Raising the floor level of my trailer... - Fiberglass RV
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Old 11-15-2018, 01:16 PM   #1
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Name: Blaine
Trailer: Aritocrat Landcommander
Washington
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Raising the floor level of my trailer...

I've purchased a beautiful antique (50 year old!) trailer which sits too low to the ground to fit my portable waste tote underneath it. What's the best way to raise the trailer so that this isn't a problem? Know some reputable travel trailer repair outfits in the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area?
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Old 11-15-2018, 02:42 PM   #2
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Don't think an Aristocrat is molded fiberglass, but your question is general enough that I will venture a response. Raising the clearance under a trailer requires modifying or replacing the axle, which depends on what kind of axle you have. Is it a leaf-spring axle or a rubber torsion axle? If it's a leaf-spring axle, is it a straight beam or a drop beam? And finally, how much additional clearance are we talking about?

We do have lots of members in the Portland/Vancouver region, so hopefully some of them will chime in with recommendations. It doesn't have to be a travel trailer/RV shop. Often the best places for suspension work are utility trailer shops or suspension specialty shops.

Best wishes!
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Old 11-15-2018, 03:28 PM   #3
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Consider joining the Rollin' Oldies Vintage Trailer group on Facebook. They're a Pacific Northwest Facebook group. A number of members own the Aristocrat brand and I'm betting they have all the knowledge you need: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Roll...-157804231159/
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Old 11-15-2018, 04:19 PM   #4
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Name: Blaine
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Thanks. I will. TY very much!
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Old 11-15-2018, 04:24 PM   #5
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Name: Blaine
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Yup. "We're" not Fiberglass. But this forum is what got me into the idea of owning one. Everyone has been very helpful. Thanks for the educated advise. Weather permitting I'll snap a picture of the axle for review. Lots of utility trailer places in NW Portland on or around Columbia Way. Guessing I drop by with a picture or two and ask some questions before I haul it in.
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Old 11-15-2018, 04:26 PM   #6
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Oh, sorry, I looking for about 4 inches more clearance.
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Old 11-15-2018, 05:11 PM   #7
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Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
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Potter Webster Corp. in Portland Or. is a Dexter Axle distributor with lots of inventory. They also sell many other brands of truck and trailer parts. In addition, they own several trailer repair shops. all located in NE Portland. Worth a phone call.
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Old 11-15-2018, 05:36 PM   #8
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Name: Gordon
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Originally Posted by Woof70 View Post
I've purchased a beautiful antique (50 year old!) trailer which sits too low to the ground to fit my portable waste tote underneath it. ...
Is that the objective? To put a waste tank under it? Or are you only using that as a measure of how low it is?

Because if the objective is to get a waste tank under the camper, then there has to be much easier and cheaper solutions. This 15 gallon tote is all of seven inches high, although the hoses would add to that. And maybe you can set the tote on the ground just outside the camper and run a hose? Just guessing, sight unseen.

Of course if you want to raise it for another reason such as getting on difficult areas, thats different.
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Old 11-15-2018, 11:11 PM   #9
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from googling, thats a 18' single axle tin-side trailer from circa 1968?

4" is quite a lot of lift. you likely would need to both drop the axles AND use bigger wheels to get there.

maybe the easiest solution is to park it on blocks to raise it 4", and use blocks under the nose jack to level it ?
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Old 11-15-2018, 11:34 PM   #10
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Why not just park the trailer up on a couple of boards? I do this regularly to level mine. Two 4X6 planks, laid on their sides so that they are 4" high, would raise the trailer just the right amount to slide your tote underneath. Then you can tow it in it's lower height and you don't have to buy a new axle or springs.
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Old 11-16-2018, 01:01 AM   #11
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A toilet tent and a portable toilet is a much less expensive solution.
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Old 11-16-2018, 03:55 AM   #12
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from my googling for this Aristocrat, the water usage would be grey water from the sink... the one I saw with a bathroom, it had a cartridge style toilet
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Old 11-16-2018, 07:51 AM   #13
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Trailer: 2014 16 scamp side dinette/Rav4 V6 Tow pkg.
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Why not just park the trailer up on a couple of boards? I do this regularly to level mine. Two 4X6 planks, laid on their sides so that they are 4" high, would raise the trailer just the right amount to slide your tote underneath. Then you can tow it in it's lower height and you don't have to buy a new axle or springs.
Yep, that is what I would do. No cost. Carl
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Old 11-16-2018, 02:50 PM   #14
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No problem just travel with elevators.
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Old 11-21-2018, 03:10 PM   #15
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Name: Blaine
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I love you all!

Thank you for your time, research and experienced advise. Two boards works!!
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Old 11-21-2018, 09:27 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by Woof70 View Post
Thank you for your time, research and experienced advise. Two boards works!!
Splurge and carry a few more boards to level the rig as well.
If you stack them in a "pyramid" then it is less of a drop pulling off and on.
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