7K or 8K IS? - Montana Owners Club

rames14 · 05-20-2021, 07:30 PM

So, our 3230CK has a GVWR around 16,700. We have our IS appointment in September, and since we have Kodiak brakes, we could do either 7k or 8k IS. We had 8k on our old 3160. Looking at 7k this time. Anyone that has had both with an opinion? Lucky we made our reservation back when we ordered our unit. It’s a year and a half to get in now.

1retired06 · 05-21-2021, 07:06 AM

If not a big difference in price, I would go heavy.

Slow Hand · 05-21-2021, 07:09 AM

Something to think about is the 8K would ride harder than the 7K The harder the ride on the trailer the more stress you may put on the frame and all your stuff inside. I would differently ask the installer his opinion. Have you loaded the trailer like you would to go on a trip and weigh the unit. That would also give you a idea as to how much weight is really on your axles.

NCFischers · 05-21-2021, 07:52 AM

I had 8K put on mine. MorRyde said that over 16K should have 8K. I don't see that much difference in the ride from my old 7K axles. In my opinion, the beefer axles will hold up better on the roads.

**DQDick** · 05-21-2021, 09:19 AM

We had 7K on our 2010 (didn't make 8 K then) and we have 8K on our 2017. Haven't been able to tell any difference.

mhs4771 · 05-21-2021, 01:22 PM

Forget the GVWR, what does you Rig actually weigh??

rames14 · 05-21-2021, 03:15 PM

We keep our rig fairly light. Gary Wheeler has suggested 7k, so we will probably stick with the 7k.

allenclme · 06-06-2021, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rames14

We keep our rig fairly light. Gary Wheeler has suggested 7k, so we will probably stick with the 7k.

We're scheduled for the IS/Disk Brake upgrade in March, 2022, unless someone cancels then earlier. In talking with Brian, he said that we shouldn't go with the 8k if the weight of the 5er didn't call for it. My 3820 FK came with 7k Dexters.

BiggarView · 06-07-2021, 11:25 AM

if you are not going to approach the CCC (3900+lbs) for that trailer which is not very likely, I'd go with 7k. But if you are going to load down the trailer then go with the 8k. Why pay for more if you are not going to use it. That seems to be Gary's thinking at MOR/Ryde, he won't upsell you if you don't need the 8k. 3900 lbs is a lot of stuff to carry in that trailer. As you can see from my signature, we have the 8k but we are loaded out for full time. Don't forget the IS will add weight to you rig net net, but it is unsprung weight. IF you haven't already, get the trailer raised to make it level while towing if needed in your tow configuration. MOR/Ryde can do that for you. Our 3813 now has 12" of I beam over 6" of boxed frame at the axles. Stone cold level when towing. Trailer overall height is only 13'4". with 7.5" bedrail clearance.

jeffba · 06-07-2021, 11:36 AM

I would follow MorRyde's suggestions.
I think the issue with 7 vs 8K is that the thin walled version of the 7k axles encourages folks to go to 8K.

77cruiser · 06-07-2021, 06:28 PM

8K shear spring might last longer, I have 2 on mine I have to replace. Mine is 7 K & it's only been 2 yrs. & 12000 miles.

**AZ Traveler** · 06-07-2021, 07:38 PM

Jim,

Do you have to go back to MorRyde to replace those springs?

77cruiser · 06-07-2021, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ Traveler

Jim,

Do you have to go back to MorRyde to replace those springs?

I'm gonna do it, only 8- 3/8 bolts it looks like.

rames14 · 06-07-2021, 07:58 PM

Those should still be under warranty. With pictures, they will probably send them to you. We are having ours done in prep for our Alaska trip. Broke a spring last time and don’t want to have issues.

77cruiser · 06-07-2021, 08:07 PM

They are they are sending me 2 but they want the old ones back.

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