Help me with adding lift to 27’ FC

[HappyHapgood]

I must be missing something. When we did my dexter lift kit this past summer, I don't think we jacked the trailer at all. We LOWERED one axle at a time using a jack. Took the wheels off of one axle with a jack under the axle. Marked the locations of the pickup points, and then fought like heck to remove the bolts holding the axle on. After winning the battle (including generous use of the heat wrench) we placed the spacers, jacked the axle into place and then installed the bolts. Filthy work that really required some strength and tools and patience, but not terribly difficult.

Am I blanking on lifting the trailer? I don't think so.

[billrector]

Originally Posted by HappyHapgood

I must be missing something. When we did my dexter lift kit this past summer, I don't think we jacked the trailer at all. We LOWERED one axle at a time using a jack. Took the wheels off of one axle with a jack under the axle. Marked the locations of the pickup points, and then fought like heck to remove the bolts holding the axle on. After winning the battle (including generous use of the heat wrench) we placed the spacers, jacked the axle into place and then installed the bolts. Filthy work that really required some strength and tools and patience, but not terribly difficult.



Am I blanking on lifting the trailer? I don't think so.

The trailer has to be jacked up or one axle placed on ramps so you can remove the wheels. Without removing the wheels you can’t lower the axles!

[HappyHapgood]

Well, uhm, uh. DOH.
We ran it up on ramps to get it high enough.

I guess I forgot about that part! :-)

Originally Posted by billrector

The trailer has to be jacked up or one axle placed on ramps so you can remove the wheels. Without removing the wheels you can’t lower the axles!

[MMCMRET]

BillRector, How did this project go for you. I have a 2017 28' FC and am thinking about doing the same thing.

[pteck]

Originally Posted by HappyHapgood

I must be missing something. When we did my dexter lift kit this past summer, I don't think we jacked the trailer at all. We LOWERED one axle at a time using a jack. Took the wheels off of one axle with a jack under the axle. Marked the locations of the pickup points, and then fought like heck to remove the bolts holding the axle on. After winning the battle (including generous use of the heat wrench) we placed the spacers, jacked the axle into place and then installed the bolts. Filthy work that really required some strength and tools and patience, but not terribly difficult.

Am I blanking on lifting the trailer? I don't think so.

Great technique there. Much safer than lifting the trailer at all.

[billrector]

Originally Posted by MMCMRET

BillRector, How did this project go for you. I have a 2017 28' FC and am thinking about doing the same thing.

It ended up taking me a few days with occasional help from my wife. All in all, a doable project if you are reasonably handy. An impact wrench will help with the disassembly and a torque wrench is necessary for assembly. I also got a large ratcheting box wrench at Home Depot that fit the nuts. The toughest part is that there is very little room to work on some of the bolts.

[billrector]

Originally Posted by pteck

Great technique there. Much safer than lifting the trailer at all.

He is lifting the trailer to get the wheels off. However, I do not suggest placing a jack under the axle to lift the trailer as damage to the axle can occur. Once the wheel is removed, use another jack (or the original if you have the trailer on jack stands) and place it under the axle to lower the axle enough to fit the spacer in.