INSTALL A 6" LIFT KIT AXLE FLIP ON A 5TH WHEEL CAMPER TRAILER CHEAPLY USING A MIG WELDER - HOW TO

My wife and I bought a camper! The problem we need to solve is the truck is too tall for the camper, the difference in height between the truck and trailer is 9". In this video I plan to close in that gap so the trailer sits more level when hooked up to the truck.
Prices are a bit higher now than they were when I did this video, still the best price on amazon:
Weld on spring perch for 2-3/8" in axle tubes:
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Galvanized U-bolt and plate kit:
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Equipment I used to do this job:
Miller 252 MIG Welder: amzn.to/3jFkC3b
Miller Elite Welding Helmet: amzn.to/3jFluEZ
Black Stallion Leather Welding Gloves: amzn.to/3hZ79CX
DeWalt Cutting Wheels: amzn.to/3IdBcRJ
DeWalt Grinding Wheels: amzn.to/3WyWH44
Irwin Vice Grip C Clamp: amzn.to/3G8bkUH
6" Heavy Duty C Clamps: amzn.to/3hZy8OK
Amazon Affiliate Storefront:
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[@Oldtech51]

The non-factory shackle bolts aren't splined, so they won't spin. Just tack the Bolt Head to the shackle plate so the bushings have to rotate around the bolts. The wires that run through the axle tubes will often short out on the inside of the axle tubes. Duplex wiring can be run on the back side of the axle tubes. Wheel bearing should have a little play.001"to .005" end play.

[@frostydoesit]

good advice on the tack weld to keep the bolt from spinning!

[@tomahawksteak6672]

Recently redid my trailer suspension. I used bronze bushings and wet bolts on the springs and equalizers. Time will tell how long they will hold up. I do like the fact I can pump grease thru the bolts onto the bushings.

[@frostydoesit]

That's a great idea, I'm sure it'll hold up pretty well! I'd like to get my hands on those parts, where did you buy them?

[@texasbigdogify]

Great job, I would have never thought of flipping the axles. I really wish my welds looked as good as yours do!

[@frostydoesit]

Thank you Larry! This project turned out really well. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and let me know what you thought! -Frosty

[@mikemcmillan5482]

I watched your truck frame video. You have skills. Good video, audio and content.

[@frostydoesit]

Thank you Mike! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know all that. Certainly gives me motivation to continue! -Frosty

[@carykern6079]

Great video, thank you!!

[@frostydoesit]

Glad you liked it! -Frosty

[@Huntmx24]

Thanks for the video! I think ill do this to my 5th wheel. Its a 2002 and right now I only have 4-5 inches between truck bedrails and 5thwheel. Great job on the video. Seems like a fairly easy job.

[@frostydoesit]

It was a fairly easy job, it got me the height I needed, I was able to finish the job in like 6 hours and that included filming, that always slows me down! Thanks for watching! -Frosty

[@MysticalBldInc]

loved this video, thanks for posting. looking to do same to my toy hauler..

[@frostydoesit]

Thank you! I enjoyed making the video, my wife and I will be taking this camper out for the 1st time in a couple of weeks.

[@Lfs1891]

I read the comment about the added support to the frame. I did this to my 96 trailer. And now have to weld both rear hanger brackets because they torn off the frame.

[@frostydoesit]

what caused them to tear off your frame? Tell us more about the situation?!

[@offthecuffadventures]

I loved the video and explanations regarding why you replaced certain parts and what parts typically wear out; all the things to anticipate ahould probably be replaced to avoid future issues when on the road. One question is if the raised height effected trailering/handling at all and would you recommend "flipping" axles? I have the same issue with an older 5th wheel we bought attached to our newer Ram 3500 so the trailer rides nose high. Thanks

[@frostydoesit]

Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the video, I enjoyed making it and I have put on a few thousand miles on the trailer since the video was released. The trailer pulls much better than it did prior as it's no longer nose high, the weight is spread evenly now on both axles. I have not noticed anything negative at all. A few things I'd keep in mind is the overall height to make sure you don't have problems with bridges or the State troopers, keep it under 13'6". I think the spring over axle was a great idea and I'm glad I did it, but make sure you don't "flip" the axle 180*. That'll put the camber/bend in your axle the wrong way and your brakes will then be upside down. Keep the axle orientation the same and move the spring position. Hope this helps! -Frosty

[@stevebelardes397]

Nice Video a lot of good info. Should have reinforced the hangers while you were that far into that project.

[@frostydoesit]

Thank you! I thought about that, the camper is a 1996 and has been all over the country, I figured after 28 years of use they hadn't broken or cracked yet I'll leave them for now. Thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment! -Frosty

[@rtownsend744brad]

Could've added blocks between axles and leaf spring for additional lift

[@frostydoesit]

Yes, blocks could be added, but it sits right where I want it without blocks. The spring over axle worked out well in this case. Thanks for watching!

[@mikethomsen5096]

you should just upgrade the shackles

[@frostydoesit]

Upgrade the shackles to what?