I "flipped" the axle on our Fleetwood.

azoil · Sep 03, 2006, 06:36 PM

I know it really isn't being flipped (commonly used term) but figure you know what I mean. I moved the axle from over the springs (underslung), to under the springs(overslung) on our 2006 Fleetwood Sea Pine. While in the process I added some shock mounts as well.

Here is my question. Has anyone else done this and also increased the tire size as well? If so, what size tire were you able to go to? Also, what brand of tire did you go with? I found a lot of negative posts about the Carlisle Tires, are the Load Star brand better?

Where did you find the best pricing, local or online?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

Tim5055 · Sep 03, 2006, 07:55 PM

Dave,

Sorry but I don't have an answer for your question, but did you take photos of the project?

I'd love to have an axle flip page on my site.

azoil · Sep 03, 2006, 08:29 PM

Quote from: Tim5055Dave,

Sorry but I don't have an answer for your question, but did you take photos of the project?

I'd love to have an axle flip page on my site.

I thought about it, but then I was just so dirty I didn't want to mess with the camera. However, I do have a couple of things I want to change on the modification. I could take some pics of what I still want to do, but I won't have pics of the original set up. It really isn't too bad to do, it just takes some time and a jack and four jack stands. Not many tools are needed. However, I take some things for granted as I have access to about all the tools a guy could need. The two tools I used that most people won't have is a torque wrench and a wire feed welder.

Anyway, let me know if you want some post mod pics. Thanks, Dave.

//www.azoil.com

edwardr132 · Sep 03, 2006, 09:07 PM

Won't you have trouble seeing what's behind the camper when you are towing if you do that?

Right now, I can only see maybe 6" above the top of my popup when towing. I am thinking a modification like that could end up having no ability to see what's behind you.

lwbfl · Sep 03, 2006, 09:36 PM

Yeah, but neither can RV, 5vers, Car Haulers, PUPs with storage boxes or canoes, boats etc mounted on top.......................

azoil · Sep 03, 2006, 11:00 PM

It will cut down visibility a little (I have a Yakima rack and AC on top as it is), but I am use to pulling a travel trailer also so no big deal. However, I do intend to install back up lights on the PU too. The main goal I wanted to accomplish was more ground clearance, it just sat too low for any real non-road travel. Places I will take it are somewhat off the beaten path. Right now the frame is 18.5" off the ground and the axle is 9". When I put larger tires on itthe axle should increase at least 1.5" as will the frame. That will give it 20" at the frame and 10.5" at the axle. That will be a good 6" more than it was stock at the frame which should be plenty adequate for where I will take it. I will also be adding Monroe Gas Magnum RV shocks to it as well which will help smooth out the ride for the contents.

It will end up a lot cheaper proposition than buying a Baja type PU and will work just as well.

//www.azoil.com

tlhdoc · Sep 04, 2006, 07:10 AM

Quote from: edwardr132Won't you have trouble seeing what's behind the camper when you are towing if you do that?

Right now, I can only see maybe 6" above the top of my popup when towing. I am thinking a modification like that could end up having no ability to see what's behind you.

Tow Mirrors!

edwardr132 · Sep 05, 2006, 10:54 AM

Personally, I am not aware of any "good" aftermarket Tow Mirrors and don't vibrate or shake and work on a 2006 Honda Odyssey.

azoil · Sep 05, 2006, 11:02 AM

Edward,

If you stay on the pavement or graded roads with your Seapine, there is no need to have it raised.

//www.azoil.com

zamboni · Sep 05, 2006, 01:37 PM

Quote from: edwardr132Personally, I am not aware of any "good" aftermarket Tow Mirrors and don't vibrate or shake and work on a 2006 Honda Odyssey.

McKesh mirrors. See my sig.

azoil · Sep 05, 2006, 02:25 PM

I have used these as well. They do work.

//www.azoil.com

jeffk · Sep 10, 2006, 05:23 AM

I bought a HD axle and springs for my 96 coleman bayport. I flipped the axle below the springs and went with 13 inch tires instead of 12. The god thing is I can load up the camper with bikes and cargo. The bad thing is I can not see behind when driving and I have to use wood blocks under the factory mounted jacks. Has been good for 5 years. :U

tlhdoc · Sep 10, 2006, 08:52 AM

Quote from: edwardr132Personally, I am not aware of any "good" aftermarket Tow Mirrors and don't vibrate or shake and work on a 2006 Honda Odyssey.

I have had the same pair ot McKesh mirrors on 4 different TVs. After the initial adjustment they it only takes seconds to put them on the TV. You can email them and see if they will work on your vehicle. I would be surprised it they wouldn't work.

http://www.hensleymfg.com/mckeshmirrors.html

maromeo · Sep 10, 2006, 09:17 AM

I can't help you with the tire size, but I can the brand. We had 2 sets of Loadstar, worked pretty well. We had our axle replaced (not flipped) and replaced the tires with Duro Tires. We ordered them through //www.jcwhitney.com and had Discount Tire install and balance. The tires were delivered to our home within 3 days. We do quite a bit of off road driving. The Duro's seem to be handling the gravel roads and runoffs quite well. Hope this helps.

Mary Romeo

TheViking · Oct 01, 2007, 11:28 AM

CIPA also makes a door mirror. If you use a strap type door mounted mirror you will be happy with it.

News:

I "flipped" the axle on our Fleetwood.

zamboni