Posted 2013-03-31 8:13 PM (#151001) Subject: Raising a horse trailer
Member
Posts: 47 Location: South Dakota
I just got a semi to pull my LQ horse trailer with. We lowered the hitch as far as we can but its still nose high a few inches. Are any of you familiar with raising a torsion axle trailer so it sits level? Basically it looks like putting a lift kit in a pickup. What is the approximate cost? Thank you.
Posted 2013-03-31 8:36 PM (#151003 - in reply to #151001) Subject: RE: Raising a horse trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
When we got our 4500 Chevy, it made the trailer nose high also. I cut off the receiver part of the trailer ~1.5" allowing the coupler tube to go up in the receiver hitch that much farther. Measured the depth of the receiver to make sure it would not bottom out and still have another 2" or so before it hits. Went as high as possible which was flush with the bottom of the gussets welded on the receiver. I did call the trailer manufacture and they were fine with it.
Posted 2013-03-31 8:58 PM (#151005 - in reply to #151003) Subject: RE: Raising a horse trailer
Member
Posts: 47 Location: South Dakota
Great idea! We never thought of that. Just got the ball hitch put on today, was really disappointed when it wasn't level. I'll mention it to my husband and might give that a whirl. We also have a 1 ton dually and I'm assuming I could still adjust it to ride level with that even if we cut it off?
Posted 2013-03-31 9:49 PM (#151007 - in reply to #151001) Subject: RE: Raising a horse trailer
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Out in our part of the country we frequently "Block" the axles to gain a couple inches of ground clearance so we can travel down Forest Service and BLM dirt roads. Not something most trailers need for traveling to and from the fairgrounds, But us back country riders find it very helpful.
Most competent trailer repairs can do the job, It involves taken off the axles and placing blocks on the trailer and rewelding everything back in place. Around here it is usually a $300 per axle job. Or $600 for your trailer. And most usually life the trailer around 3"
Posted 2013-03-31 10:05 PM (#151008 - in reply to #151007) Subject: RE: Raising a horse trailer
Member
Posts: 47 Location: South Dakota
That's what we were looking into doing. We'll check with the trailer shop in the morning. I have problems with my trailer being so low I bottom out so lifting it would probably be a good thing. Thank you for your reply.
Posted 2013-04-01 10:22 AM (#151022 - in reply to #151001) Subject: RE: Raising a horse trailer
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
On my trailers it has taken my rear step up height from 17" to 20". This has not been a big deal for the horses since I usually let my horses turn around and walk out. It can be a little bit of concern if you have managers and a tighter inside space where you need the horses to back out. My horses get a little nervous with that big of a step off when they are backing out.
If I am asking them to back out, I take a little extra care to try and position the wheels in a low spot that helps to lower the rear step height.
Posted 2013-04-01 2:27 PM (#151030 - in reply to #151001) Subject: RE: Raising a horse trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Just a note of caution with pulling an LQ trailer with a semi tractor. Depending on how heavy a suspension that your semi has (single axle/versus tandem etc.); semi's can be tough on the structural integrity of af an LQ. You might want tot look into an "air ride" type coupler on your hitch. There are several companies that offer these. Just a side thought.
Posted 2013-04-01 5:18 PM (#151035 - in reply to #151030) Subject: RE: Raising a horse trailer
Member
Posts: 47 Location: South Dakota
Originally written by jim bob on 2013-04-01 2:27 PM
Just a note of caution with pulling an LQ trailer with a semi tractor. Depending on how heavy a suspension that your semi has (single axle/versus tandem etc.); semi's can be tough on the structural integrity of af an LQ. You might want tot look into an "air ride" type coupler on your hitch. There are several companies that offer these. Just a side thought.
Thank you and I did think of that. Can you give me an idea on price and what hitch you recommend?