Spring over or under?

[100acrehuphalump]

Some say for clearance under our trailers that having the springs mounted over the axel is best, some say under, what do y'all think is best for clearance and why?

 

[ezzzzzzz]

Clearance doesn't really change where the axle is concerned unless taller tires are added. The difference is a higher chassis and CG with the SOA. It looks better IMHO but handling can be affected especially if you place a heavy top and/or RTT on it too. I wouldn't consider it unless I also lengthened the A frame. I just did the SOA on my trailer with a custom wide track HD axle (55" vs 50" flange to flange) and taller tires. It raised the chassis considerably (+7").

 

[100acrehuphalump]

Clearance doesn't really change where the axle is concerned unless taller tires are added. The difference is a higher chassis and CG with the SOA. It looks better IMHO but handling can be affected especially if you place a heavy top and/or RTT on it too. I wouldn't consider it unless I also lengthened the A frame. I just did the SOA on my trailer with a custom wide track HD axle (55" vs 50" flange to flange) and taller tires. It raised the chassis considerably (+7").

Thanks but what does CG refer to? Mine are SUA, My tires are taller and I have a heavier top with RTT and high rack. My frame has been lengthened but the axel length is the same. I imagine a higher chassis looks better but, again a lower axel seems like less clearance.

 

[toymaster]

Thanks but what does CG refer to?

Not to intrude but CG means "center of gravity". The pertinent information is: when you raise the mass of a moving object it is more likely to tip over in extreme/fast turns.

To be clear the axle height is dictated by the tire/rim diameter. If one needs the extra trailer/frame height a spring over axle conversion is a cheap and easy way to gain the wanted height. Usually the gain will be ~3". It is all according to your plans for the trailer however, after reviewing your build and tow vic the extra height is not needed. You already have a raised hitch to make the trailer sit level and the tires you have do not require more clearance. Now if you want to use the trailer with a taller vic and/or tire combo the lift from a SOA could be an option.

In my opinion one needs to match the trailer with the vic in terms of ride height and ground clearance. It seems plausible that the trailer is not going anywhere where the vic can't go. Therefore, the negative effects of lifting the trailer will be the only results obtained as the benefits can not be used.

Here are the two pics to provide the 1,000 words.... or is that 2,000?

 

[100acrehuphalump]

Thank you sir for the most educational review!