Underslinging an axle on a caravan?

Try www.hardingscaravans.com.au/repairs10.htm
Ian

Jimbo

Are you going soft in your old age? You didn't have the camper long!!!!!!!!

I am only just getting used to my Coromal Camper after 12 months. The best thing I have ever bought. I guess I will go to a caravan one day but with the camper having an electric (12 Volt) wind up mechagnism (spelling) and an Aussie Traveller annex (no tent pegs) I have got lazy. Means when we set up camp I have more time for my homebrew and a longer happy hour.

Can't help out with your question but thought it was time to give you a sh11t stir.

Hope to catch up again one day and have a few ales (homebrewed of course). Still remember the great time we had last year with Mr and Mrs Al, numberone and Glenn (Vic).

Cheers

The Bigfella

Hi, cant help (I'm in Bris) but thought I'd add comment to your request.
I too went from camper (offroad) to caravan and did exactly what you are asking.
I had axle underslung and stablizers replaced with dropdown jacks added by dealer at no extra cost (gotta be happy about that).
However downside was some 12mths later whilst traveling down Sth, we had some wet weather and decided to put our annex walls up - Guess what.
Too short due raised van!
Maybe there's a moral here, but guess what I am saying is make sure you have correct measurements for your annex, if you havent already done so.
Cheers

Not a big job to do yourself.

Not sure if you have thought it through, you most probably have so ignore the following if you have.
Just remember some axles (if not most) have a little toe in, and a locating hole or lug to engage the spring.
So flipping the axle over gives you toe out, but flipping it and reversing it end to end give you the right result. :o) Toe in again for better towing.

Not sure how your shockies are attached.

Friend did this to thier van a little while ago and it worked well for those trips down a few well formed tracks. Better clearance at the rear on some creek crossings.
He didn't lift the hitch either, so more clearance at the rear, but too low on the hitch might make the van wander when towing.

Jimbo.

It's not a hard job to do it yourself.

Just get the whole van jacked up & stabilised on chassis stands (borrow some) with the wheels off the ground far enough to be able to do the spring over.

Support the axle on jacks to take the weight of the axle/wheels, remove the wheels, undo the U-bolts from the axle & raise the axle to clear the springs.

Remove the springs & reverse the centre bolt holding the spring pack together (replace & grease the bushes while your at it).

Lower the axle far enough to clear the new spring position & refit the springs.

Raise the axle to fit under the springs & refit the U-bolts (fit new lock nuts on the U-bolts).

Make sure that all the wiring for the brakes is long enough for the lift!

I've done quite a few of these over the years & it just takes a bit of labour & skinned knuckles!!

I'd probably look at putting some extra leafs in & heavier shocks while your at it if your going off road as well.

Lotsa luck 8 )>

Used to have a Jayco wind up before my current CT. I put the axle under the springs myself by jacking it up and I carried some thick blocks of wood to put under the wind down stablilizers. It had cable operated brakes so made sure cable was running straight. easy

R u aware it is illegal? IF the u bolts break, there is nothing encapsulating the axle and tyre, and could end up anywhere...i believe that is the standard...
Now dont get me wrong, ive done it b4 myself, but at the time, i didnt know this.
Andrew

Jimbo Similar to you, went from camper to mini pop top . So quick to be set up ,good for lunch stops without flies, more comfortable in winter or wet windy days etc After grazing the rear door in a creek bed (lock 9 Murray river area)
I gave it the lift. Bayswater Caravans (caravan city) had an independent van repairer at the rear who did the axle shift. Cost $220 dollars which I thought was pretty good and I had it back in 2 days. Made a huge difference. Slopes a little to the front hitch on the patrol but that helps the rear steps and nose is down to the breeze. Oodnadatta to Dalhousie saw me re-tighten every u bolt nut. Lucky I got under to look!! Also snapped off the electric brake wiring so check that you have enough length. Also as mentioned ensure the park brake cable is re adjusted to suit. If doing it yourself it might be wise to take a measurement from the front of the axle to the front of the van chassis to check against the completed job later.

I build Teardrop Campers for a living . ADR compliant with axles on top or underneath depending on customers preference.
Home builder have to comply with the same rules.
You can download the rules from the department of Transport web-page.

Reiner
www.aussieteardrops.com