Suspension and brake upgrade

We went from Dexter solid axles and electric drum brakes on our 2004 Mobile Suites 36RE3 to MorRyde independent suspension and Kodiak disc brakes on our 2014.5 Mobile Suites 38RSSA, and we would never go back. It makes all the difference in the way the 5th wheel tows, rides and, most importantly, stops. If you have a solid 5th wheel like your Carriage and want to keep it, these upgrades would be money well spent, IMHO.

Rusty

Dayle1 wrote:

Veebyes wrote:
Just a thought but as nice as independent suspension is, & expensive, maybe an upgrade on the spring stack can be as assuring.

Builders go with minimums, especially on stuff you can't see easily. My Alpenlite, 11,500# dry wt & Lippert framed, came with 6 leaf spring packs. A couple years ago I upgraded to 7 leaf packs. Much more assuring when all loaded up.

Maybe you have never had the IS on a trailer, it tows like it is on rails. Anyone saving money by not buying a brand new trailer has the $$ to step up to the IS.

Oh I have no doubt that IS is superior to spring packs. Never contested that. I was simply wondering on the ROI using IS. I have never ridden in the trailer while under tow so I would not know how any upgrades feel.

As far as tracking goes, the trailer has followed me wherever the truck goes & I have never felt like the tail was wagging the dog except on one occasion when IS would have made no difference either.

My previous fiver was the worst riding trailer I even pulled until I went to heavier springs, EZ flex and new shocks. Then it was the best riding trailer I ever pulled for $550 in parts plus my labor. Craig

I absolutely can see an IS system on a brand new RV but would have a difficult time justifying the cost, particularly on a 6 year old 5er. I could see new springs or at least an added leaf to help an aging suspension. Disc brakes are about safety - yours and whomever else you may meet on the road vs the weak electric magnet claptrap that is usually supplied by an OEM.

But, with that said, it is your choice and dollars.

Is this something you can afford or is this a wish and how handy are you? I upgraded to Dexter EZ flex suspension. Around $140 plus my labor of about five hours over 2 days. (Can't work too fast) Does it ride better? Nobody rides back there, so who knows. Better ride in the truck, I think so. Then I bought and installed Kodiak disc brakes with Titan controller. Best money I ever spent on RV improvements. AND I went from 15 inch wheels five lug to 16 in wheels 6 lug and LT tires. I don't even think about stopping now. IT STOPS NOW.Again I did it. 8-9-10 hours over 3-4 days. Without tires and wheels less than $2000. Happy YES.

I had the folks from Performance Trailer Braking add disc brakes to my Bighorn in Feb. Have not really tried it out yet - but I am looking forward to it !

Double axle kit was $1700 I think. Install cost was $1000. Their install teams travel and will come to you. Took him about 6-7 hours to do the entire thing.

The upgrades, maintenance & repairs never stop. I figure something like $2000 a year for one thing or another.

The trailer running gear is always getting something. This year the center spring hangers need replacing. Already bought the replacements, holes enlarged on the old. The new are visibly more robust & will last me the rest of the time that I have the trailer. Don't know anything about welding so will have to find somebody for that. Lucky me, I do all of my maintenance in a working boatyard so no problem with the jacking up, removing wheels & all that part.

When the day comes to sell somebody will get a well upgraded albeit a well used trailer. Trouble is, all these upgrades to the running gear that we do are not understood or appreciated by they average buyer who is looking at carpet wear & fabric colours.