever add a lift?

--Jim
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Old 02-13-2015, 11:38 AM   #14
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Thank You Kevin.
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Old 02-13-2015, 01:30 PM   #15
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Bump to follow


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Old 03-12-2015, 09:25 AM   #16
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Wanting to lift my 2010 27fb for driveway clearance, how do I know which axles I have? 10? 11? 12???
Thanks!


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Old 08-24-2015, 06:33 PM   #17
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Follow up: axles are 11s on a 27FB. Kit went on quite easily by myself. No apparent change in towing behavior but I tow with an F350 so your results may differ. Very happy not to be dragging arse in the usual places.


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Old 08-24-2015, 08:52 PM   #18
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Photos!!!
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Old 01-25-2016, 11:47 AM   #19
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Photos!!!
x2, I've been wanting to see a few pics of a taller airstream.
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Old 01-25-2016, 12:09 PM   #20
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I would love to see a 27FB lifted, what kid did you use? 2 or 3" - also do you still have 15 inch tires or 16 inch tires?
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