Help with upgrading to handle offroad
Hello, I am fairly new to RVing. We recently bought a 2005 Jayco Jay Feather 23b Travel Trailer in pretty good condition, with all factory parts and no upgrades. Weighs 4000 lbs dry, 5000 lbs GVWR...
Forum Discussion
If it were me and I didn't know a whole lot about TT frames, I'd take it to a frame & axle shop that is also a BC gov't certified inspection facility. I know a very good one in Langley. A shop could inspect existing welds, any damage and defects and recommend upgrading/strengthening work. I would recommend strengthening of the frame in the area around the spring hangers. If you have the type of Lippert frame that is made from 3 pieces of 1/8" sheet steel and welded together to form an I-beam, those frames are not a good foundation for off-roading. You might go to a dealer that sells Arctic Fox, Nash or Outdoors RV TTs and look at their frames for ideas. They all share the same basic frame that is built in-house and certified for off-road use.
You'll want shocks, Dexter or Mor/Ryde equalizers and wet bolts. It might be a good idea to replace the axles with higher rated ones as axles can be bent from rough use. LT tires to replace the standard ST type would likely be a good idea. Choose tires that have decent reserve load capacity - min. 15 percent and for off-road use maybe should be a fair bit more than that. Stiffening the spring hangers may help. Mor/Ryde has a kit for tying the spring hangers together from side to side, but you can build your own setup.
You'll want shocks, Dexter or Mor/Ryde equalizers and wet bolts. It might be a good idea to replace the axles with higher rated ones as axles can be bent from rough use. LT tires to replace the standard ST type would likely be a good idea. Choose tires that have decent reserve load capacity - min. 15 percent and for off-road use maybe should be a fair bit more than that. Stiffening the spring hangers may help. Mor/Ryde has a kit for tying the spring hangers together from side to side, but you can build your own setup.
