Re: [SilverStreak] Flipped axels (again)

[<thetansedan@xxxxxxx>]

All it takes is once. B Modifying the suspension w/o input from a pro isn't a
good idea on something this heavy. B My parents vehicles were beautifully
matched, and his skill as a driver B is almost unmatched. B While it might be
"okay" so far as performance goes, it is still poor by comparison to the
original.
A systematic approach would be best: tires, axle design, spring rate and shock
absorbers.


-----Original Message-----
From: Keneth Wilson <ke5dfr@sbcglobal.net>
To: sslist@tompatterson.com
Sent: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 6:34 am
Subject: Re: [SilverStreak] Flipped axels (again)


Anytime you raise a trailer or a truck, you decrease the stability due to a
higher center of gravity (CG).  The higher CG makes the vehicel tippy in plane
terms, so you are always beeter off keeping the trailer or truck lower than
higher.

As for the axles over or  under the springs, aand the use of dropped axles
over
staight axles, it is all done to keep the CG lower.

With the taller tow vehicles, you se more and moer trailer that set high...but
if you notice, the olser trailers like the SS all tow better with fewer
problems
than the current trailer.  Part of the reason for towing better is the
aerodynamics and part is the lower CG.

By going from an over spring to an under spring arrangement, is a minimal lift
and probably will not be noticed on a properly matched tow vehicle.

Ken Wilson
KE5DFR@sbcglobal.net
Cypress, Texas



----- Original Message ----
From: "thetansedan@aol.com" <thetansedan@aol.com>
To: sslist@tompatterson.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 9:34:45 PM
Subject: Re: [SilverStreak] Flipped axels (again)

My parents raised their first one, a 1975 model. B I am convinced, that after
exhaustive talks with my father ten years ago, that this was a contributing
factor to their trailer having rolled in an emergency lane change on the
highway. B I would not ever do my own, nor would I ever recommend it. B My
father wanted the extra ground clearance, but the tradeoff is not worth it.
B You can bet he did not do the axle flip on the second S/S. There is only so
much movement (rocking) that, first, the shock absorbers and, second, the
springs can handle when the trailer starts to tip for whatever reason. B The
design of the suspension needs to be different to accommodate this increased
height.


-----Original Message-----
From: Bussiere, Curtis L SFC RES USAR TRADOC <curtis.bussiere@us.army.mil>
To: sslist <sslist@tompatterson.com>
Sent: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 5:51 am
Subject: [SilverStreak] Flipped axels (again)


I am trying to post pictures of my 1974 Continental Supreme. Last summer I
flipped the axels and installed new shocks in order to give the unit more
ground
clearance and present a better appearance when hooked up to a more modern
higher
tow vehicle.
At that time there was much discussion about center of balance and some
speculated that the additional 4 inches would make the rig a tipping hazard.
This has proven to not be the case with us. We have put several hundred miles
on
since the flip and if anything it seems to handle better. It required new
center
pins and guide holes and of course anytime I remove a U bolt I replace it.
The
old shocks were a couple of inches to short and the boys at Auto Zone let me
go
back and dig through their shocks to find the size I needed. Of course all
was
torqued then routinely checked along the road for the first hundred miles as
new
U bolts will stretch. There has been no slipping and the axels track is true.
This was a driveway project and I recommend it to anyone who wants to stop
dragging their tail over every dip and improve the look of their unit when
towing with a higher clearance vehicle.
I will await directions for posting my pictures.
This was not a 180deg flip it was moving the axels from top to the bottom of
the springs. a 180deg flip will not work as the axels are designed to flex
one
way only. (dot ask me how I know this) Thanks Curt