Trailer Suspension Questions

[kfp673]

Hello All,

We have an Outback 325BH for a bit over a year now. I have read threads over the years on this forum about trailer suspension upgrades and I'm trying to understand more to help me decide if I should consider upgrading suspension on a fairly new trailer. I was in the parts department of the dealer recently and asked about it and it did not sound like something they do often, but on forums it seems like a popular move.

So what are the real world advantages of trailer suspension upgrade? What are the recommended brands? And for those of you that have done it on your travel trailer, is it truly worth it?

The reason I am considering it is I feel like I either pick up or have to tighten screws, realign things, etc after every long haul. I wonder if improving the ride of the camper will make the interior hold together longer?? Also, how does it impact towing? I dont have any complaints in how it tows, but you dont know what you dont know. And do most replace axels at the same time or just leave factory unless there is a problem?

Finally, is suspension a job I can o myself? I have the tools including air tools and floor jacks. I'm fairly handy but at the same time not a mechanic.

Thanks all!

[lenr]

I put the Lippert cushioned equalizer on our second trailer, and couldn't tell the difference. Later we switched to the MORryde SRE4000. Wow what a difference. So, even though the third trailer came with the Dexter cushioned equalizer, we took the new trailer straight from the dealer to the axle shop for SRE4000 and MORryde X-Factor braces on all 3 hanger pairs. I highly recommend the SRE4000 for 5K to 6K axles. MORryde also recommends the X-Factor on the center pair of hangers. You do need 3" of tire clearance above the tires prior to installation of the SRE4000--it will raise your trailer creating an additional 1" of clearance. It needs 4" of clearance to work since it changes shock into movement. I truly believe that the SRE4000 greatly reduces "shaken trailer syndrome". Full disclosure: we also had disk brakes, heavier axles, and wet bolt kit installed at the same time. Our non-RV friends cannot believe we put that much money into a new trailer. We just decided to get it all done immediately when new instead of dribbling it out over a few years.

[colliehauler]

Getting ready to do a upgrade on my project trailer. I plan to add rubber equalizers, wet bolt kit with bronze bushings, and shocks. I can't say if it's worth the money over stock but it makes me feel better. It's a long winter and I have plenty of time and the cost is minimal. I plan on taking the trailer on a several thousand mile trip to Alaska.

[ken56]

One of the best upgrades a trailer owner can do. The shackles are twice as thick as the factory and the greasable bushings quiet things down 100%. Stability is the biggest advantage from this upgrade. I does not take long for the plastic bushings to wear out. You can do it yourself if you have 2 floor jacks and stands to support the trailer while you take the wheels off and the springs loose.

[BarneyS]

Absolutely it is a job you can do yourself. There is a great thread on this stuck at the top of this forum, complete with lots of pictures, that will help you do it. The former moderator of this TT forum, Les Adams, started it and I and others did their trailers following his lead. I posted about about it also in his thread. I think you will find it very helpful.
Barney

[Andy_F]

I finnaly did the wet bolt and rubber ride upgrade and it made a big difference. My 18 year old mechanic/son/wizard did it for me in our driveway. I also now tow a full tank of gray water to add weight over the axles to cut down on bouncing. I may add shocks next year before our next trip west.

[rbpru]

One cannot deny the advantages of wet bolts and bronze bearings but I would certainly consider shock absorbers.

[ktmrfs]

wet bolts and bronze bushings are IMHO a good upgrade if you put very many miles/year on the trailer. It will adress some suspension component weakness. I doubt it helps on keeping things from moving around one bit. I didn't notice any difference. What will help things from moving around is to get the tires balanced, if they are steel wheels make sure the shop uses lug centric adapters. If they are alloy wheels they are probably hub/lug centric. That made a noticeable difference in both my trailers and with several other friends we travel with.

[kfp673]

Thanks all! Appreciate the info! I will search for some install videos to see if I am comfortable with this install.

[amxpress]

Might I offer a suggestion? Prior to spending big bucks for a suspension upgrade, have a reputable shop balance your tires. Try it for a while and if you still have the original problem, go with the suspension upgrades.
I installed an accelerometer in my Jayco TT and measured before and after dBg readings. Balancing the tires made a substantial difference in lowering the numbers.

[dodge_guy]

BarabooBob wrote:
The only change I made to my new TT was to add wet bolts and bronze bushings. You could heart a difference at low speeds because the creaking, grinding sound was gone when we hit bumps. With the new bushings and bolts, there is no noise so I am guessing a lot less wear.

Yes. I forgot to say that as a positive side effect you can sneak into or out of a campground early in the a.m. or late at night and no one will hear you!

[BC4277]

After an 8,000 mile trip last spring to the northeast USA, & Canada, we upgraded to the MorRyde CRE 3000 system. Last month, we completed a 3,800 mile trip to Banff & Jasper National Parks. The trailer did seem to tow smoother. We have some towels that hang in the rear bath that used to shake off the hooks, now they stay on the hooks. Not real scientific, but the only indicator that I have.

As far as loose screws, I carry a small tube of Loctite Blue (not the Red) and put a small drop on any screws that have worked loose.

[goducks10]

My TT came with the MR 3000, wet bolts and shocks. Floats like a butterfly.

[trail-explorer]

MoRryde video

[BarabooBob]

The only change I made to my new TT was to add wet bolts and bronze bushings. You could heart a difference at low speeds because the creaking, grinding sound was gone when we hit bumps. With the new bushings and bolts, there is no noise so I am guessing a lot less wear.