Posted 2008-05-08 11:43 AM (#83512) Subject: Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
Regular
Posts: 56 Location: va
Hey, I have a 97 Soft Touch 3 horse. It is too low for my 03 Dodge dually. I am looking for suggestions on where to get the trailer body raised up 3 or 4 in off the axles. I talked with the factory and they said it was OK to do but it has to be done carefully. I am in Va does anyone know here I can get this done? I am willing to go out of sate if I have to. Thanks David
Posted 2008-05-08 12:18 PM (#83517 - in reply to #83512) Subject: RE: Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
Expert
Posts: 2615
We had our axles blocked,but not because it was too low for our truck.Our tanks were in danger of being drug off on the roads we have to travel,so that's why we did it.The dealer where we got our trailer raised ours,Jim's Motors,Cuba,MO.
Posted 2008-05-09 8:32 AM (#83579 - in reply to #83564) Subject: RE: Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
Expert
Posts: 2615
I believe for the lift kit 4" it was somewhere around $4-$500 this was in Nov.and I can't remember an exact figure,but,someplace in that neighborhood I think.
Posted 2008-05-10 12:19 AM (#83628 - in reply to #83512) Subject: RE: Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489 Location: CA
My Dodge 4X4 was way too tall for my '92 trailer and I didn't want to raise the trailer so high the horses had a hard time stepping into it...I don't have a ramp. So, I had the truck lowered, as well as the trailer raised, in order to get the trailer to travel level. It was a pain to do both, but now I'm happy with my set up. I had the truck done at the dealer and the trailer done at a welding shop recommended by a local trailer sales lot. I think the welding cost ~$400.00.
Posted 2008-05-10 12:30 AM (#83630 - in reply to #83628) Subject: RE: Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
Expert
Posts: 2615
I don't have a ramp on ours,either.My horses are trail horses so it's not really a problem for them to step in.Stepping OUT is the tricky part for them.I let them take a good look and cue them with voice to "step down" when it is time.Long as they take it slow,it works out OK.
It is when I try to step in the back or the tack section that is a problem!!! It's more of a "climb" than a step!!!!!
Posted 2008-05-10 8:03 AM (#83640 - in reply to #83512) Subject: RE: Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
Regular
Posts: 67 Location: Edinburg, Va.
There is a trailer repair/maintenance shop in Hamilton, Va. near Leesburg. I am thinking of contacting them to see if they can raise my trailer also. They advertise as a full service trailer facility. Sorry, don't have their name or number handy but I think they advertise in the Virginia Horse Journal.
Posted 2008-05-10 9:29 AM (#83645 - in reply to #83641) Subject: RE: Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
Expert
Posts: 2615
It made them stop and take a long look the first time.Wasn't a problem for our bigger gelding but the mare with shorter legs inspected it.She has to get a little bit of a "run" at it but she hops on in.I put shin boots on them both (they got some looks at the riding camp where we unloaded) but I thought it would be a good idea even tho there is a rubber bumper there,of course.It is backing out that you have to take time with.My husband had walked to the pasture at home to turn off the fence,so,I thought I'd unload my mare from the last stall.I dropped the bar,and when I unhooked her from the window,before I could get around there,she had managed to turn around,banging the tack wall in the process,and jump out! I ran her back in there,and made her back out.I don't let mine jump out head first.
Posted 2008-05-10 11:05 PM (#83683 - in reply to #83512) Subject: RE: Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I'm not worried about my horses getting IN the trailer. My horses have stepped up over 3' tall ledges frequently. But since I have to back the out of the trailer. I'm more worried about backing out off a higher drop. My trailer currentlyu has a 18" step up for the horses. A 4" lift would do wonders for my sewage drain pipes. But I worry about that 22" back off . And when I camp in the mountains on uneven terrain, it could be more than 22" depending on how I park.
Blocking up a trailers axles, ????
. I had the truck done at the dealer and the trailer done at a welding shop recommended by a local trailer sales lot. I think the welding cost ~$400.00.