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Old 03-29-2016, 08:36 AM   #101
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Here's my install video. I hope this helps some people considering this modification.

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Old 03-29-2016, 10:38 AM   #102
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Anyone lift an Airstream with hydraulic brakes? Are longer brake hoses required?

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Old 03-29-2016, 11:08 AM   #103
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Nice video, it gives a good over view of the lift kit process. And thanks for NOT having a music track which always is distracting.

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Old 03-29-2016, 11:55 AM   #104
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That video was great! I'm seriously considering this project for my 23. Thank you for this!


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Old 03-29-2016, 12:29 PM   #105
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Glad you enjoyed it. I did one more of the pros and cons of lifting a trailer (a lot of our viewers are new to this idea). I was going to include it in the original video, but it was already too long.

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Old 03-29-2016, 01:47 PM   #106
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Smile dexter lift kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by explore more View Post
Here's my install video. I hope this helps some people considering this modification.

I just watched video of lifting AS in my opinion it still looks unsafe as AS could slip off jacks esp. with jerking around to lower axle if happened may be a fatal injury. I still advocate pulling on ramp of boards AS tires on ground blocked.... I was involved in safety when I worked for 36 yrs. on railroad in train service, so I'm very safety minded. On R.R. if not safety minded at all times you may come home in a basket or minus limbs, yes it is gory but I lost some good friends that did some unsafe thing.Another posting about lifting AS person stated a friend was crushed when jacks slipped.
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Old 03-29-2016, 01:51 PM   #107
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I see lift kit only for Dexter axles why not one for axis or as Andy stated could make one for Dexter, why not for axis as there are a lot out there. Maybe Colin Hyde could respond or Andy as they are both very up on things
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Old 03-30-2016, 08:38 AM   #108
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Ramps scare me more than jack stands.

When I had both axles out from under my trailer I used four jack stands where two would have worked, and I was hooked to the tow vehicle for a bit more sure stability.

Had I done one axle at a time I might have been satisfied with a single pair of stands. Proper size stands used properly on a hard flat surface can be quite stable.

Great video!


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Old 03-30-2016, 08:40 AM   #109
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Assuming Axis and other brands bolt to the trailer through the stock holes, the Dexter kit would work with them also.


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Old 08-07-2017, 01:25 PM   #110
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I installed the dexter kit on my Excella and noticed no difference in towing with or without the equalizers hooked up. Still towed as sweet as always.
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Old 08-07-2017, 01:28 PM   #111
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Old 08-07-2017, 01:29 PM   #112
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Looks good.
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Old 09-03-2017, 06:01 AM   #113
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Footnote: we just completed a trip to Ocracoke via Swan Quarter and Cedar Island ferries. Ran empty (water tanks) down there and full back. Used the sway bar and load distribution system going to Ocracoke and didn't use them coming back. Getting on and off the ferries used to be iffy as far as clearance in the rear. No problem this time around.
700 miles round trip. No noticeable difference in towing
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Old 09-03-2017, 06:03 AM   #114
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Old 02-16-2018, 05:09 AM   #115
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Quote:
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Foot note #2
This was a pain in the buttocks to instal by oneself. I would recommend having the dealer or qualified mechanic do it.
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Old 02-20-2018, 10:46 AM   #116
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Having bought a trailer that is substantially higher off the ground than an Airstream, I can tell everyone, low to the ground is a lot better for stability and sway. We bought a Nash trailer—same company that makes Arctic Fox—that is rated "off road". I don't expect they mean taking it over some old rocky mining road, but over some moderately rough roads. That's nice, but it does mean towing slower and feeling a bit nervous until we get used to it.

I'd have it lowered, but I suspect that costs a lot and we aren't traveling as far as we used to. If you want more height, there is a real trade off.

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Old 02-20-2018, 04:54 PM   #117
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I've had my 27FB lifted for the last 5k miles now. Towed through winding mountain roads of Oregon, and 40-50 mph gusts of Santa Ana winds in the high desert. Still has excellent stability. More stability than the heavy 3/4 and 1 tons around me with their white box trailers. I give credit to the great airstream aerodynamics, and the mild lift doesn't take away anything.

All said and done, it's absolutely a great mod. Mine has slightly taller tires 235/75/15 than the original 225/75/15s, and the dexter (K7172402) 2.875" lift blocks, giving an overall lift of just over 3".

Dumping is easier, never have to worry about dragging the tail, and external storage is now at waist height.

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Old 02-20-2018, 05:03 PM   #118
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The biggest issue is trying to find someone to do the installation. Airstream dealers don't seem to want to and the local trailer & axle guy won't work on Airstreams.

I still have the lift kit sitting in the garage and am trying to figure out who will/can do the install. Finding someone that knows how to properly lift an Airstream is challenging.

Having installed a lift kit on our 19' Bambi, I am reluctant to tackle a double axle on our 23FB by myself. I guess it may come down to that if I want to see this through.
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Old 02-20-2018, 05:49 PM   #119
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steamy1 View Post
The biggest issue is trying to find someone to do the installation. Airstream dealers don't seem to want to and the local trailer & axle guy won't work on Airstreams.



I still have the lift kit sitting in the garage and am trying to figure out who will/can do the install. Finding someone that knows how to properly lift an Airstream is challenging.



Having installed a lift kit on our 19' Bambi, I am reluctant to tackle a double axle on our 23FB by myself. I guess it may come down to that if I want to see this through.


It took me a full day doing 1 axle at a time. Bring a yoga mat to kneel on and a good torque wrench. Air tools if you have them really helps speed things up.
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Old 02-20-2018, 06:09 PM   #120
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steamy1 View Post
The biggest issue is trying to find someone to do the installation. Airstream dealers don't seem to want to and the local trailer & axle guy won't work on Airstreams.

I still have the lift kit sitting in the garage and am trying to figure out who will/can do the install. Finding someone that knows how to properly lift an Airstream is challenging.

Having installed a lift kit on our 19' Bambi, I am reluctant to tackle a double axle on our 23FB by myself. I guess it may come down to that if I want to see this through.
You can do it. If I was closer I would help. I did mine and it was not to bad
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