Suspension

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Good morning.
I have a 2017 Montana 3000RE. I took a trip from California to Texas recently and the roads were terrible. I look like a bumble bee trying to dodge the pot holes and uneven road surfaces. During the trip I have to replace 2 leaf springs on two separate occasions. The last shop that replaced a leaf said the leaves were looking flat and I should consider getting them replaced. One of my axles is offset to one side about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. I would like to put some after market shock absorbers on the trailer to dampen some of the jarring that happens to inside of the trailer and to help the springs. I do not drive fast. I don't drive more that 63 mph.
Does anyone have any suggests or expert advice.

[Eagleback]

With what you describe. you are probably ready to just replace with full independent suspension. We do not have it but i hear its nice.

[Carl n Susan]

You really, really need to get that to a trailer axle place. It sounds like the centering pin is broken, the axle is way out of alignment and the tire(s) will shortly be down to the belts (not good).

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Thank you Carl. After reading some posts I came to the same conclusion. I am scheduled to take it to the shop first part of next week. They are going to go through the whole suspension system.
Have any suggestions on whether to install shocks or not to install? If so any recommendations? I would like to dampen the shock to the inside of trailer.
I have Morryde CRE3000 suspension system. Is there one better in your opinion?

[Carl n Susan]

My old 2955 had shocks. I never though they were worth a darn. They are installed at a severe angle due to the suspension and weren't all that effective. I believe that is why they are not on current models.

As for suspension, the Moryde IS is supposedly the hot ticket but scheduling an upgrade is a year out (which gives you time to save up to pay for it). What you have is adequate and what most of us have.

Be sure to have the shop check the tightness of the spring shackle U bolts. I bet they are loose.

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Carl, thank you for your advice and feedback. It is good to have people who you can turn to when you need verification and expertise advice. Thank you.
John

[BritBox]

I have had two (Nash/Arctic Fox) travel trailers that were equipped with shocks from the factory. I thought that they worked very well. Disappointed that the 5th is not set up for them. I would add them if it was.

However, I think the real culprit is the deteriorating road conditions over the past 10-15 years.

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

I agree with your comment about the real culprits.
Thank you for your feedback! Have a great day.

[dieselguy]

Most aftermarket shocks are in a word ... "useless" due to the angle that they need to be installed due to the limited space you have to work with on about any fiver or TT. Joyrider or Roadmaster are two outfits that incorporate mounts in their kits that allow the shock to almost make a difference. I've not had any experience with Roadmaster installs ... did do a Joyrider install a few years back on a guys fiver. He said there was a difference, but nothing to write home about.

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Diesel guy thank you for your input. I have decided to replace springs, all other required maintenance, and to continue to use Morryde CRE3000, and comprehensive annual inspections.
Thanks again. Your input is greatly appreciated!

[RMcNeal]

I read somewhere a while back about someone considering putting air bags or Sumo Springs on their 5'er. It is unlikely I'll get the IS in the next 2-3 years. Any thoughts about something like that?

[rames14]

We are at rally and had IS scheduled and installed while here. At rally, Dexter donated a set of their new heavy duty axles - $4000. That still doesn’t touch the suspension, wet bolts or spring hangers. Also, many don’t have disk brakes, which you can add at the same time. Over the last 17 years of towing Montana’s, we have broken springs twice (once in Alaska). Keeping up on suspension maintenance (checking torque, welds on spring hangers, wet bolt torque and grease) will go a long way toward keeping safe on the road. As mentioned, with the conditions of roads, keeping our tires, suspension, pin box and hitch maintained is key to avoiding problems on the road. Best of luck with your inspection.

[mhs4771]

I believe that I read somewhere, maybe on here or the Mor/ryde site that the Mor/ryde 3000 Equalizer give 3 inches suspension travel, the 4000 gives 4 inches, while the IS gives 5+ inches of travel.
So with a 3000 equalizer and 3 inches of travel I don't see how shocks good really do much with such limited travel.
Now I could be all wet and if so disregard.

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

I thought about air bags but right now the cost is a little much for me. It is a good suggestion. Thank you!

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

Thank everyone for taking time to give me your experience and suggestions.

[Hblick48]

I had 2 springs break on 2 different occasions. Axle tag indicates 6,000 pound limit. Also had severe tire wear on inside of all 4 tires.

Discovered that Keystone used 2,500 pound springs (to save a few $). Replaced all 4 springs to 3,000 pound. No tire wear issues anymore. So far so good!

[Mikendebbie]

I have a friend who put the Lippert Centerpoint Air Ride (pics below) on his 2013 Peterson Excel when it was new, and says it has been very good. I watched the videos about and it looks interesting. It may be a bit cheaper than Morryde IS - but as soon as my money tree grows some new leaves I will opt for the Morryde IS.

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by rames14

We are at rally and had IS scheduled and installed while here. At rally, Dexter donated a set of their new heavy duty axles - $4000. That still doesn’t touch the suspension, wet bolts or spring hangers.

Ron, Can't find anything on the Dexter website that describes a heavy duty axel for 5th wheels less than 20k lbs. Just curios what is so unique about these axels to garner that valuation? Appreciate any information they may have provided.

[bcrvman]

Originally Posted by BUBBA-NONNIE

Good morning.
I have a 2017 Montana 3000RE. I took a trip from California to Texas recently and the roads were terrible. I look like a bumble bee trying to dodge the pot holes and uneven road surfaces. During the trip I have to replace 2 leaf springs on two separate occasions. The last shop that replaced a leaf said the leaves were looking flat and I should consider getting them replaced. One of my axles is offset to one side about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. I would like to put some after market shock absorbers on the trailer to dampen some of the jarring that happens to inside of the trailer and to help the springs. I do not drive fast. I don't drive more that 63 mph.
Does anyone have any suggests or expert advice.

Get those axles serviced, you may be only minutes away from a major accident.

[BUBBA-NONNIE]

You got that right. Going to shop Wednesday to get a full suspension overhaul. Thank you the valuable advice!!