Underslung conversion

[macca]

I am thinking of getting the underslung conversion done on our 16-49-4. Not going to go full off-road, just the occasional national park trip up to the Murray etc. As we are going to get an annexe I thought it best to do the conversion first. The only issue I can see is the need the fit a step (anyone done this?), changing the hitch height and letting insurance company know. I think the Alko drop downs should still be OK. Anything else I should think of?

Cheers Geoff

 

[Xpandafan]

I am thinking of getting the underslung conversion done on our 16-49-4. Not going to go full off-road, just the occasional national park trip up to the Murray etc. As we are going to get an annexe I thought it best to do the conversion first. The only issue I can see is the need the fit a step (anyone done this?), changing the hitch height and letting insurance company know. I think the Alko drop downs should still be OK. Anything else I should think of?
Cheers Geoff

Yep. Fully recommend. Best mod that I've (had) done. Just use a folding caravan step like this. Safe and sturdy (about$60).

 

[crackacoldie]

We use a nylex garden sprinkler box, I put a base in it and can use it as a storage box.

 

[malibu]

It is an interesting question under slinging.
I did to my first van in 2011 .... easy to do but the rules http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2007C00494
have a look at this first http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb1/vsb_01_b.aspx#16
If you have an overlay axle flipping it is not an option due to they often have a bend in them making the camber ?wrong.so the guide tabs have to be relocated and the spring assembly bolts reversed, a strait axle is easier. Should be around $400.

Now that your head is spinning Take a look at a new boat trailer and some Aussie built big vans and you will find ball heights well outside the rules and even tail light way too high so you can make up you own mind .I just mention this cause someone else will.
Try ring the RTA and ask for an engineer if in NSW ,I was pleasantly surprised. The 3 insurance companies I rang just wanted it to be done in a professional manner(not necessary to be a professional). And don't forget to add mud flaps.
Raising our expanda made it a lot safer to tow as it no longer bottomed out in pot holes or driveways.
Check current regulations for your state ,I heard a mod sheet has to be done now?

The other bonus items , I found fish plate cracked Guides out by 17 mill on one side of the axle leading to bent hangers and skewed axle ,bolt locking weld failed so spring bush badly worn(van had less than 8,000k on it. And very poor welding even mine was much better!

Have fun

 

[Capt. Gadget]

It is an interesting question under slinging.
I did to my first van in 2011 .... easy to do but the rules http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2007C00494
have a look at this first http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb1/vsb_01_b.aspx#16
If you have an overlay axle flipping it is not an option due to they often have a bend in them making the camber ?wrong.so the guide tabs have to be relocated and the spring assembly bolts reversed, a strait axle is easier. Should be around $400.

Now that your head is spinning Take a look at a new boat trailer and some Aussie built big vans and you will find ball heights well outside the rules and even tail light way too high so you can make up you own mind .I just mention this cause someone else will.
Try ring the RTA and ask for an engineer if in NSW ,I was pleasantly surprised. The 3 insurance companies I rang just wanted it to be done in a professional manner(not necessary to be a professional). And don't forget to add mud flaps.
Raising our expanda made it a lot safer to tow as it no longer bottomed out in pot holes or driveways.
Check current regulations for your state ,I heard a mod sheet has to be done now?

The other bonus items , I found fish plate cracked Guides out by 17 mill on one side of the axle leading to bent hangers and skewed axle ,bolt locking weld failed so spring bush badly worn(van had less than 8,000k on it. And very poor welding even mine was much better!

Have fun

That weld is a ripper my 13 year old Daughter can do better than that one!

 

[malibu]

Captn,
It was lucky I did it otherwise I think the plate would have given way!
There were dents in the plate consistent with a sledge hammer hitting it ,causing the hangers to bend so the axle would fit!
See pic of bolt weld which missed the hanger causing bush damage.
No such problems on my new Jayco or any others I have looked at.

 

[macca]

Getting the underslung conversion done tomorrow, then I can order an annexe.

 

[expanda]

Getting the underslung conversion done tomorrow, then I can order an annexe.

Sounds good let us know how it goes and how much height you gain!

I had the disco underslung at factory but its not enough as the step jayco provided scrapes on our driveway.

Either just going to remove the provided step from Jayco and get a step ladder as suggested by @Xpandafan or get some bigger rims / tyres.

 

[LUK77Y]

I had this mod done to a 16.49.1 a few months back! All I can say as awesome! no more bottoming out on humps, a good chunk of additional clearance and perfect towing alignment now with my tug. You will be surprised how much she comes up! Makes a considerable difference for any rough tracks/dirt trails etc.

 

[macca]

I will do before and after photos. @LUK77Y did you have any hassles with drop down jacks etc. I just want a little more clearance for those little short National Park tracks to try a bit of free camping. This tug is only 2wd so I can't go too rough anyway. Next tug 4wd.

Cheers Geoff

 

[LUK77Y]

I will do before and after photos. @LUK77Y did you have any hassles with drop down jacks etc. I just want a little more clearance for those little short National Park tracks to try a bit of free camping. This tug is only 2wd so I can't go too rough anyway. Next tug 4wd.

Cheers Geoff

No problems. The Alko Jacks still reach the ground fine.

 

[macca]

All done. Surgery complete. Just have to play around with the hitch height on the weekend. Wife noticed the height difference, she didn't think it would be as high .

Cheers Geoff

 

[Frosty]

Thanks for the before & after pics... Planning on doing the same so this was great to see...

Cheers,
Frosty.

 

[Pace]

@maccayak Perhaps are you able to invert your hitch to make up the height? i think @Xpandafan done it with a hitch asssit too. Pace.

 

[macca]

Yes, I can reverse the hitch. I have a drop down eezhitch, I was sold the wrong one to begin with as mine dropped down to low. I plan to set the height then the caravan service guys said they would cut the excess off. Happy with their service so far.

 

[macca]

The best thing about the underslung conversion is I can now get the mower under the van. Happy days

 

[Ken Bennetts]

I had a Sterling underslung by the factory a couple of vans ago. Very happy with the result. The option came with a fold out step and longer drop down jacks.
Have just ordered a 14.4-4 Expanda with an underslung axle and have been advised that the factory choice now is to block the suspension to give similar clearance. Not sure exactly what all this will entail but the end result should obtain the same aim. I hope!!

 

[Ken Bennetts]

Another option to got that little extra clearance I have seen reference to its a flat axle. I do not know what this is but when I asked when ordering my new van was informed that this is not an available option on the Expanda.