Sumo Springs for fifth wheels

[als049]

Has anyone used these devices on their Montanas to upgrade/improve the suspension?

[rames14]

The most popular upgrade is IS by MorRyde. It is so popular that they are about a year out right now on install time in Elkhart. We have our appointment in September.

[azwiz]

ya, @ about $6000.00!

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by als049

Has anyone used these devices on their Montanas to upgrade/improve the suspension?

I would be very careful about using something like it. There were instances where people were getting frame cracks on Sprinters using airbags. And of course MB was not covering the damage.

[als049]

Thanks to all for the reply. Yes that’s why I was looking at alternatives. I was quoted $7000 and a long wait. I was also told by a Montana regional rep that the
IS system potentially could cause warranty issues. So I was looking at other alternatives-that might be warranty “safe”.

[mhs4771]

I don't think there is anything that is "Warranty Safe", seems just about all MFRs can find some reason to reject a warranty claim if they don't want to pay.

[azwiz]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

I don't think there is anything that is "Warranty Safe", seems just about all MFRs can find some reason to reject a warranty claim if they don't want to pay.

X2 Didn't realize they went up in price! Sumo springs looks to be the least intrusive. Could take them out (fast) if there was a warranty issue.

[Cbrez]

We had them installed when we had a suspension failure on the road. Insurance covered the cost of everything except the Sumo springs since they were considered an upgrade. The four Sumo springs cost us $910 installed.

The OEM springs we replaced all had recurve in them where the axles attached. The Sumo springs act as a shock absorber and give me piece of mind that it won’t happen again. After breaking down on the road I definitely inspect my suspension more than I used to.

[rames14]

If you already have disk brakes, the IS install runs about $4000. The warranty on IS is 3 years, vs 1 year on the stock suspension. I discussed this with Keystone. There is not a warranty issue installing IS. I wanted my t’s crossed before I put it on my new 3230CK. The one issue is which brakes you have will determine if you can put on 8000 lb axles or stick to 7000 lb.

[kingdaddy]

Originally Posted by Cbrez

We had them installed when we had a suspension failure on the road. Insurance covered the cost of everything except the Sumo springs since they were considered an upgrade. The four Sumo springs cost us $910 installed.

The OEM springs we replaced all had recurve in them where the axles attached. The Sumo springs act as a shock absorber and give me piece of mind that it won’t happen again. After breaking down on the road I definitely inspect my suspension more than I used to.

Interesting! Couple of questions...did you get specific Sumo Springs for your application (i.e. durometer, length etc.)?
Also, I see that you have the LRE 4000 equalizers judging by the shear spring I see in the photo. Did you have any tears in them or other failures?
Surprised to see the spring failure and "recurve" at the spring mounting points.
I'm interested in what you did for the replacement springs? My trailer is now 10 years old and I might consider going to the Comfort Ride slipper springs soon... however, I just replaced the rubber shear springs and all new Morryde shackles and wet bolts.
thanks!

[Cbrez]

Originally Posted by kingdaddy

Interesting! Couple of questions...did you get specific Sumo Springs for your application (i.e. durometer, length etc.)?
Also, I see that you have the LRE 4000 equalizers judging by the shear spring I see in the photo. Did you have any tears in them or other failures?
Surprised to see the spring failure and "recurve" at the spring mounting points.
I'm interested in what you did for the replacement springs?

I don’t know the answer to your first question. The tire shop had a Sumo spring display and the technology looked like it made sense so I went for it. I don’t know if it’s a one size fits all scenario or if it’s specific for my particular suspension system.

Both shear springs needed to be replaced. They had extensive cracking, which is very difficult to detect. You have to crawl underneath the axles with a flashlight to inspect.

We considered upgrading the leaf springs but the mechanic said we didn’t need to with the Sumo springs, so we replaced the springs in kind.

[AZMont]

I put them on about a year ago. Did 2 trips with them. The trailer pulled better, with less sway. However, the ride inside the coach was also a bit harsh. We found things on the floor that typically "stayed put" prior to the sumo spring installation. A couple of drawers bounced open, etc. I took them off, did not want to do any damage to the 5ver due to the stiffer ride.

[Mikelff]

I am looking at the Sumo springs myself. They are progressive springs and are sized according to the axle rating. Mine are 7000 pound rating and are black. They are 500 pounds resistance at 50% compression, and compress up to 80%. They act similar to shock absorbers and springs as they progressively get stiffer as they compress, so a set of 4 will add 2000 pounds of resistance at 50% compression on my rig. They will stiffen up the ride some, especially as they compress but they do absorb a lot of shock taking stress off your springs. Need to be careful as to how much compression you have when they are installed. They say no more than 1/2 inch compression when static with full weight. More than that I would expect a much stiffer ride and maybe bottom out with less travel. My issue is my propane line runs along the outside edge of the frame so not sure yet if I have enough clearance. Several U-tube videos on them. I have PM a couple people that have them and really like them. I have progressive spring in my front shocks on my motorcycle and they made a huge difference in handling and stopping. Nose dive was gone. If I have the clearance I need I’m likely going to buy them and also install the upgrade shackles and wet bolts.

[laverdur]

No personal experience but i did read in another thread on this forum that someone installed the Sumo springs and then experienced things falling on the floor during a day's drive when that had never happened before. Seems the Sumo springs may have made the ride too stiff. I may be headed for a similar experience because I did a suspension retrofit and used #3500 springs to replace the #3000 ones that sere stock. Time will tell.

[jjwhite368]

Originally Posted by als049

Has anyone used these devices on their Montanas to upgrade/improve the suspension?

Yes, just installed them on my 2021 Montana 3121RL.

[Bozo]

Any issue with your propane line, cause on my Montana 3812ms, I do have only 2,3/4in 0f clearance between the line and the limit of the frame, is this enough

[Lee-CI]

We've been running SumoSprings on our MHC for about 6K miles now. The term "shock absorber" can be misleading since the units only assist during compression. The ride quality has been somewhat BETTER vice rougher. Units were one of the first upgrades we completed. There is noticeably less side to side roll on entrance / exit ramps, as well as winding country roads. We've had not one piece of molding or anything else shaken loose druing our trips. I can recommend the install, but don't expect miracles.

As for MORryde Independent Suspension causing issues with potential warranty claims, the suspension is an optional FACTORY upgrade on 2024 units for all models - not merely Legacy models. This info came straight from the Montana manager at the Fall rally and factory tour.

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by Bozo

Any issue with your propane line, cause on my Montana 3812ms, I do have only 2,3/4in 0f clearance between the line and the limit of the frame, is this enough

You may need to move your gas line an inch or two to make room for the sumo springs. They move the gas line to the inside edge of the frame. My dealer has done several installs moving that gas line with no issues. This will give you approximately 4 to 4 1/2 inches of clearance for the 3” diameter sumo springs. So yes, it is possible to move the gas line.

[dlowrey]

Bozo,
I believe my clearance issue with the propane line is the same as yours. Did you install the Sumos. Did you have to move the propane line?
Thanks
-DL

[Mikelff]

dlowtey, you will need at least 4” of clearance for the Sumo Springs. You will most likely have to move your gas line. Typically it is moved and anchored to the inside edge of the frame rail which will give you approximately 4” to almost 4.75” of clearance. If you travel often and use the RV frequently, It’s probably worth the expense. I had a friend who is a plumber help me with mine. He had the tools and pipe parts which really helped. Takes two guys to manage the bulky length of the pipe and remount re using the mounting hardware that came with the RV. Otherwise I would have had the dealer install them. Happy trails.