Raising a PU

[Psl53]

I am going to raise my 2001 Coleman Taos. It has a 1 3/4" axle with brakes. I thought I would weld leaf spring seats on top of the axle. As I look at the axle it appears that if I rotate the axle 180 degrees the bottom seat would be on top and all I would have to do is place the leaf spring on top and maybe buy new plates and u bolts. As it has brakes is there any reason I couldn't do this. Are the brake shoes directional as rotating them would put the rear shoe in the front.
I'm new to Pop ups , but I'm pretty used to working on my Jeep (lifting modifying and general screwing around with).

Thanks for the input
Peter

[AustinBoston]

I am going to raise my 2001 Coleman Taos. It has a 1 3/4" axle with brakes. I thought I would weld leaf spring seats on top of the axle. As I look at the axle it appears that if I rotate the axle 180 degrees the bottom seat would be on top and all I would have to do is place the leaf spring on top and maybe buy new plates and u bolts. As it has brakes is there any reason I couldn't do this. Are the brake shoes directional as rotating them would put the rear shoe in the front.
I'm new to Pop ups , but I'm pretty used to working on my Jeep (lifting modifying and general screwing around with).

Thanks for the input
Peter

Most Coleman/Fleetwood trailers (and probably all) are made with Dexter axles.  Dexter makes an "axle flip kit" to do just that.  Search this forum for "dexter" and "axle" and you will get a full night's reading material on the subject.

I have not done it, but my understanding is any reasonably competent handyman can do the job.

Austin

[aw738]

Look at your axle and see if it has an upward crown. If it does than you can't rotate the axle. It has to retain the upward crown to carry the load correctly and to keep the wheels alined. I know my Toas does.

[Psl53]

Thanks,
I'm sure if yours has a crown mine does too. I'll get some seats and tack it on with a welder. I checked with Dexter and they don't make a flip kit for the 1 3/4" axle. It's really not that big a deal. I'll get some seats, u-bolts and plates and go to work. I would love to get larger wheels, but that's a little more involved and will have to wait. It will be interesting to see how an entry level (RV Park) style PU does a little farther off the beaten path. I'll keep all in the loop.
Peter

[tlhdoc]

Good luck with the project.