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Old 08-25-2015, 08:58 PM   #1
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Axle Flip done on the Grey Wolf 26DBH

Well after toying with the idea for sometime and some cringing while leaving the driveway we did the axle flip. Now I have a foot of clearance from the driveway. We gained about 5" from the stock height. Might need to add a three fold out step, currently have a two stepper. Might just get a step stool, but we will see how the next trip goes.

I will upgrade to 15" rims and probably light truck tires when they current 14" westlakes tires poop out.

Before:


After:



And yes it had been rubbing but not no more!!!


Added some reflective tape to the basket to avoid those bad drivers... Hopefully.
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Old 08-27-2015, 09:31 AM   #2
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Nice
I did an axle flip after our first trip out and all has been great; never drag again. I've done 5yrs with several cross country trips and only good times.
I do carry a step and made up four sets of three 2x6s screwed together for stabilizer bases.
I saw at CampingWorld they now have an adjustable step for those sloping campsites, it’s on my list.
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Old 08-27-2015, 05:57 PM   #3
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Yeah they are pricey, almost the cost of just changing the step to a three step model from the current two step.

My initial concern was increasing sway with the rise of the center of gravity. But after seeing others who have done this say they were good I think I will not look back either.. Thank you for the advised on the jacks. I did check to make sure they could tough the ground still but I may make some higher pads as well to ease the deployment of the stabilizers.
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Old 08-27-2015, 06:01 PM   #4
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I doubt you have room for 15 wheels and tires. The space between with quickly disappear.
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Old 08-27-2015, 06:12 PM   #5
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Plenty of room in there for the 15's. I can get the rims and a tire one size larger (about and inch taller. Just looking to get a higher load rating really.
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Old 08-27-2015, 06:28 PM   #6
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I have almost the same unit that you have. I was thinking about doing the swap just like you did. Have you towed it since you raised it?? I was wondering if it towed different?? Also was the trailer brake wires long enough or did you need to extend them??
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Old 08-27-2015, 06:40 PM   #7
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I have almost the same unit that you have. I was thinking about doing the swap just like you did. Have you towed it since you raised it?? I was wondering if it towed different?? Also was the trailer brake wires long enough or did you need to extend them??
Wires had plenty of slack in them. I have not towed more than in and out of the driveway the 2 miles to the trailer shop. I did not have the WD on during this period. I will get back to you on the towing part, towing to NJ this week (130 miles each way) so I will be able to get a good feel. From my investigations into this other did not notice a big difference.
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Old 08-28-2015, 03:12 PM   #8
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what is an axle flip??
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Old 08-28-2015, 05:17 PM   #9
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Trailer stock has the axle on top of the leaf Springs. I had the axle put under the leaf Springs. Effectively raises the trailer inches. Our went up 4.5 or so inches.

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Old 08-29-2015, 12:21 PM   #10
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axles

I have a 2013 Grey Wolf Select and after a 4000 mile trip I noticed excessive tread wear on the outer edges of two tires. I took the trailer to an axle and frame shop and the problem was improper alignment. Also the factory axles are not the strongest and they tend to bend so I am replacing the factory axles with heavier duty axles and having the springs beefed up by adding a leaf or two. This will raise the trailer by about 2" which should be adequate for better clearance.
I have also purchased skid wheels to attach to the skid plates to prevent damage to the skid plates. The other issue is with the factory tires which show considerable tread wear after only 4000 miles. I am replacing them with the Maxxis brand which have excellent reviews.
To ensure proper wheel alignment, the shop suggests having the wheels aligned at least every 6 years depending on miles travelled.
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Old 08-29-2015, 02:26 PM   #11
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Yeah they put some crappie tires on them, think mine are actually undersized for the weight. Maxxis tires or LT tires will be next along with the 15 inch rims.

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Old 08-29-2015, 02:27 PM   #12
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BTW those skids are STRONG. I drug once and they actually did more damage to the driveway... Least they did them right.

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Old 09-02-2015, 03:59 PM   #13
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So towed to NJ this past weekend and the trailer rode great, I noticed nothing different from when it was lower. Definitely a thumbs up.. I now clear the driveway by feet instead of inches...
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Old 09-10-2015, 01:51 PM   #14
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so after the flip...what size tires would you recommend.?
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Old 09-10-2015, 03:11 PM   #15
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I was planning on a 15" rim upgrade to get a heavier rated tire before the flip.

I would probably only go up a size or two, maybe and inch or so, because I do not want to get too high! When it comes time for new shoes I will look to see what size LT tires I can find in the D load rating and go from there.
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Old 09-10-2015, 03:31 PM   #16
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Great...thanks for the info.! Just picked up 2016 26DBH and doing the axle flip Wednesday and wanted taller tires. My truck is lifted 8" so I think this is going to help a lot with leveling it out.
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Old 09-10-2015, 03:59 PM   #17
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Do you think 225 75 15 will fit ok?
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Old 09-10-2015, 05:23 PM   #18
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How much does this mod cost?
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Old 09-10-2015, 07:27 PM   #19
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Do you think 225 75 15 will fit ok?
My tires are 205 75 14's now. I think the 215 are only one inch taller so yes you will be more than fine. I think I have almost a foot of clearance now! I do not have the trailer, in a condo. but I think it is at least 10" of space.
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Old 09-10-2015, 07:30 PM   #20
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How much does this mod cost?
Depends on your level of willingness. Etrailer sells a kit from Dexter to make the flip for 41 or 45 an axle depending on what weight level the axle is. Then it would be your time. Welding is optional but recommended. I had a trailer shop do it. I could do it myself but for the $400 it was worth saving me the 6 hours in labor of doing the flip. Plus they are a trailer shop.. Plus better equipped then me in my driveway.
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