Getting ready and found this!

[howardwheeler]

I endlessly prepare to leave on a big trip--and occasionally actually do go. So yesterday I started thinking about checking my suspension and slid under the rear axle--just for a look. I was startled to discover this:

[howardwheeler]

Yes, it's a long bed F350 6.7 4x4. Since the 2017s have an increased GCWR, I am, for the first time since I have had the trailer, significantly under rated capacities. I unfortunately am still two hundred over RAWR but well under my tires' rating. I hope to go on an extended trip in about a month. I've had to replace my steps as well, since the old three step Kwikee, though extremely sturdy, wound up leaving a huge gap to the ground. I am putting on a Glowstep Revolution. I got the four step one, and it went on nicely. But I found that the five step would have been better suited, so I've ordered one Add-a-Step. Should be in late this week. That should complete all repairs--until the next thing breaks. And yes, I do have shocks on the trailer. We rewelded the old brackets onto the new subframe. Worked great.

[2012Coleman]

Very nice repair job. Did you add shock absorbers? Were you still able to go on your trip?

[tanglefoot3hobi]

howardwheeler
Please tell that your TV is f350 and not a f250. Hard to tell in the photo.

[Calkidd]

Excellent post. I stumbled across this when I was searching for DIY cross memebers. I wasn't sure if I was going to go to the bolt on route like the MORryde X factor or weld them on. After reading Lippert's info I am going to weld them on.

You can't simply just look at the hangers when you remove the chalks. Most of the time the hanger will crack on the inside. It is necessary to get up underneath the trailer with a flashlight and inspect them carefully.

[howardwheeler]

I'm under the rating for the tires as they are each rated at 3750 at 80 psi. Thats 7500 pounds total. I really watch my tire pressures carefully. The tpms on the truck now reads in psi per tire right on the dash. So I can watch it. I don't know why Ford rates the rear axle less than the combined tires because I think you're right that that is usually the limiting factor in the rear end.

[Me_Again]

howardwheeler wrote:


"I'm good on weight except two hundred pounds over on rear axle of the truck. Way under GCWR."

That is the one weight that normally one does not want to be over, as it is tire based in most cases.

Maybe your TV is a F250 with a lower RGAWR verses the tires.

[time2roll]

If he has a business you may as well help out your fellow RVers with a link.
Excellent work is hard to find these days.

[mtofell1]

howardwheeler wrote:
My friend really overdid it. But I told I didn't want that to happen again.

I just realized I need more skilled friends 🙂 🙂

[Don___Barb_Bogu]

O yes thanks for the reminder time for the yearly crawl under and inspect. With a strong flashlight . Found a shock had ripped a chunk out of the frame 2 years ago. Now where did I put that 6-volt spot light ?

[howardwheeler]

All back together and rides nice. Still slightly nose high, which I knew it would be, but much better and I have an extra inch and a half bed clearance. I'm good on weight except two hundred pounds over on rear axle of the truck. Way under GCWR. I'm happy. I don't know why but my Kodiak disc brakes are working even better than before. That was the best single modification I have done, but getting new hangers and subframe was a necessity.

[laknox]

howardwheeler wrote:
Primed and painted. Tomorrow it all goes back together.

NICE! Tell your buddy he does excellent work, at least from the pics.

Lyle

[howardwheeler]

Primed and painted. Tomorrow it all goes back together.

[howardwheeler]

My friend really overdid it. But I told I didn't want that to happen again.

[lpxguy]

wow, I didn't think anyone stick welded any more. Nice job!