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05-08-2022, 09:47 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Western NY
Posts: 491
M.O.C. #28430
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Bent Spring Hangers and X-Factor
After completing a successful winter down south and putting 4000 miles on our trailer, I have decided to put some money into a few upgrades. One of the upgrades I was considering is the Morryde X-Factor crossmember braces. I read up on the X-Factor and yesterday crawled under the rig to have a look. I was disappointed to see the rear axle spring hangers bent about an 1/8” out of vertical. The front hangers and the equalizer hangers are perfectly straight. The suspension all looks good, nothing broken. There are no noises from the suspension when maneuvering. The tpms has shown all of the tires to be within a couple of degrees of each other when running on the interstates. Tread depth gauge shows all tires wearing equally and each tire wearing equally across the face of the tread.
Could this be by design? Did they maybe have to push that one set over to align the springs? Is that even an issue when there is an equalizer involved which I’m guessing has some “ movement” built in? The tops of those two hangers do not appear to be welded any further from the edge of the frame than the others.
Could this have happened from a tight turn? Although I have not had to jack it into any spot in such a way that would have caused this imo, and again, all the other hangers are fine.
Assuming I go forward with the X-Factors, do you think bolting them in would pull the hangers straight? Do I even want to pull them straight, maybe I should shim them so they remain the way they are?
Not sure what to make of this.
Also, does anyone know if the X-Factors will install low enough for the propane pipe to clear?
The pictures look as though the ods shackle is bent more than the ds shackle, it’s just the angle, I checked them with a level and square, they both are off an 1/8”- 3/16”. Thanks in advance.
__________________
Mark & Karen
2021 3121rl - slide toppers, cottage white, TST 507 TPMS, X-Factors, disc brakes
2021 F-350, 6.7L, SRW CC LB - B&W Companion, Bakflip cover
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05-08-2022, 10:44 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Pensacola (mail forward service)
Posts: 3,198
M.O.C. #13740
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Any upgrade over stock is worth the expense. As to whether your trailer left the factory as you see it or is the result of time towing is a guess by anyone. Have an alignment shop do a check on the alignment and check the quality of the welds before you install the cross bracing.
__________________
2012 F350 6.7 L dually, 2013 3800RE with 6 pt leveling, Sumitomo 17.5" load range h tires, Samsung 18 cu ft residential fridge, 8k Morryde I.S. with disc brakes. Full timing since 2012.
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05-08-2022, 11:30 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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Over the years I've seen a few brand new fivers and travel trailers with the spring hangers not perfectly straight. I don't think an eighth of an inch is really going to matter, and by your own testament nothing appears to be wearing oddly. Like said you might take it to an alignment shop and have them straighten them and check the alignment before you put the x Factor on. I really doubt if the x Factor can pull them straight to your satisfaction. The x factor's holes are slotted to accommodate varying width between the spring hangers and equalizer mounts.
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05-08-2022, 02:03 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,922
M.O.C. #19755
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I would be grateful if my factory spring hangers were only 1/8" out. The first photo shows what mine looked like before, the second is the after photo when I had all of them replaced by a good suspension shop.
No, the X-factors will not straighten your spring hanger, nor would I want to; leave it as is. The X-factors only provide support to the system as is, no correction.
You do not need to shim anything.
Yes, the X-factors will clear the propane line; last photo.
You also have this option, https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=86536, which I suspect offers support similar to the X-factors; but requires welding. You cannot do both; the hanger braces will not fit if you have X-factors cross members.
__________________
Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
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05-09-2022, 06:31 AM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Western NY
Posts: 491
M.O.C. #28430
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Thanks for the replies. My take from you all is it may not be a big deal. There is a business local to me that builds trailers that I can have take a look at it. They are most likely familiar with lippert’s reinforcing brackets, I’ll pick their brains too. Thanks again.
__________________
Mark & Karen
2021 3121rl - slide toppers, cottage white, TST 507 TPMS, X-Factors, disc brakes
2021 F-350, 6.7L, SRW CC LB - B&W Companion, Bakflip cover
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06-04-2022, 06:47 AM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Western NY
Posts: 491
M.O.C. #28430
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Update on this thread. I installed the X factors on the equalizers and the rear hangers. Install on the rear hangers were easy and installing the X factor did partially pull the hangers straight. The propane pipe just cleared on the rear but I had to remove about 1/8” with the angle grinder from the top of the x factor on the center one, just the way it was, no big deal.
Also pulled the drums to check the bearings. My dealer must have greased them because the spindle cavity was full the way you would expect it to be when greasing using the ez lube. The seals were good, none were leaking. I had new seals so I hand packed them and now I don’t have to wonder about them anymore. The X factors help support the Coroplast sag too The front hangers are in line with the drain pipe for the kitchen gray tank, I think the “drop” X factor would work on that but didn’t install that one for now.
__________________
Mark & Karen
2021 3121rl - slide toppers, cottage white, TST 507 TPMS, X-Factors, disc brakes
2021 F-350, 6.7L, SRW CC LB - B&W Companion, Bakflip cover
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06-04-2022, 03:35 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,423
M.O.C. #21044
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That looks good! I would like to put X-factors on my rig. Can you post a pic of the front hangers and the sewer pipe conflict?
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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06-05-2022, 10:14 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MandK
Update on this thread. I installed the X factors on the equalizers and the rear hangers. Install on the rear hangers were easy and installing the X factor did partially pull the hangers straight. The propane pipe just cleared on the rear but I had to remove about 1/8” with the angle grinder from the top of the x factor on the center one, just the way it was, no big deal.
Also pulled the drums to check the bearings. My dealer must have greased them because the spindle cavity was full the way you would expect it to be when greasing using the ez lube. The seals were good, none were leaking. I had new seals so I hand packed them and now I don’t have to wonder about them anymore. The X factors help support the Coroplast sag too The front hangers are in line with the drain pipe for the kitchen gray tank, I think the “drop” X factor would work on that but didn’t install that one for now.
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Can you provide a link as to where you got these?
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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06-05-2022, 03:23 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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Google is your friend ... X Factor can be bought from lotsa places. ETrailer, Amazon (several sites), Dyer's RV, RVUpgrades.com, RVPlus.com, rvautoparts.com .....
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06-05-2022, 04:26 PM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Western NY
Posts: 491
M.O.C. #28430
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Mikendebbie, Here is the grey tank drain pipe that partially blocks the way for the Morryde UO21-003. I think the X factor that has the drop built in (UO21-006) would work. I’m going to wait a bit on it.
__________________
Mark & Karen
2021 3121rl - slide toppers, cottage white, TST 507 TPMS, X-Factors, disc brakes
2021 F-350, 6.7L, SRW CC LB - B&W Companion, Bakflip cover
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06-05-2022, 04:33 PM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Western NY
Posts: 491
M.O.C. #28430
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foldbak
Can you provide a link as to where you got these?
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What dieselguy said, you just have to look around for the best price with shipping. I got them off Amazon and a quick look today shows them about $20 more than I paid last month.
__________________
Mark & Karen
2021 3121rl - slide toppers, cottage white, TST 507 TPMS, X-Factors, disc brakes
2021 F-350, 6.7L, SRW CC LB - B&W Companion, Bakflip cover
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06-05-2022, 06:46 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,423
M.O.C. #21044
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I have no experience working on spring hangers, brakes…any of that stuff. I watched the morryde video and it did not look that difficult. Did you have all 4 wheels off the ground before starting the install? How would you rate this job on the difficulty scale for rookies like me?
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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06-05-2022, 07:04 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dieselguy
Google is your friend ... X Factor can be bought from lotsa places. ETrailer, Amazon (several sites), Dyer's RV, RVUpgrades.com, RVPlus.com, rvautoparts.com .....
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Wow....ya I know how to google.... but I was in a hurry...So Goggle X factor and tell me what comes up
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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06-05-2022, 07:34 PM
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#14
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Western NY
Posts: 491
M.O.C. #28430
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikendebbie
I have no experience working on spring hangers, brakes…any of that stuff. I watched the morryde video and it did not look that difficult. Did you have all 4 wheels off the ground before starting the install? How would you rate this job on the difficulty scale for rookies like me?
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Yes all four wheels off the ground. I put jack stands under the frame for safety but the 6 point level works great. I had the wheels off because I checked the wheel bearings the same day. I used a floor jack to hold the equalizer where I needed it to pull the wet bolts and reinsert the longer ones that come with the kit. for the rear spring hanger I put the floor jack under the drum to hold the spring eye where it needed to be. If you have a floor jack or hydraulic bottle jack and a torque wrench, I would rate it easy. I had to shave an 1/8" or so off the center x factor at the top end so it would fit under my propane line. I used a 4" angle grinder. I think that I just got a little unlucky there because as posted above someone said the x factor fits under the propane line, and it did on the rear hanger. The propane pipe was just a little low on the center one and I didn't want them to touch.
__________________
Mark & Karen
2021 3121rl - slide toppers, cottage white, TST 507 TPMS, X-Factors, disc brakes
2021 F-350, 6.7L, SRW CC LB - B&W Companion, Bakflip cover
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06-05-2022, 07:57 PM
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#15
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Site Team
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,922
M.O.C. #19755
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foldbak
Wow....ya I know how to google.... but I was in a hurry...So Goggle X factor and tell me what comes up
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Try Morryde X-Factor.
I did not remove the wheels to install mine. I did it at the national rally. Just bolted them on; all three. Mine was easy, no pipe issues other than the propane line which was ok. Every rig will be different.
__________________
Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
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06-06-2022, 07:49 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scottz
Try Morryde X-Factor.
I did not remove the wheels to install mine. I did it at the national rally. Just bolted them on; all three. Mine was easy, not pipe issues other than the propane line which was ok. Every rig will be different.
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Thanks
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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07-19-2022, 07:23 PM
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#17
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Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Willington
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #27936
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Suspension Hanger issues
On our last week away I noticed unusual wear on the inside of 3 of the 4 tires on the 2021 Montana 3102RL and had to replace on the road. While taking the wheels off I noticed one hanger had fractured at the weld point. Appears there is significant undercut on the weld of 2 of the other 3 hangers. Dealer is waiting on Keystone’s response to the issue. One picture I show the pencil point to indicate how deep the lack of weld is.
IMG_0267.zip
IMG_0266.zip
IMG_0263.zip
IMG_0269.zip
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07-20-2022, 06:29 AM
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#18
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New Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Titusville
Posts: 4
M.O.C. #28881
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Leaf spring shackle bolt
On my 2016 3711FL, While retracting levelers getting ready to move, I heard what sounded like glass breaking. I went to the right side and saw a bolt and yellow octagon cam laying on ground by rear axle; it was the shackle bolt that holds leaf spring in bracket. The nut had backed off and came off somewhere between Fl and Michigan (maybe at the same time wheel fender flew off when screws all fell out!). It must have wedged in the bracket for some time bending the bracket. I did order replacement but because of bent bracket, could only thread nut on half way. Until I can get new bracket welded on, I have a grade 8 1/2 x 4 bolt with locking nut and fender washers holding leaf spring in bracket. Now I check all fasteners of suspension before all trips. Can’t imagine what could have happened if bolt came out while doing 65mph on the smooth and pot-holeless interstate!
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09-04-2023, 06:57 PM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 663
M.O.C. #20906
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MandK
Update on this thread. I installed the X factors on the equalizers and the rear hangers. Install on the rear hangers were easy and installing the X factor did partially pull the hangers straight. The propane pipe just cleared on the rear but I had to remove about 1/8” with the angle grinder from the top of the x factor on the center one, just the way it was, no big deal.
Also pulled the drums to check the bearings. My dealer must have greased them because the spindle cavity was full the way you would expect it to be when greasing using the ez lube. The seals were good, none were leaking. I had new seals so I hand packed them and now I don’t have to wonder about them anymore. The X factors help support the Coroplast sag too The front hangers are in line with the drain pipe for the kitchen gray tank, I think the “drop” X factor would work on that but didn’t install that one for now.
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Mark, I have a 2019 3121 and would like to add the X-Factor braces. It looks like you have the Road Armor equalizer same as I have on mine. Does the standard X-Factor work with the equalizer hangers? Is it the same brace used on the spring hangers?
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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09-04-2023, 07:55 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Western NY
Posts: 491
M.O.C. #28430
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Yes, the standard x-factor works on the equalizer hanger and the rear spring hanger. The front spring hanger requires the drop version to accommodate the drain pipe. Since this thread I have added the front x-factor with the drop to accommodate the gray water tank drain.
__________________
Mark & Karen
2021 3121rl - slide toppers, cottage white, TST 507 TPMS, X-Factors, disc brakes
2021 F-350, 6.7L, SRW CC LB - B&W Companion, Bakflip cover
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