Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser (2 Viewers)

[TeCKis300]

Its a very low trailer. Not my trailer but the same trailer:

View attachment 3558713

It has Dexter Torsion axles, which I wasn't really paying attention too when I bought it. It also was running like 185/80R13's. The other issue was that the axles are so close together that it really limits tire size. I upgraded to 205/75R14's but that was about all I could run(I think I could have run a 215/75R14) without possibly getting tire to tire contact in some situations.

I ended up having plates fabricated to not only lower the axles 3" but also spread them apart as well so I can safely fit a 235/75R15, which is the largest ST tire available for a 5 lug axle. Between the lift and tire size I would gain 5" of clearance.

View attachment 3558716

Interesting. Similar to my setup as Airstreams utilize Dexter Torsion axles too for better independent suspension, damping, and yes they are pretty low stock. I was able to source Dexter 2 5/8" lift blocks. Likewise upsized to a 235/75R15 tire.

Your relative height to mine looks to be where I'd expect things to fall.

I'm just under 1" nose high on the trailer statically. AHC lowers 3/4" at speed, bringing things to just about level, while further tensioning the WD bars at speed to increase stability.

 

[skrypj]

Interesting. Similar to my setup as Airstreams utilize Dexter Torsion axles too for better independent suspension, damping, and yes they are pretty low stock. I was able to source Dexter 2 5/8" lift blocks. Likewise upsized to a 235/75R15 tire.

Your relative height to mine looks to be where I'd expect things to fall.

Yeah, this things axles dont have any kind of block. Those plates with the 4 bolts in the second picture are the only anchor points to the frame, there is not horizontal component that the frame rests on. Its a really odd setup.

At some point Jayco did have lifted axles for this trailer, but it literally consisted of the torsion arm just being at a steeper angle.

 

[JAS4]

Ive considered cutting it and redrilling a new pin hole. It was fine on my F150 but on my GX and LX it sticks out ridiculously far.

But also, being a weight distribution hitch, im not sure it matters so much.

3rd up vote on this. Have it cut a bit and it’ll ride better.

 

[GordJ]

Its a very low trailer. Not my trailer but the same trailer:



It has Dexter Torsion axles, which I wasn't really paying attention too when I bought it. It also was running like 185/80R13's. The other issue was that the axles are so close together that it really limits tire size. I upgraded to 205/75R14's but that was about all I could run(I think I could have run a 215/75R14) without possibly getting tire to tire contact in some situations.

I ended up having plates fabricated to not only lower the axles 3" but also spread them apart as well so I can safely fit a 235/75R15, which is the largest ST tire available for a 5 lug axle. Between the lift and tire size I would gain 5" of clearance.

I wondered how they raised the Dexter axle and now I know. I was reluctant to look at trailers online that had them because of my ignorance.

 

[linuxgod]

I wondered how they raised the Dexter axle and now I know. I was reluctant to look at trailers online that had them because of my ignorance.

On the newer Lance campers (which are also slung quite low) there’s a 2.5” lift kit which is just a set of lift blocks I think.

On the first generation Lance trailers (which I have) the Dexter axle actually sits recessed into the frame, so the only way to lift it is to “fill in” the frame with a brace and the axle sits under that, resulting in a hick-looking 6” lift. And then you have to extend the stabilizers and the entry steps and possibly the jack length quite a bit.

I realize it’s a Jayco and different setup but my point is that even with the Dexter axles it depends on how they are mounted. It might be as simple as some spacers or as shown in this thread it might be complicated.

If you’re going to do the complicated route I do recommend trying to spread the axles enough to fit 215/75R15 tires as 15” are available in non-ST variants but 14” are only available as ST nowadays. Fortunately though you can now get 81+ mph rated load D and E 14” tires, unlike a few years ago where they were all C rated and limited to 62 mph

Note that there are different angles available for the axles. I think the default is 22 degrees but you can get them with 30 or 45 degree angles which will add a small amount of lift to the factory setup. It’s quite expensive though and if you’re doing that it’s probably worth getting heavier axles so you can (unofficially) carry more load… and then of course different tires and wheels and…

 

[skrypj]

On the newer Lance campers (which are also slung quite low) there’s a 2.5” lift kit which is just a set of lift blocks I think.

On the first generation Lance trailers (which I have) the Dexter axle actually sits recessed into the frame, so the only way to lift it is to “fill in” the frame with a brace and the axle sits under that, resulting in a hick-looking 6” lift. And then you have to extend the stabilizers and the entry steps and possibly the jack length quite a bit.

I realize it’s a Jayco and different setup but my point is that even with the Dexter axles it depends on how they are mounted. It might be as simple as some spacers or as shown in this thread it might be complicated.

If you’re going to do the complicated route I do recommend trying to spread the axles enough to fit 215/75R15 tires as 15” are available in non-ST variants but 14” are only available as ST nowadays. Fortunately though you can now get 81+ mph rated load D and E 14” tires, unlike a few years ago where they were all C rated and limited to 62 mph

Note that there are different angles available for the axles. I think the default is 22 degrees but you can get them with 30 or 45 degree angles which will add a small amount of lift to the factory setup. It’s quite expensive though and if you’re doing that it’s probably worth getting heavier axles so you can (unofficially) carry more load… and then of course different tires and wheels and…

I wondered how they raised the Dexter axle and now I know. I was reluctant to look at trailers online that had them because of my ignorance.

This. It depends on the specific trailer. In some cases the dexter axles are just mounted to the bottom of the frame rails and its a simple spacer lift.
In my case, with this Jayco, its much more complicated and custom. That said, there is a guy on the Jayco forum as well as me who have DXF files for the plates. So if you were to run into a trailer needing these, you can just take the DXF to any shop with a CNC plasma cutter or water jet.

My plates are different than the other guys in that they spread the axles apart to fit larger tires.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

I wondered how they raised the Dexter axle and now I know. I was reluctant to look at trailers online that had them because of my ignorance.

One of my previous trailers had a torsion axle (just like the Dexters) and I had it lifted. Lots of photos/details right here: eatSleepWoof's 2019 Erwin Hymer Touring GT550 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/eatsleepwoofs-2019-erwin-hymer-touring-gt550.1227814/page-2#post-13464137

Note that they installed axle components which allow for bolt off/on adjustment of the torsion arm, which effectively lets you raise/lower the trailer in about 30 minutes with basic hand tools. Handy feature to have IMO.

Work was done by Nomad Trailer Axle & Brake - within driving distance of you.

 

[GordJ]

Work was done by Nomad Trailer Axle & Brake - within driving distance of you.

The new trailer has conventional axles so it is a simple flip. Off to Edmonton next week to pick it up.

 

[linuxgod]

One of my previous trailers had a torsion axle (just like the Dexters) and I had it lifted. Lots of photos/details right here: eatSleepWoof's 2019 Erwin Hymer Touring GT550 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/eatsleepwoofs-2019-erwin-hymer-touring-gt550.1227814/page-2#post-13464137

Note that they installed axle components which allow for bolt off/on adjustment of the torsion arm, which effectively lets you raise/lower the trailer in about 30 minutes with basic hand tools. Handy feature to have IMO.

Work was done by Nomad Trailer Axle & Brake - within driving distance of you.

Yeah the gen 1 Lance’s are a stupid design:

Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser

Ordered a Lance 2185 with mountain graphics today. Should pair well with the Land Cruiser. I’ll post about how it tows when we pick it up in early September. You'll love it. They did a great job maximizing interior space. My only wish with my 2015 is that I could retrofit the 2.5" lift kit...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[skrypj]

Yeah the gen 1 Lance’s are a stupid design:

Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser

Ordered a Lance 2185 with mountain graphics today. Should pair well with the Land Cruiser. I’ll post about how it tows when we pick it up in early September. You'll love it. They did a great job maximizing interior space. My only wish with my 2015 is that I could retrofit the 2.5" lift kit...

forum.ih8mud.com

How are people ordering the axles? Those look exactly the same as mine but I could never get anyone to order the new lifted axles for me. Campers World looked at me like I had 2 heads.

Also, I wonder if the 45* axles ride like crap?

 

[eatSleepWoof]

The new trailer has conventional axles so it is a simple flip. Off to Edmonton next week to pick it up.

Keep in mind that axles typically have a built-in curvature to them, which is meant to be facing up. Lots of people flip these axles upside down, which points that curvature downwards, and that's not how they're meant to be used. Rather than flipping a traditional axle, I'd have new perches welded on top of the axle, and mount the leaf springs to those new perches, while keeping the axle in original orientation.

Pics of the new trailer when you get it!

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Yeah the gen 1 Lance’s are a stupid design:

Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser

Ordered a Lance 2185 with mountain graphics today. Should pair well with the Land Cruiser. I’ll post about how it tows when we pick it up in early September. You'll love it. They did a great job maximizing interior space. My only wish with my 2015 is that I could retrofit the 2.5" lift kit...

forum.ih8mud.com

That's actually similar to what my old Hymer had. The axle was basically entirely hidden within the underbelly, and not accessible. During construction it was literally bolted in from the top, and then the flooring was installed overtop of it, so it was impossible to get to. Rather than trying to remove that axle, my shop simply cut the axle ends off, welded caps on the newly cut ends, and mounted a new axle below.

 

[GordJ]

Keep in mind that axles typically have a built-in curvature to them, which is meant to be facing up. Lots of people flip these axles upside down, which points that curvature downwards, and that's not how they're meant to be used. Rather than flipping a traditional axle, I'd have new perches welded on top of the axle, and mount the leaf springs to those new perches, while keeping the axle in original orientation.

Pics of the new trailer when you get it!

I have always loved the term “flip the axles” and understand exactly what you mean. It’ll be done at a reputable axle shop and the springs will be mounted above instead of below the axle. One concern that i have is that the steps are the new fold up inside the trailer type and I’m not sure how the steps will reach the ground. I tend to park in uneven sites and if the ground slopes away from the door I may need a ladder.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

I have always loved the term “flip the axles” and understand exactly what you mean. It’ll be done at a reputable axle shop and the springs will be mounted above instead of below the axle. One concern that i have is that the steps are the new fold up inside the trailer type and I’m not sure how the steps will reach the ground. I tend to park in uneven sites and if the ground slopes away from the door I may need a ladder.

If you're talking about this type of stair, it may have height-adjustable feet. I actually bought this exact stair for my previous project, and while it didn't work with my particular use-case/door setup, the stair itself was very solid and I think you'll be happy to have it.

Oh and this RV step may be a good option to bridge the gap between the ground and the stairs in your trailer. I have that very step and it's pretty decent.

 

[GordJ]

If you're talking about this type of stair, it may have height-adjustable feet. I actually bought this exact stair for my previous project, and while it didn't work with my particular use-case/door setup, the stair itself was very solid and I think you'll be happy to have it.

Yeah, that type. I know that the steps are adjustable but the trailer will be going up 6” or 8” so I’m a little concerned. A person has to have something to personalize every new purchase and that will be one of mine. No biggy.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Yeah, that type. I know that the steps are adjustable but the trailer will be going up 6” or 8” so I’m a little concerned. A person has to have something to personalize every new purchase and that will be one of mine. No biggy.

The adjustable-leg part seems to be just aluminium channel with holes drilled, should be easy to make a longer one!

 

[TeCKis300]

Oh and this RV step may be a good option to bridge the gap between the ground and the stairs in your trailer. I have that very step and it's pretty decent.

Yes, great to have. Sometimes there's just some unexpected grade or uneven ground that makes the first step way up there.

I find having a step for the LX to be handy too. Even as AHC brings things lower, that same uneven ground is ever present

 

[GordJ]

That is the step that I have now for the outgoing trailer but, of course, if the legs from the new steps don't hit the ground ???? Just new trailer questions to be answered in the next couple of months. blocks, pipe extensions, other solutions to what may or may not be an issue.

 

[sleepycruiser]

Picked up an M1101 yesterday. Need to get some extra Lc200 wheels to match the Cruiser and the wheel adapter from Lexus hubs to 5 lug.

A little bumpy at slow speeds, but on the interstate pulled well.

 

[skrypj]

Nice and level!

Have you considered a shorter hitch to reduce rear axle to tow ball distance?

Happy now?