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Old 10-25-2018, 11:57 AM   #1
Barefoot Bill
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New member - suspension upgrade

I only recently discovered the MOC and this forum although my wife and I have been full-timing for 7 years in a 2007 Montana 3400RL. Earlier this summer, we traded that in for a 2010 3400RL (love the layout). I've learned a lot from the posts Here about suspension upgrades. We took the "new" trailer from PA to Newfoundland and back to Texas so far and have worn out several tires, all on the rear axle and all on the inside edges of the tires. We are now in Fort Worth where our son lives, so it's a good opportunity to have some work done, since we can stay at his house.

I found Buck's Wheel and Equipment (anybody have experience with them?) and so far I'm favorably impressed. The service manager, Miguel, says most likely the tire problem is due to improper camber of the axle and the axle will need to be replaced. So, I'm thinking "let's replace both 7k axles with 8k axles" since we tend to overload the unit. And, while we're at it, lets install Roadmaster slipper springs and shock absorbers. Miguel is checking on getting the Dexter axles. Looking at the Dexter website, I see that they can be equipped by Dexter with slipper springs. So, I'm wondering if that would be just a good as Roadmaster's kit.

I would appreciate any input on this matter. I know Morryde independent suspension would be even better, but we are planning to head west from Florida in the spring and then up to Alaska. Going by way of Indiana to get IS installed would not be convenient.

Thanks for any advice.
 
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Old 10-25-2018, 12:49 PM   #2
richfaa
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We have had the Mor Ryde IS on both our 06 3400 and now our 13 3402.Yes it is better. The choice is yours.
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Old 10-25-2018, 01:11 PM   #3
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We are on our 3rd Montana and when we got it the first trip was to Mor/ryde to have the IS put on. I had to many bent axels on the previous Montana's. If I was going to change my axels I would would go to 8K.
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Old 10-25-2018, 02:27 PM   #4
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Certainly as far as the axles go, I would think the price point between a 7 and 8 K axle would be nominal.
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Old 10-25-2018, 07:21 PM   #5
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You should call Morryde. We've added IS to both or our rigs and wouldn't tow without it. I'm not sure, but I think there may be and authorized installer in Texas.
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Old 10-25-2018, 08:31 PM   #6
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Spend $100 for an alignment and be done with it.
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Old 10-25-2018, 10:36 PM   #7
Barefoot Bill
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I'm finding that readily available axles are not the right length and are set up for underslung springs which won't work. My present plan is to get the alignment shop to do what they can and hope to make it to our winter quarters in Florida, with frequent checking of tires and replacing if necessary. AND to schedule installation of Morryde IS in the spring. It's my understanding that they can only be installed in Elkhart although there is a list of shops that can realign them. I'll call Morryde tomorrow.
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Old 10-25-2018, 11:51 PM   #8
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Check with Mor-Ryde but i believe there 10% discount for suspension and or disc brakes runs from November thru March. The price difference between 7k and 8k suspension use to be 500.00 but may be more now.
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Old 10-26-2018, 12:58 AM   #9
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Bill, when they weighed our unit at Mor/Ryde I was with in 400 pounds from my rated 7K axels. I was not loaded either. That is why many axels bend. The 7K axels are really 6,800 they just round them up to 7K.
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Old 10-26-2018, 12:41 PM   #10
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We’re scheduled for September 9-10 Just before MOC Rally doing 8K , IS & Disc brakes
Email rob.kolean@morryde.com
He will respond very quickly.
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Old 10-31-2018, 03:48 PM   #11
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I have scheduled with Morryde for IS and disk brakes for April 17-18 (about the earliest we want to be in Indiana). We have new tires on the bent axle and hope they will get us from Fort Worth to Florida this week and up to Indiana in the spring. Also plan to upgrade to 8k axles and get new wheels and LRG tires. I expect this trailer to last the rest of our RVing lives, full-timing as long as we can, so I think the upgrades are worth the expense. Thanks for all the feedback and advice.
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Old 10-31-2018, 04:12 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mudchief View Post
Bill, when they weighed our unit at Mor/Ryde I was with in 400 pounds from my rated 7K axels. I was not loaded either. That is why many axels bend. The 7K axels are really 6,800 they just round them up to 7K.

Did you (or they) subtract the 2600 pounds of pin weight?
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Old 11-03-2018, 10:19 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by 1retired06 View Post
Certainly as far as the axles go, I would think the price point between a 7 and 8 K axle would be nominal.

The only difference in 7000 from 8000 lb axles is the outer bearing.


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Old 11-04-2018, 07:25 AM   #14
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Bill/Wayne,

If you don't mind me asking, what is the IS and disk brake upgrade going to cost you? After our last trip this is an upgrade that I want to discuss with DW as the poor condition of some/a lot of our highways are greatly amplified when pulling a 5er. Thanks
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Old 11-04-2018, 07:48 AM   #15
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Rob quoted me $6,600 plus tax .
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Old 11-04-2018, 07:54 AM   #16
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Thanks Wayne - not as bad as I thought it would be.
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Old 11-06-2018, 09:56 AM   #17
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Just got on Morryde's schedule for the week following the rally for 8k IS installation.
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Old 11-06-2018, 02:12 PM   #18
Mel B.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barefoot Bill View Post
I only recently discovered the MOC and this forum although my wife and I have been full-timing for 7 years in a 2007 Montana 3400RL. Earlier this summer, we traded that in for a 2010 3400RL (love the layout). I've learned a lot from the posts Here about suspension upgrades. We took the "new" trailer from PA to Newfoundland and back to Texas so far and have worn out several tires, all on the rear axle and all on the inside edges of the tires. We are now in Fort Worth where our son lives, so it's a good opportunity to have some work done, since we can stay at his house.

I found Buck's Wheel and Equipment (anybody have experience with them?) and so far I'm favorably impressed. The service manager, Miguel, says most likely the tire problem is due to improper camber of the axle and the axle will need to be replaced. So, I'm thinking "let's replace both 7k axles with 8k axles" since we tend to overload the unit. And, while we're at it, lets install Roadmaster slipper springs and shock absorbers. Miguel is checking on getting the Dexter axles. Looking at the Dexter website, I see that they can be equipped by Dexter with slipper springs. So, I'm wondering if that would be just a good as Roadmaster's kit.

I would appreciate any input on this matter. I know Morryde independent suspension would be even better, but we are planning to head west from Florida in the spring and then up to Alaska. Going by way of Indiana to get IS installed would not be convenient.

Thanks for any advice.
I had my suspension upgrade done at
"Chucks Brake & Wheel" in Santa Rosa Ca. I posted pictures on here a year or so ago. Both of my axles were removed and they were able to straighten them very easily. I thought about replacing them for a heavier duty axle. But I was told there was not enough difference to justify it. They boxed in my leaf spring hangers and welded 1.5" square stock from side to side on each hanger, except for the one that's under my galley tank. They bolted that one instead of welding. Incase I ever have to remove the galley tank. We drive a lot on dirt roads boondocking, this thing is bulletproof now!

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=72892
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Old 11-08-2020, 07:31 PM   #19
KnA Adventures
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barefoot Bill View Post
I'm finding that readily available axles are not the right length and are set up for underslung springs which won't work. My present plan is to get the alignment shop to do what they can and hope to make it to our winter quarters in Florida, with frequent checking of tires and replacing if necessary. AND to schedule installation of Morryde IS in the spring. It's my understanding that they can only be installed in Elkhart although there is a list of shops that can realign them. I'll call Morryde tomorrow.
The other authorized installer is in Grants Pass Oregon. Henderson line up. I looked at them doing the IS but decided to go with the road master slipper springs and comfortRide shocks system. I just couldn’t pull the trigger on that cost. I actually will be there in the morning to drop it off for the install and disc brake upgrade.
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