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 > MOC Technical Forums > Additions & Improvements
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-19-2018, 03:53 PM   #1
Mel B.
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 351
M.O.C. #19469
Leaf spring hangers

I just got our 2955 back from the shop. I had my shackles reinforced, they boxed in the hangers, welded 1&1/2" square stock from side to side. The front one had to be able to remove encase the galley tank has to come out, so they installed a bolt on for that one. I'm very happy with it. They should be built this way from the beginning. Also both axles were straightened. Also all new Dexter brakes, bearings and seals. I bought a new drum with pre-packed bearings and seal already installed, If I ever loose a bearing I can just slip on the new drum.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	20180119_140025.jpg
Views:	82
Size:	141.4 KB
ID:	1027   Click image for larger version

Name:	20180119_140144[1].jpg
Views:	65
Size:	191.3 KB
ID:	1028   Click image for larger version

Name:	20180119_140355[1].jpg
Views:	76
Size:	141.1 KB
ID:	1029   Click image for larger version

Name:	20180119_140208.jpg
Views:	56
Size:	154.0 KB
ID:	1030   Click image for larger version

Name:	20180119_140200[1].jpg
Views:	59
Size:	129.3 KB
ID:	1031  

Click image for larger version

Name:	20180119_140127.jpg
Views:	80
Size:	186.8 KB
ID:	1032  
 
__________________
2004 2955RL 2nd owners 400 watt solar, 2000 inverter/charger 4-6volt golf cart battery's & a champion 3400 remote start dual fuel genny
2000 F-350 swd crew cab long bed 7.3 power stroke transflow 77 gal fuel tank.
Mel B. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2018, 06:05 PM   #2
dieselguy
Montana Master
 
dieselguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
What they did is really what Mor Ryde calls the X Factor. It's a brace system that came out around 2011 trying to cure the I Beam flex that the LRE 4000 suspensions caused. It came in two versions ... a single beam across the frame behind the equalizer mounts and a 3 beam version that also reinforced the outer spring shackle mounts like yours. I made my own for the single beam behind the equalizer .... works well to minimize stress on the frame I Beams.
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ghlight=factor
dieselguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2018, 06:23 PM   #3
Bad Moon
Montana Fan
 
Bad Moon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Medford
Posts: 498
M.O.C. #18546
I've been contemplating a similar mod on mine. The spring hangers on these rigs are scary flimsy.
__________________
2016 Montana High Country 310RE
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD LT CC 4x4 Duramax
Bad Moon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2018, 07:48 PM   #4
Mel B.
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 351
M.O.C. #19469
Quote:
Originally Posted by dieselguy View Post
What they did is really what Mor Ryde calls the X Factor. It's a brace system that came out around 2011 trying to cure the I Beam flex that the LRE 4000 suspensions caused. It came in two versions ... a single beam across the frame behind the equalizer mounts and a 3 beam version that also reinforced the outer spring shackle mounts like yours. I made my own for the single beam behind the equalizer .... works well to minimize stress on the frame I Beams.
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ghlight=factor
I read your other thread, looks very good. My pictures really don't do it justice. It was starting to rain, cloudy and my flash wouldn't work? But yes I really like the three rails, and welding all but one rail in place. Also the way they box welded every hanger. We pulled off of HWY. 97 near Klamouth Falls Oregon last Sept. just a slight 2" pavement edge and the right rear leaf spring pin broke. That caused the hangers on the rear axle to bend-twist. I've had alot of SOB RV'S in my life, but this Montana suspension seems to be the worst. But I love what they did, This is the way should come from the factory. I feel much more confident traveling on some of the dirt roads we drive on. Arizona bound in a week
__________________
2004 2955RL 2nd owners 400 watt solar, 2000 inverter/charger 4-6volt golf cart battery's & a champion 3400 remote start dual fuel genny
2000 F-350 swd crew cab long bed 7.3 power stroke transflow 77 gal fuel tank.
Mel B. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2018, 11:40 AM   #5
richfaa
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
Mine failed on our 2006 3400 in the 2nd year of ownership causing damage. We had the Mor Ryde IS installed on the 06 as well as this 2013 3402 Big Sky.The OEM suspension is an accident waiting to happen.
richfaa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2018, 04:33 PM   #6
prndl
Montana Master
 
prndl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: 1000 oaks
Posts: 949
M.O.C. #19630
Found this on another forum.....very interesting........pictures of what could happen

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...lNrR3ZhM2I4dG8
__________________
2011 2955RL Gen-Y Executive Kingpin
2022 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Alison
4X4 Crew Cab/Standard bed.
prndl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2018, 04:42 PM   #7
Bad Moon
Montana Fan
 
Bad Moon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Medford
Posts: 498
M.O.C. #18546
Quote:
Originally Posted by prndl View Post
Found this on another forum.....very interesting........pictures of what could happen

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...lNrR3ZhM2I4dG8
Bad link PRNDL, please try again.
__________________
2016 Montana High Country 310RE
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD LT CC 4x4 Duramax
Bad Moon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2018, 04:46 PM   #8
mhs4771
Montana Master
 
mhs4771's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,657
M.O.C. #9969
Not a pretty site, additionally those Shocks look worthless mounted at that angle, why bother.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
mhs4771 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2018, 05:05 PM   #9
dieselguy
Montana Master
 
dieselguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
Just shows me why I'm not a big fan of "correct track". The brackets to make it work effectively make the shackle mounts even longer and more prone to bending up stuff. I've not run across a dealer that has the equipment in house to correctly adjust the axles with the yellow cams ... the foremost answer is ... "we send it out for alignments."
dieselguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2018, 06:44 PM   #10
Mudchief
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Paola
Posts: 5,739
M.O.C. #4961
On our other unit I did that to the unit and it stopped the spring hangers from breaking.
__________________
Dennis & Linda Ward
Paola, Kansas
Montana 3735MK Legacy Edition
1200 watts of Solar
Mudchief is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2018, 07:46 PM   #11
beeje
Montana Master
 
beeje's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: westminster md
Posts: 2,318
M.O.C. #17894
I believe the correct track is to blame for that. The connection point of the springs are lowered creating much more stress on the mounts. Welded in cross braces would have most likely prevented that for happening.
beeje is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2018, 06:23 AM   #12
Dave W
Montana Master
 
Dave W's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 1,788
M.O.C. #14547
After owning SOB with 'massive' suspension before the current HC, am amazed at how puny the spring hangers are on this one. I do like what the OP did to his for reinforcement - he should never have another problem.

I've opted to use the MORryde X factor cross members instead. I have the center one installed, especially needed with the MORryde equalizer/suspension. I'll install the front one this spring. The rear one will not be a MORryde but a DIY as the rear tank drain is in the way - and to make matters even more interesting, the middle one needed some mods as will the front since the gas line lies along the hangers and needs to be cleared
__________________
Dave W
2014 Montana High Country 343RL (Sold!)
2011 Ford 6.7 Lariat CCLB (Went to PU Heaven)
2019 F150SC XLT SE Sport,w/full tow package
Dave W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2018, 06:37 AM   #13
psomers
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Northport
Posts: 624
M.O.C. #12724
Concern I have with mine is the hangers appear to be for springs that are 2" wide and my springs are 1 3/4". When I installed wet bolts the hangers are sprung in. I would like to replace hangers if I could find someone I thought would do it right.
psomers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2018, 08:15 AM   #14
Dave W
Montana Master
 
Dave W's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 1,788
M.O.C. #14547
Quote:
Originally Posted by psomers View Post
Concern I have with mine is the hangers appear to be for springs that are 2" wide and my springs are 1 3/4". When I installed wet bolts the hangers are sprung in. I would like to replace hangers if I could find someone I thought would do it right.

I found the same on our HC. I think it's just Lippert's 'manufacturing tolerances' as they are just squeezed into place with the bolts. Not pretty but it mostly works OK. Probably any after market replacement will be similar unless you have a welding shop make heavier and then you run into the problem of fitting the bolts.
__________________
Dave W
2014 Montana High Country 343RL (Sold!)
2011 Ford 6.7 Lariat CCLB (Went to PU Heaven)
2019 F150SC XLT SE Sport,w/full tow package
Dave W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2018, 08:19 AM   #15
Mel B.
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 351
M.O.C. #19469
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave W View Post
After owning SOB with 'massive' suspension before the current HC, am amazed at how puny the spring hangers are on this one. I do like what the OP did to his for reinforcement - he should never have another problem.

I've opted to use the MORryde X factor cross members instead. I have the center one installed, especially needed with the MORryde equalizer/suspension. I'll install the front one this spring. The rear one will not be a MORryde but a DIY as the rear tank drain is in the way - and to make matters even more interesting, the middle one needed some mods as will the front since the gas line lies along the hangers and needs to be cleared
The shop I used, has installed the MORryde system on some RV'S He said he's done hundreds like he did mine, and he feels it's much stronger then the MorRyde. He has so many referrals from people who have this done. I'm happy with it.
__________________
2004 2955RL 2nd owners 400 watt solar, 2000 inverter/charger 4-6volt golf cart battery's & a champion 3400 remote start dual fuel genny
2000 F-350 swd crew cab long bed 7.3 power stroke transflow 77 gal fuel tank.
Mel B. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2018, 08:39 AM   #16
Dave W
Montana Master
 
Dave W's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 1,788
M.O.C. #14547
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mel B. View Post
The shop I used, has installed the MORryde system on some RV'S He said he's done hundreds like he did mine, and he feels it's much stronger then the MorRyde. He has so many referrals from people who have this done. I'm happy with it.
If you have decent working facilities, a hanger support would be easy to build and install but to say the MORryde's have lots of complaints is hard to understand as they are very heavily built. Only the supplied bolts at the hangers are a Gr2 when they should be a Gr8 plus the strap should be 3/8x1" instead of 1/4x11/16". I've made those 2 minor mods
__________________
Dave W
2014 Montana High Country 343RL (Sold!)
2011 Ford 6.7 Lariat CCLB (Went to PU Heaven)
2019 F150SC XLT SE Sport,w/full tow package
Dave W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2018, 08:58 AM   #17
Mel B.
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 351
M.O.C. #19469
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave W View Post
If you have decent working facilities, a hanger support would be easy to build and install but to say the MORryde's have lots of complaints is hard to understand as they are very heavily built. Only the supplied bolts at the hangers are a Gr2 when they should be a Gr8 plus the strap should be 3/8x1" instead of 1/4x11/16". I've made those 2 minor mods
I never said MORryde has a a lot of complaints?? I said the shop has done both, but he get's more referrals for what he did to mine, then he does for installing MORryde. Sorry but you should re-read the post.
__________________
2004 2955RL 2nd owners 400 watt solar, 2000 inverter/charger 4-6volt golf cart battery's & a champion 3400 remote start dual fuel genny
2000 F-350 swd crew cab long bed 7.3 power stroke transflow 77 gal fuel tank.
Mel B. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2018, 10:56 AM   #18
Dave W
Montana Master
 
Dave W's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 1,788
M.O.C. #14547
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mel B. View Post
Sorry but you should re-read the post.
I did. Several times before I posted just to be sure what you said. I just did again and it still reads the same. Perhaps you could reread what you said and quite possibly you could read into it what I saw. Now. off to something important such as hang a piece of drywall
__________________
Dave W
2014 Montana High Country 343RL (Sold!)
2011 Ford 6.7 Lariat CCLB (Went to PU Heaven)
2019 F150SC XLT SE Sport,w/full tow package
Dave W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2018, 11:43 AM   #19
Mel B.
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 351
M.O.C. #19469
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave W View Post
I did. Several times before I posted just to be sure what you said. I just did again and it still reads the same. Perhaps you could reread what you said and quite possibly you could read into it what I saw. Now. off to something important such as hang a piece of drywall
Sorry, but now were supposed to read "what you saw"?? I thought my wife is the only who knows what I'm thinking. I don't care, I'm to old to argue about something like this. But to everyone else, I was in no way knocking MORryde. I was repeating what the shop owner said. Just "OPINIONS" that's all. The bottom line is it sucks that we have to go out and make these upgrades to begin with. Our trailer is old, but we love it, and it will last us another 4-5 years and then we'll buy another used one and start over with the upgrades.
__________________
2004 2955RL 2nd owners 400 watt solar, 2000 inverter/charger 4-6volt golf cart battery's & a champion 3400 remote start dual fuel genny
2000 F-350 swd crew cab long bed 7.3 power stroke transflow 77 gal fuel tank.
Mel B. 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 01:40 PM.


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