Axle replacement

[JEROME]

I noticed some discussion about axle replacement what is the stock axle on 2019 3720 RL ? What is the advantage on changing ? I am going to have Disc brakes added when we go to national MOC meeting. Performance is going to install them. Jerome & Judy

[BiggarView]

Are you going to full time in your RV? If so then a fully loaded RV could benefit from higher rated axles, along with higher tire rated tires. Good first move with the disk brakes. If you are not full timing then the cost/benefit ratio of the suspension upgrade becomes questionable since you more than likely will not be loading it to it's maximum. Keystone's own people told me that the typical buyer of their Montana rigs carries less than a 1000 lbs. If you fall into that category then the suspension upgrade probably does not make much sense. JMHO.

[jeffba]

I am saving my pennies for disk brakes. The brakes put a higher load on the axles. I am saving a few more pennies to upgrade the axles at the same time.

[DQDick]

On both of our Monty's we eliminated the axles altogether by going with IS and Disk brakes. Our opinion would be to drop the appointment with Performance and get one with Morryde at the Rally price.

[jeffba]

that would have me saving nickles

[jetskier]

You don't have to been full timers to be heavy for a weekend or week long trip. My 3790RD is nearly 14k on the axles with full fresh water tanks before we load food and clothing. The disc brakes are the best upgrade for safety and driver sanity.

[Arkware]

I would like to second what DQDick says.

If you have any thoughts of upgrading the suspension you should look at MorRyde IS and Disk Brakes.

In addition to a beefier suspension, your wheels can be fully aligned.

[BiggarView]

Agree with DQDick also. We'll be FT next year and we already have that 8K axles and IS and disk brakes in our plans and budgeted.

Jetskier, you are certainly correct, and if the weekend warriors or the FTers are "heavy" then they should certainly consider beefing up the suspension components. Most weekend warriors according to Keystone do not load out heavy... for them, the suspension upgrade is probably not worth it. A choice.

[fatcatzzz]

What is the cost at the rally for the IS/Disk brake upgrade. I am have been weighting the IS /DB's against 8K axles/DB's lately for our 3720. I am heavy all the time.

[JEROME]

Well we wanted to get Morryde to do our disk brakes and suspension system but they could not do it on sight at MCO in SEPT. , an we would need to make another trip from SC to have this work done .I am looking for ideas . Jerome & Judy

[Golfmedik]

My disc brakes arrived last week from Performance Trailer Braking and the 8k axles should be here this week. I would absolutely LOVE the IS and discs, but at almost twice the price and another cross country trip, this is my best option. I understand that the IS is THE way to go, but just can't pull that trigger after all of the medical bills the last two years.

[mazboy]

The IS system runs around $7-8K with disc brakes. You have to weigh the cost.

[Texan]

Originally Posted by mazboy

The IS system runs around $7-8K with disc brakes. You have to weigh the cost.

I have the IS and disc on account when I travel it is usually a minimum of 600 miles from the house to 1500 miles. I haven't been traveling much because of our health issures but I don't camp close by so a better braking and suspension is a must for me but the cost of these improvements is probably the most expensive items you will install on your rv. If I were staying close to the house then I probably would not spend the money but I could still see carrying as much weight on account carrying a full load of water when dry camping adds a considerable amount of weight. It all depends on the circumstances but cost has to be the number 1 factor. If you can't afford it then nothing else matters on account many members are on a very limited income. Just be sure to constantly inspect the suspension and brakes and most will be just fine.

[Arkware]

We got the rally price from last year and installed in Feb. this year. The 8K IS and Disk Brakes was $6779.10 out the door. There were a couple of upgrade options we did with the install that bumped the price a bit.

That was a tough check to write, but for me, the safety of the DBs and peace of mind of having a very durable suspension for when we hit the road on a cross-country trip, it was worth it.

A great many folks never have any suspension issues with their rigs. But I have seen a few and that was enough for me to not want to experience one myself.

[jeffba]

Ron, what were the upgrade options? As if what you did was not an upgrade unto itself

[Arkware]

Jeff,
The first option was 7K vs 8K IS. Our current rig weight only needed the 7K. I have some future upgrades I want to do that will add weight, so.........
MorRyde has several options for bearings. There was a 'never-lube', a 'standard' bearing and an 'upgraded' Timken bearing. We went with the Timken.
There was also an option on the disk brakes. Their 'standard' or the upgrade to Kodiak.
Of course I had to do the named brand.... (sigh)

The whole system is custom built and custom installed for your rig while you are there.
They adjust the height to match your truck to ride as level as possible.

[beeje]

Golfmedic, Since I have already replaced my entire suspension (springs/u bolts/wetbolt kit etc. No way im doing it again. If I have any more issues I will go straight for the IS.
IMHO 8k axles would be a waste of time and $$. The axles are not the weak link. The rest of the suspension is.
Not sure exactly what the difference is between 7k/8k axles are, but a think its only 3/16 vs 1/4 steel tubing.
I know for a fact that the springs are rated for 3500lbs.
Are you replacing your springs with 4000lbs rated springs ? I assume they make them. ?

[jcurtis934]

To the op, standard axles should be 7k. You can check the backside of an axle and it will be stamped there and maybe also still have the printed label.

[JEROME]

Thank you so much for all the help I am trying to learn all I can. The lessons are sure costly ,I d o not want to take a class more than once. See you later Jerome & Judy

[jeffba]

I like your choices for upgrading the upgrade. This is something you only want to do once. Thanks for the information. I guess I need to save more than just pennies for this one.

Wonder how long it will be before disks are standard and IS is a legacy package?