2007 Shadow cruiser funfinder axle issue

[Joe2007Funfinder]

I just purchased a 2007 Fun Finder shadow cruiser T240.
After getting it home I noticed the front axle tube is hitting the cross member that holds the fresh water tank. I’m sick over it thinking I got ripped off. Trailer seems to tow well and the tires are evenly worn.
Could it be the springs sagged from age? Common issue? Nothing appears broken.
Thank you all!
Joe

 

[profdant139]

Joe, this is not a problem -- it is an opportunity to upgrade from a low rated axle to a hefty unit! Much more rugged.

I did exactly that on my 2012 X-139.

 

[Joe2007Funfinder]

Any idea what causes the issue? It must have sagged several inches. I’ll have to take a picture tomorrow.
Thanks for the reply!

 

[Joe2007Funfinder]

Here are some pictures. You can see the cross bar hitting the axle. Both axles look the same with no damage. The leaf springs also look normal without excess sag. Can I move the axle under the spring?
Thank you
Joe

 

[profdant139]

I can't tell if there is any damage, but yes, you can do an axle flip for greater ground clearance.

There are DIY kits -- I had mine done by my dealer. I call that DIY -- "dealer instead of you."

 

[JimboFunFinder]

Your springs look fairly straight/flat to me and I would guess they started out with a lot more arc to them when they were new. An axle flip would be one approach but it requires welding of the perch which sits on the axle tube to the opposite side of the tube. I have never done an axle flip but I did replace the leaf springs on a prior trailer. My leaf springs had become flat and I decided to replace the springs with leaf packs which had a higher spring rate. For example, if your axles are each 2000 lbs (just a guess) then each of your springs might be rated 1000 lbs. I think I purchased leaf packs which were about 20-25% greater in spring rate and as I remember they had one more leaf. These worked out great for me as the leaf packs maintained more of an arc after they were installed. This raised my trailer and I had no further problem with it sagging. I would guess that you would still be able to purchase leaf springs once you get the old ones off and measure them.

 

[Joe2007Funfinder]

Thank you for the info! I’m thinking it must be the springs as everything else seems fine.
I did confirm with dexter axle that they are 3500 lb axles. I’ll look into buying new springs.
Thanks again
Joe

 

[JimboFunFinder]

You're welcome!
Hopefully you can purchase leaf springs which are a little heavier duty and won't go flat on you in the future.

 

[JimboFunFinder]

I noticed that etrailer.com sells both 3 and 4 leaf springs for 3500 lb axles. Yours appear to be only 3 leaf.

 

[profdant139]

So if you replace the leaf springs and then do an axle flip, are you turning over a new leaf?

 

[JimboFunFinder]

LOL!!!
You are too sharp!!!

 

[foakes]

You didn’t get ripped off, Joe —

It is what Jimbo said —

This is an easy fix.

And, best to remember, you have a 15 year old trailer —

There appears to be no damage to your axles — or mounting brackets — so all it could be is the leaf springs have flattened out somewhat.

We have a 189FBS, and wanted to do an axle flip (actually just moving the axles from the top side of the springs — to under the springs — no flipping).

In our neck of the woods — we had a well established trailer shop do the work.

It required a little torching and welding — new axle mounts — new nuts, bolts, and “U” bolts — bill was $200.

It would not be much more to also replace the springs at the same time — just cost of springs and a little more labor.

We gained exactly 4.5” of height — and even if never going off the asphalt — it prevents the rear stabilizer jacks from being ruined when going up or down a steep driveway into a parking lot.

Trailer handles perfectly — and it was an inexpensive and worthwhile modification.

We also run Goodyear Endurance trailer tires — and they perform well — plus any tire you run will last much longer and be safer with good springs.

Best, Fred

 

[Rocky Mtn marmot]

Axle

I flipped my axles in 2017 on my 2010 189FBS,. In December a spring broke!!! Lippert recommended replacing all the springs on both axles due to the age, so I did. I never noticed any sagging in the springs. And in 2017 I had also switched out the regular brakes to Lippert's self adjusting brakes and Lippert's Equa Flex equalizers. Also replaced the plastic bushings with Lippert's Never Fail bushings, and installed wet bolts..

 

[twinster2]

I thought about flipping the axles but as my dog and I get older, the last thing we need is to climb 4 inches higher into the trailer.

 

[profdant139]

twinster, maybe look into a Torklift Glowstep Revolution? It makes it very easy to get in and out, no matter the height of the trailer.

If you want more info, let me know.

 

[Rocky Mtn marmot]

I switched out my single folding step to a double step that solved that problem...and I am over 70!