Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > Tow Vehicles & Towing
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-06-2020, 07:19 AM   #21
CADman_KS
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Hesston
Posts: 735
M.O.C. #25060
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igoo65 View Post
Anybody that has added these lifting blocks, Is there a downside to adding them? Do your stairs still touch the ground?
Thanks,
Igoo65
...and what does it do to your overall height? Ours is in the 13'4" range, so 2" blocks should put us a 13'6". That's the claimed height from Keystone, but I don't know that I would want to even push it to the 13'6" number...
 
__________________
2020 Montana 3741FK
2020 Chevy SRW 3500HD Duramax/Allison High Country
CADman_KS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2020, 08:35 AM   #22
Igoo65
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 72
M.O.C. #25159
Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
A little over a year ago, I installed 2" trailer blocks and now the rig is riding level and actually handles much better. The cost for two kits that included four blocks, eight 9/16" U-bolts, and the tie plates, which are needed because your existing tie plates only have 1/2" holes, was 635 CAD, which translated to about $483 US dollars, which yes is a bit high if you have your machine shop set up where you can make them yourself. Having the hydraulic leveling made the job pretty easy and I had no issues doing the install. Below is a photo prior to cutting off the excess bolts. Raising the trailer at the axles did not increase the overall height of the trailer because my highest point is at the front A/C which is very close to the hitch compared to the axles.
Can you address if you needed to do anything with your stairs because of the added height? The reason that I ask this is that I installed Lippert strong steps, a 2-step step and I am at the end of the adjustable length. If I lift the trailer will I have to replace my steps?
Thank you.
Igoo65 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2020, 04:50 PM   #23
rohrmann
Montana Master
 
rohrmann's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,677
M.O.C. #12947
No problem with the steps because we have the Torklift GlowStep Revolution steps installed, and with the wide range of adjustments, have had no problem. Even with the old steps, the rig is only 2" higher, so only in the occasional location would that be an issue. If necessary, you could also just use a folding step when the rise is too high. https://www.campingworld.com/folding...%2Fstep-stools
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	TorkLift steps and handrail.jpg
Views:	34
Size:	107.5 KB
ID:	7462  
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
rohrmann is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2020, 05:01 PM   #24
jeffba
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
Quote:
Originally Posted by CADman_KS View Post
...and what does it do to your overall height? Ours is in the 13'4" range, so 2" blocks should put us a 13'6". That's the claimed height from Keystone, but I don't know that I would want to even push it to the 13'6" number...
The blocks lift mostly the back of the camper. I'll bet you would not see more the 1/2 inch at you highest point, which is your front AC
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
jeffba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2020, 08:06 PM   #25
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
For those who have purchased blocks, did you get 1 3/4" or 2" width?
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2020, 08:27 PM   #26
rohrmann
Montana Master
 
rohrmann's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,677
M.O.C. #12947
The springs on these rigs are 1 3/4” wide, so that dictates the use of the same width blocks.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
rohrmann is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2020, 10:04 AM   #27
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
Bob, I'm trying to piece this together, so I don't spend a small fortune. What is the size of the u-bolts you got. I'm needing the length of the u-bolt and the width between the two bolts, if you have that information.
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2020, 12:10 PM   #28
NixonFamilyRV
Established Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Monte Vista
Posts: 15
M.O.C. #27316
Following... thinking this is the path I'm about to take as well... thanks for this discussion.

Russ
NixonFamilyRV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2020, 12:22 PM   #29
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
Well I got my 2" aluminum blocks and new u-bolts from Summit Racing. Two kits for under a $100.00. Tuesday will be the install day along with two new Micro-Air easy touch A/C controls to replace the factory Dometic ones. Looking to gain a little height on the trailer for those steep driveway approaches.
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2020, 12:32 PM   #30
NixonFamilyRV
Established Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Monte Vista
Posts: 15
M.O.C. #27316
Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
Well I got my 2" aluminum blocks and new u-bolts from Summit Racing. Two kits for under a $100.00. Tuesday will be the install day along with two new Micro-Air easy touch A/C controls to replace the factory Dometic ones. Looking to gain a little height on the trailer for those steep driveway approaches.
Yep, I need a little help with altitude as well. Do you happen to have a link to the Summit Racing kits you purchased?

Thanks much,
Russ
NixonFamilyRV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2020, 12:45 PM   #31
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
Before I send you it, let me make sure it all goes together right.......lol. I'd hate to send you something that was not right. If you can give me till tuesday afternoon.
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2020, 03:56 PM   #32
Montana Man
Montana Master
 
Montana Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
Well I got my 2" aluminum blocks and new u-bolts from Summit Racing. Two kits for under a $100.00. Tuesday will be the install day along with two new Micro-Air easy touch A/C controls to replace the factory Dometic ones. Looking to gain a little height on the trailer for those steep driveway approaches.
Please do us a favor and measure a point on the rear before and after the installation. My guess the rear will raise 3 1/2".
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
Montana Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2020, 04:01 PM   #33
Mikelff
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Keller
Posts: 500
M.O.C. #26851
Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
Before I send you it, let me make sure it all goes together right.......lol. I'd hate to send you something that was not right. If you can give me till tuesday afternoon.
Looking at going this route as well, so all these inquiring minds want to know! I imagine the also have the other sizes? I’m going to have someone with the skills and tools do mine. Will look for your post next week. 😳
Mikelff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2020, 09:57 AM   #34
NixonFamilyRV
Established Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Monte Vista
Posts: 15
M.O.C. #27316
Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
Before I send you it, let me make sure it all goes together right.......lol. I'd hate to send you something that was not right. If you can give me till tuesday afternoon.
Absolutely, I have a deep appreciation for learning from others' experiences. Thanks for blazing a trail for this audience, as it seems I'm far from the only one that's interested in the results of your work.

I also would echo something that was said a little further down in the conversation - if you can measure your before and after heights, that would be tremendously appreciated too. The published height of my unit is 13' 4", but I'm about 13' 6" at the front A/C unit when I'm hitched, and still closer to 13' 4" at the rear A/C. I really don't want to make the overall height of the trailer any taller than I absolutely have to. My hope is that you'll find that your front A/C doesn't raise all that much with this lift, but perhaps the two A/C units are at about the same height when you're hitched up. That would be cool.

I would also be curious about any changes in ride characteristics that you notice after the lift.

Hope things go well for you. Good luck!
Russ
NixonFamilyRV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2020, 10:05 AM   #35
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
Quote:
Originally Posted by NixonFamilyRV View Post
Absolutely, I have a deep appreciation for learning from others' experiences. Thanks for blazing a trail for this audience, as it seems I'm far from the only one that's interested in the results of your work.

I also would echo something that was said a little further down in the conversation - if you can measure your before and after heights, that would be tremendously appreciated too. The published height of my unit is 13' 4", but I'm about 13' 6" at the front A/C unit when I'm hitched, and still closer to 13' 4" at the rear A/C. I really don't want to make the overall height of the trailer any taller than I absolutely have to. My hope is that you'll find that your front A/C doesn't raise all that much with this lift, but perhaps the two A/C units are at about the same height when you're hitched up. That would be cool.

I would also be curious about any changes in ride characteristics that you notice after the lift.

Hope things go well for you. Good luck!
Russ

Russ, I will take before and after measurements of everything. I'm doing this install tomorrow. First trip will be this Thursday down to San Diego, which is about a 2 hour drive for me.
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2020, 08:42 PM   #36
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
Well the install went really smooth. Used the 6 point jacks to lift the whole rig off the ground, and then suspended the axle with my jack. I did the driver's side first and then the passenger side. Before and after measurements shows a full 2" increase in height. I measured from the ground to the bottom of the fender on both axles. I didn't take any other measurements, cause I was super busy. The kit I used was from Summit Racing, which was a 2" high block and 2" wide (I know the springs are 1 3/4"), but that's what I used. For anybody else wanting to use their kit #BEL-6102, purchase their tie plates too, they will match better than the factory ones, unless you can find the 1 3/4" blocks. Regardless, this is how these trailers should come from the factory. The height is perfect now.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG-2651.jpg
Views:	50
Size:	263.8 KB
ID:	7589   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG-2654.jpg
Views:	76
Size:	372.2 KB
ID:	7590   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG-2657.jpg
Views:	58
Size:	202.7 KB
ID:	7591  
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2020, 08:52 PM   #37
Last2Die
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Menifee
Posts: 1,109
M.O.C. #22986
Might do this when they replace the axles I need about an inch or so...
__________________
2018 3920fb 2020 GMC Denali 3500 4x4 Duramax, 10 speed Allison. LB SRW, Firestone air bags with Airlift wireless onboard compressor. Anderson Ultimate Hitch. MX4 folding cover. 50gal titan in bed transfer tank. Onan 6500 lp genset installed by me ! Had: 2 HF 3500 Inverters with Parallel Kit
Last2Die is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2020, 08:55 PM   #38
Last2Die
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Menifee
Posts: 1,109
M.O.C. #22986
Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
Well the install went really smooth. Used the 6 point jacks to lift the whole rig off the ground, and then suspended the axle with my jack. I did the driver's side first and then the passenger side. Before and after measurements shows a full 2" increase in height. I measured from the ground to the bottom of the fender on both axles. I didn't take any other measurements, cause I was super busy. The kit I used was from Summit Racing, which was a 2" high block and 2" wide (I know the springs are 1 3/4"), but that's what I used. For anybody else wanting to use their kit #BEL-6102, purchase their tie plates too, they will match better than the factory ones, unless you can find the 1 3/4" blocks. Regardless, this is how these trailers should come from the factory. The height is perfect now.
Come do mine lol. Will doing that effect the alignment at all..? That’s why dexter is sending me new axles complete with suspension.

Tony
__________________
2018 3920fb 2020 GMC Denali 3500 4x4 Duramax, 10 speed Allison. LB SRW, Firestone air bags with Airlift wireless onboard compressor. Anderson Ultimate Hitch. MX4 folding cover. 50gal titan in bed transfer tank. Onan 6500 lp genset installed by me ! Had: 2 HF 3500 Inverters with Parallel Kit
Last2Die is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2020, 08:59 PM   #39
432bartman
Montana Master
 
432bartman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #26190
I have no idea, but looking at others who have done this, they have no issues.
__________________
2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
432bartman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2020, 09:19 PM   #40
rohrmann
Montana Master
 
rohrmann's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,677
M.O.C. #12947
Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
Bob, I'm trying to piece this together, so I don't spend a small fortune. What is the size of the u-bolts you got. I'm needing the length of the u-bolt and the width between the two bolts, if you have that information.

Sorry for the delay, just saw this. The new u-bolts are 9/16". The original u-bolts on the rig were 1/2", so that dictated the need for the new plates. I don't know if there is a big difference in the need for the bigger u-bolts, but it certainly doesn't hurt going bigger.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
rohrmann is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:12 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.