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08-09-2010, 02:36 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Hillsborough
Posts: 114
M.O.C. #9830
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What suspension upgrades should I do on my 2955RL
We recently bought a used 2008 Montana 2955RL 5th wheel. I work out of state and I am living in the unit for the next 14 months. At the end of 2011, me and my wife will be taking early retirement and traveling the country with our 5th wheel. We will be on the road ~ 9 months a year. We are planning an Alaska trip and we are concerned with the roads. What suspension upgrades would you recommend for my unit? I am very mechanical and have access to most tools/equipment. Thanks for your advice as usual.
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08-09-2010, 02:59 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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You have ask a simple question with many answers. First is how much do you want to spend?
A full upgrade would be the Mor/Ryde independent suspension around $2400. Do you want to add Hydraulic Disc brakes around $2600.
If you keep the Mor/Ryde suspension you have I would recommend the "Horizontal reinforcement" bar between the two suspension.
I strongly recommend the WET Bolt upgrade with heavy duty shackles. If you buy them from other than Mor/Ryde also get the "Z bracket" that interfaces with your Mor/Ryde suspension.
I have a tire pressure monitoring system including the spare.
You mentioned living in it for 14 Months. I recommend the JT stabilizers if you are uncomfortable with movement. I also added scissors jacks in front of the tires that takes spring and tire bounce out. This firms it up to about 99%. If you are parked on grass you will have to reset them a couple of times until it has finished settling.
Recommend a Surge Guard (I have Progressive Industries).
Good luck and I am sure you will have many more great suggestions.
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08-09-2010, 03:13 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Apache Junction
Posts: 1,732
M.O.C. #7487
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You might at least want to think about installing the (E-Z Flex) wet bolt kit. I installed mine earlier this year with the help of a friend and found the OEM parts to be about worn out.
Part # K71-653-00 http://dexteraxle.com/e_z_flex_equalizers
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08-09-2010, 06:30 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ardrossan
Posts: 729
M.O.C. #9261
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The wet bolt shackle bolt kit is a must as the dry type will likely be already worn through the plastic bushings.
Also ensure you have a good reliable set of tires under your rig especially if your travelling up north. Lots of discussion on ST and LT tires in this forum. All the best in enjoyment of your new purchase.
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08-09-2010, 06:50 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Jose
Posts: 389
M.O.C. #2277
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Would that be the same Dexter kit for a 2005 2955?
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08-10-2010, 04:51 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Apache Junction
Posts: 1,732
M.O.C. #7487
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by MuddyPaws
Would that be the same Dexter kit for a 2005 2955?
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It should be the same, but to be sure just measure between the axles and it should be 35" center to center. If it is 33" then the number is K71-652-00. It might be that the 35" is for 16" wheels and the 33" is for 15" wheels.
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08-10-2010, 04:23 PM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2005
Location: zelienople
Posts: 300
M.O.C. #3760
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If not the Mor-ryde system, atleast go with the Dexter wet bolt and EZ-equalizer and a good set of LT tires. This is less expensive, but a great improvement over the OEM junk.
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08-11-2010, 09:36 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: sioux falls
Posts: 1,835
M.O.C. #2121
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We second H. John Kohl's recommendations.
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08-11-2010, 11:05 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Bum F Egypt
Posts: 979
M.O.C. #2733
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Did the wet bolts my dad and I took about 6 hours. Plus before the wet bolt are done stiffen up the shackles by welding plate steel across them, there a sticky at rvnet in the travel trailer forum. Improved our ride by 20 percent.
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08-11-2010, 01:15 PM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Grain valley
Posts: 356
M.O.C. #5098
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Your Montana may have the Mor-Ryde suspension. My 2008 3075 came from the factory with the Mor-Ryde suspension. It probably depends on what part of the model year it was built. I just today recieved the Mor-Ryde wet bolt and linkage kit for installation soon.
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08-12-2010, 01:44 PM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Jose
Posts: 389
M.O.C. #2277
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I've been trying to order the kit from Dexter but their website seems to be messed up. But this might be a good thing.
I've read elsewhere that this mod lowers the ride hight, and thus decreases the clearance between the tob ot the tire and the underside of the wheel well. I have just over 3" now and any decrease in that will probably put me in the danger zone, i.e. less than 3".
Has anybody measured the clearance after this mod? How about before?
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08-12-2010, 02:08 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Apache Junction
Posts: 1,732
M.O.C. #7487
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by MuddyPaws
I've been trying to order the kit from Dexter but their website seems to be messed up. But this might be a good thing.
I've read elsewhere that this mod lowers the ride hight, and thus decreases the clearance between the tob ot the tire and the underside of the wheel well. I have just over 3" now and any decrease in that will probably put me in the danger zone, i.e. less than 3".
Has anybody measured the clearance after this mod? How about before?
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There is no change on ours, the clearance is the same.
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08-12-2010, 04:59 PM
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#13
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Jose
Posts: 389
M.O.C. #2277
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That's good news! Thanks!
Edit - I ordered the kit this morning. Won't be able to put it on for at least 2 weeks though.
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08-24-2010, 03:42 PM
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#14
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Jose
Posts: 389
M.O.C. #2277
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I got a quote from my favorite RV shop that was less than $200 to install the E-Z Flex on both sides. Is that in line with what others have paid? It seems low to me.
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08-24-2010, 04:44 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Apache Junction
Posts: 1,732
M.O.C. #7487
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by MuddyPaws
I got a quote from my favorite RV shop that was less than $200 to install the E-Z Flex on both sides. Is that in line with what others have paid? It seems low to me.
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It took us 2 1/2 hours to do mine, so a good shop should be able to do it in that time or less. The price will depend on your shops hourly rate.
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