Are there any disadvantages to moving the axle from the top of the leaf springs to the bottom to increase ground clearance?

Thanks

 

If you are talking about doing it on a trailer, then you will have a higher center of gravity that you probably won't ever notice, if it's a 5th wheel or goose neck then the trailer might not sit level but when hooked to our Dodges the 5ver trailer does need to be higher in a lot of cases.

 

I flipped the axles on my fifth wheel last year to get it level when towing and am very happy with the results. I didn't notice any difference in the way it tows. The only downside is my entry steps were then not low enough to the ground. I bought a new set with one more step and all is good. It was an easy job also. Took me about 4 to 5 hours. Just make sure you get it up high enough before starting. I drove it up on wood blocks getting it up about 8" before staring and it was about perfect.

 

Most RV trailers have several holes in the spring and rocker mounts to change towing height. Flipping the axles is also a normal, usually documented step.

A level trailer tows better, looks better, and is easier on the ammonia (gas fired) refrigerator.

 

Just keep the axles right side up to keep toe correct.

I did my previous 5th wheel by welding on new spring perches to the tops of the axles.

There are some clamp-on spring seat/perches to do the conversion without welding, but regular spring perches are cheaper and more secure with a couple easy welds.

I've heard of folks cutting off the stock spring perches and reusing them, but to me it is worth it to buy new ones and leave the stock ones on. They are a handy reference to line up the new ones, and it makes it easy to put the trailer back as it was if you were to choose to do so.

Older 5th wheels seem to often need a suspension lift to ride level with decent clearance over the top of the pickup bed.

 

Thanks for all the responses.............appreciate it