Lifting a Work and Play

[Savage]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and new to Work and Play. I recently bought a 28' Work and Play and noticed that the plumbing is pretty close to the ground. Has anyone lifted theirs to get more ground clearance?

[LadyWindrider]

Probably not a good idea. The dump valves and outlet need to below the tanks so everything will drain completely. If you lift the outlets, your are going to have to raise the trailer on one side to get the tanks to completely drain. Also as the joints are glued in place, you may crack a pipe if you just bend them up. It may not crack immediately, but road vibrations and temp changes will cause them to crack.

[Savage]

Sorry, didn't notice I said lift the plumbing. I mean lift the trailer to get more ground clearance. Is it possible to move the axles on the other side of the leaf springs or is the torsion axle adjustable?

[LadyWindrider]

My work and play has leaf springs, and the springs are under the axles. It may be possible to do what is called, flip the axles. The axles don't flip, but instead spring perches must be welded to the top of the axle, and the the axles moved to below the springs, instead of above. Do a search on here, and you will find several post on other trailers.

I changed the title of the tread, because read it to be a concern over plumbing. I will change it back.

Lastly, if you do this, you will have to change your hitch set up, not too hard. Also, maybe more of concern, what are you hauling? If you raise the trailer height, you will increase the ramp angle. $ wheeler, dirt bikes, won't matter as they have plenty of ground clearance. A low Harley, or Goldwing, may high center when it breaks over the top of the ramp. Not a good place to be stuck.

Here is one thread may help:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...xles-4479.html

[rkswyo]

Take a look at your spring hangers. Mine have 2 sets of holes. My springs are mounted in the bottom hole which gives me a taller ride height. Also you can look at changing out the spring equalizer to a taller one to gain ride height. Or you should be able to do the axle flip as mentioned above.

Triangular Equalizer for 1-3/4" Double-Eye Springs - 6-1/16" Long - 9/16" Center Hole TruRyde Trailer Suspension TREQ310

[Savage]

I'll look into that, thanks. Any idea if the torsion axles are adjustable? I think some are splined, just not sure if this one is.

[rkswyo]

Originally Posted by Savage

I'll look into that, thanks. Any idea if the torsion axles are adjustable? I think some are splined, just not sure if this one is.

I didn't realize you had torsion axles. Never mind about the spring stuff! You would probably have to put a spacer between where the torsion axles mount and the frame.

[Savage]

Yeah, it has springs and torsion axles.

[Twisty]

Originally Posted by Savage

Yeah, it has springs and torsion axles.

Maybe a pic or 2 so we can all be clear.
Most trailers have leaf springs or torsion axles. Not both...

[rkswyo]

I have never heard of one having both?

[Savage]

I'll be happy to send a pic as soon as I get to the house this evening.

[Savage]

Ok, here it is. You can see the leaf spring and it looks like a torsion axle to me but I don't know. What do you think?

[LadyWindrider]

That's a leaf spring. Nothing torsion about it. Go back to my post, #4, and click the link. There are post that that thread that thread that specifically discuss raising a leaf spring axle, which you have, and a torsion spring axle, which you don't have. It ain't easy, it ain't cheap, and it isn't advisable, but it is your trailer, and your money and time.

[onetonford]

It is a drop axel not torsion in order to raise it the best way would be to replace the axels with a straight one no drop which from looking at your picture would give you about 4" lift but then everything else would have to be changed to fit truck and your ramp, steps, ETC. might be to costly to change.

[1l243]

Unless you are planning on doing some off road I don't think you need to worry about the plumbing... I have not hit anything with the plumbing yet...yet....

[Savage]

I do plan to take it off the beaten path for hunting. Drop axle would explain it, didn't think of that. It looks very similar to a torsion axle. Does anyone know if you can turn the axle tube on a drop axle or is it solid? I guess if nothing else I can go with the larger tires and wheels and at least get a couple inches more clearance.

[rkswyo]

I use my trailer for the same thing and 95% of my other camping is boondocking off the beaten path as well. Ground clearance is very important to me. I was really happy when I got my Greywolf 19rr and the ground clearance it had. I swaped the 14" tires and wheels for 15" tires and wheels in a larger size and gained another 1" of ground clearance. As it sits now from the ground to the lowest point on my drain piping is about 13". The ramp angle is a little steeper but not a problem for my ATV.
If I were you I would look at the spring hangers and equalizer first. This would be the cheapest and may allow for a taller tire as well. If not then look at moving the springs to the top of the axle. I have done it both ways and neither one is a big deal.

[Savage]

Thanks!

[LadyWindrider]

Sometimes you have to help yourself. Post #4 in this thread, contains a link to here:

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - Over/Under Conversion Kits

It is an axle conversion kit that allows you to move the springs from below the axle to above the axle.

Now to answer, your other question, no you can't turn the axles over. There is a bow in them, that keeps the camber where it should be. If you turn them over, the alignment is all wrong, and it will eat tires like a kid eats candy.

As for towing that thing off road, I hope you have a big truck, as it will get very heavy towing in the woods.

[Savage]

Thanks for all the tips. Yes, I have a 1 ton 4x4 truck to pull it with.