Raising the trailer 3"

[Blind Wille]

We purchased a 2021 Caravel 20 FB with the 3” lift already installed by a 5 River dealer. No effect on factory warranty either. We like to camp off grid at National Forest sites. I did purchase a metal adjustable step to put on the ground for ease of entry on uneven sites. Tows like a dream.

[guskmg]

wayne.yl, Post #36 &37: Did Dexter say anything negative about using the 3" lift on three axle trailers. I had heard that both Airstrem and Dexter do not recommend it due to much greater side loads on the three axle when turning. I would sure like to do what you did.
guskmg

[wayne.yl]

Originally Posted by guskmg

wayne.yl, Post #36 &37: Did Dexter say anything negative about using the 3" lift on three axle trailers. I had heard that both Airstrem and Dexter do not recommend it due to much greater side loads on the three axle when turning. I would sure like to do what you did.
guskmg

I worked with a local RV/Truck parts supplier in Portland. I explained to them my trailer and my desire to install new dexter torsion axles with 32 degrees down angle and a lift kit for my 3 axle airstream. When ordering, They walked me through all the specs and knew every question to ask about my specific trailer and axle needs. I ordered three #10 -3500# axles for my trailer with a GVWR of 9200#.
Dexter said the #10's use a lift which is 2-3/4inches and sent them with my new axles.
I did the install myself and like others have said, accessing and tightening the bolts to 140# was the most difficult.
It may not be recommended by airstream or dexter, but at this point, I won't be taking the lifts off as the extra ground clearance is sweet because that long trailer dragged the rear end someplace on nearly every trip out.
We have taken several trips with the new axles and towing/turning feels fine.
Additionally, I don't plan on taking any high speed turns with trailer in tow.

[Glampman]

Hi AS Team!

Recently, I reached out to Airstream in Jackson to see if they could endorse me putting on the same model of Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires onto my 2017 Bambi Sport 22FB as can be seen on the new 2020 Basecamp 20X. I inquired as to whether the more aggressive tread might cause any structural issues. Jackson gave me the go ahead to proceed. So now, along with my 3" Torklift lift, I have the more aggressive tires to help me access a few additional places out here in the Northwest.

Anyway, it changes the aesthetic somewhat, and I have a feeling from that perspective alone, there are going to be some robust opinions in favor of the stock tires. I am sure my reasonable self would do better to respect those opinions because the classic AS look holds a significant amount of sway in my own heart as well.

Before I made this choice, I looked and looked to see if there were any images online that would give me an idea of what the final product might look like. I could find none, but I had a strong feeling I would like the tires from a practical perspective and aesthetically as well (Yes, I could have used photoshop, but what fun would that have been?).

For those that have thought about it, you now have an actual model to help you in the decision process. For those that would never think of it, you now have an actual model to support that perspective as well.

But for me, I think the switch looks and drives better than I had envisioned and/or expected.

Enjoy...or don't

[pteck]

Good job Glampman. I like what you did there and this thread is better with more pics.

Tow vehicle on 35x12.5 tires
27FB with 3" lift from Dexter blocks and incrementally taller 235/75R15 tires

Stable and smooth riding


Didn't take the AS too deep in the backcountry of Death Valley, but it was a great base station from which we could explore deeper in our tow vehicle.

[wayne.yl]

Our trailer with new dexter axles and 2 3/4 in lift kit.
Let fly the opinions on this modified look of an old airstream!��

[mojo]

Originally Posted by wayne.yl

Our trailer with new dexter axles and 2 3/4 in lift kit.
Let fly the opinions on this modified look of an old airstream!��

Judging by your photo, you're on the highway to hell!

[wayne.yl]

Originally Posted by mojo

Judging by your photo, you're on the highway to hell!

Good observation Mojo!
We are kinda on a downward trajectory!
I apologize for not taking the time to turn the pic.
👍

[stunami]

Originally Posted by Glampman

Hi AS Team!

Recently, I reached out to Airstream in Jackson to see if they could endorse me putting on the same model of Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires onto my 2017 Bambi Sport 22FB as can be seen on the new 2020 Basecamp 20X. I inquired as to whether the more aggressive tread might cause any structural issues. Jackson gave me the go ahead to proceed. So now, along with my 3" Torklift lift, I have the more aggressive tires to help me access a few additional places out here in the Northwest.

Anyway, it changes the aesthetic somewhat, and I have a feeling from that perspective alone, there are going to be some robust opinions in favor of the stock tires. I am sure my reasonable self would do better to respect those opinions because the classic AS look holds a significant amount of sway in my own heart as well.

Before I made this choice, I looked and looked to see if there were any images online that would give me an idea of what the final product might look like. I could find none, but I had a strong feeling I would like the tires from a practical perspective and aesthetically as well (Yes, I could have used photoshop, but what fun would that have been?).

For those that have thought about it, you now have an actual model to help you in the decision process. For those that would never think of it, you now have an actual model to support that perspective as well.

But for me, I think the switch looks and drives better than I had envisioned and/or expected.

Enjoy...or don't

Hi Glampman,
Can you tell me where you went to get your 3" lift and the cost? I live in Kent.

[Glampman]

Yup. I got it done at Torklift in Kent. They were not willing to install the bolt on kit due to side to side stability issues so they did mine custom. I paid about $1100. They also put on my battery box, and my locking generator tray that attaches to the back of the airstream via a tow hitch.

They did my solar system too.

Tell them Greg with the Airstream sent you. Might get you a free pen and a smile.

[Bschatz]

So I picked up the #11 Dexter Kit from eTrailer, and come to find out the holes dont line up to the “#11” axle on a 2021 Caravel 22’.

Any ideas here? Got everyone stumped, including Airstream Las Vegas (where I bought the trailer). I would take it to the dealer but I live in Salt Lake City, and the current shop is months out for repairs.

Anyone have any experience with 2021 axles or lift kits?