Caravan level

Hi Big Bill,
I would not do that. All your weight will be on the 'U' bolts. Try fixing your problem on the tow or draw bar

A much simpler way of solving the problem might be to either get an adjustable ball mount (assuming that it is a 50mm square shank hitch), or get another gooseneck made to lower the ballmount by the 60 odd mm,
regards
Andrew

Hi Bill

I also have a jayco freedom poptop , mine is a 2004 model , but i dont believe there is much difference, as my b/inlaw has a 2005 model , basically same van , we both tow with 4wds and also experienced the same prob as you, to rectify this we actually had the axle placed under the springs instead of on top.....i have spoken to numerous people who have done this with no probs , and recently i had to have some warranty work done , and the person doing the work commented on how many people actually have this done when they purchase their vans , hope this helps , email me if you wish ......borgyathypermaxdotnetdotau.........Cheers ....DAVE

axle on top or underneath no problem either way. Have a look on cars..... my landcruiser has the axle on top of the springs.
I build camper trailers and fit axle top or bottom like the caravan and trailer industry has done for ever.
The cheapest solution without any disadvantages.
Just reading your posting again...... turning the stub no problem either.

Reiner

I'm sure it all depends on who you talk to. I would ring People like Vehicle Components and ask the ones in the Trade.

Dave,
See my comments above re compliance.

I too have a 94 Jayco poptop , and whilst what you did was suggested to me enquires made pointed out the problem with claiming on insurance, when van did not comply .

Jayco confirmed that the coupling height on van needed to be a certain height and their compliance plate met this requirement. They were unable to change this coupling height after manufacture .

This site
http://www.dotars.gov.au/transreg/vsb/vsb_01_b.aspx

sets out that couplings on vans up to 3.5 tonnes must be between 350mm and 420mm.

Pedro

Dave,
Please keep us posted on results, as i too need to have van lifted but have been put off at every turn by the compliance issue.

Would also suggest a phantom phone call to your insurance company to ask about modifying a van.

Pedro

I understand from experts I have talked to, most caravans and trailers are set up with a little bit of toe in so they tow better.

Flipping the axle over will give you toe out. Not good.

But, if you flipped the axle over and then turned it around end for end, passenger to drivers side, you would still have toe in!

Have the same problem with my new camper trailer, except the tow ball is too low, so am getting a new tongue made up. Turning the tongue over to a high position didn't help.

Firstly I am not sure if you mean the stub axle is welded to the axle beam, as some caravans are, or if you mean the axle with the stubs machined on each end to take the bearings, etc is a one piece square axle. So are you proposing to simply turn the axle 180 degrees so the stubs are on top to lower the van or are you going to actually sit the axle on top of the springs which I assume a leaf type rather than underneath ther springs. Either way, underslung or overslung axles are no problem and is common practice especially on heavy transport equip to get heights as low as possible. If the axle is cambered, which I doubt, you can get it re-cambered if necessary. All they do, shock horror, is press the camber in to it by bending it slightly so that when loaded it becomes straight again. If you are taking the axle from an underslung position and putting it on top og the springs camber will remain the same. If you are going to spin the axle 180 degrees then that is a different story. I wouldn't worry too much about being withing the ball height range of 380 to 420mm or whatever it is, the main thing is that your van and towing vehicle are set up correctly. That quoted range is more for compatability vehicle to vehicle I believe. I also agree with the comments re Hayman Reese varaiable ball height and load balancing hitches. I have used one towing two horses, 2300Kg all up, and they are invaluable and take weight off the trailer wheels and car rear wheels and transfer it to the car front wheels. Better steering, braking, tows level, headlamps and trying to spot planes and uses less fuel. Good luck

If you have a Hayman Reece style hitch, why don't you just go to your local trailer/caravan place and buy a tongue assembly with a greater drop on it... Shouldn't be more than about $60 or $70. I have a level one for the camper and one with nearly 6" of drop for the box trailer.

I was reading an article in a boating magazine regarding towing large boats. There was a strong recommendation that the boat trailer not be horizontal when connected. The trailer should be angled around 5 - 8 degrees downward so the rear of the trailer is slightly higher than the front.

The rationale was that in a breaking situation the weight of trailer, (a breaked trailer), would marginally push downwards giving the vehicle more traction.

Can't say I remember the detail, maybe someone else has information on this.

Spade