[A/S] Flipping Axles

[<David@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello all,

This past weekend I was at my local Airstream dealer to 
pick my trailer up after some minor service.  While I was 
there I asked the service manager if they installed 
replacement axles for Airstreams since I would like to get 
additional ground clearance on my 1990 32'.  He indicated 
that they did but that normally for additional ground 
clearance on older axles they just "flip" the axles.

I questioned him about this and expressed scepticism about 
flipping a duratorque axle.  He proceeded to assure me 
that they could do it and that they didn't really flip the 
axles they just call it that because it was a common thing 
to do on older trailers without duratorques.  He even 
showed me the mounting brackets that are used to raise the 
position of the axle.  He said they do three or four every 
year and that it is an approved service by Airstream.

This particular dealership has sold Airstreams for 30 
years and I have used them for the past 10 years with 
total satisfaction so I am inclined to trust them. 
 However,I still remain sceptical because I know there has 
been discussion about axle replacement and I am wondering 
if raising the axle mounts or "flipping" them is an 
acceptable option.  I know that I will eventually need to 
replace the axles but right now I cannot afford the $1500+ 
to do so.  I need about 3 or 4 inches of additional ground 
clearance to easily get the trailer in and out of my 
driveway without scraping.  The long overhand on the 32' 
is problematic with the slope of my driveway combined with 
the crown on the street.  I have never had a problem with 
it while traveling or in campgrounds.

David Robertson