Forum

You must be logged in to post Login

Search Forums:


 






beefing up the suspension

No Status Selected
No Tags
UserPost

6:14 pm
September 24, 2012


mitch36

Oak Lawn, Ill.

Member

posts 40

   Hey y'all, while under the 16bh the other day it occured to me that the axle on my trailer is rated for 3500 pounds but every thing else is only rated at 2500 or so. I believe that I am going to take my springs to the spring shop and have them add a leaf or two to boost the capacity to closer to 3500 pounds. I will also upgrade to 14 inch tires and wheels because with the axle flip there is more room for the larger skins. I really dont plan on loading that much weight into the trailer but the extra bit of cushion could be nice if needed. 

   I also noticed on the last trip up north that my spring shakles are extended too far and the spring eye is hitting the frame. The trailer was not over-loaded as there were only clothes and stuff in it and all the heavy things were in the van ( I dont know why I didnt notice this before). It appears that the factory welded the shackle hangers too close to the spring hangers. I plan on cutting all the hangers off and making new hangers with a bushing and grease fitting and welding them in the proper location on the frame to eliminate this situation ( the wheels are not centered in the wheel weels and this bothers me , OCD I guess, HAHA). I also plan on making a hitch for the back that is tied into the frame rails so we can haul our bikes with us when we travel.  Updates soon, Mitch.Laugh

6:52 pm
September 24, 2012


Mike M

SE Massachusetts

Member

posts 88

Looking forward to seeing what you're doing to the suspension.  I'd like to get rid of the incessant squeaks in mine, and I think it may require some of those greaseable pivot bolts.

Mike

2012 190 pulled by a 2011 F150 Supercab 3.7 2wd.

1:16 pm
September 25, 2012


mitch36

Oak Lawn, Ill.

Member

posts 40

Post edited 8:17 pm – September 25, 2012 by mitch36


Mke, I have found that if I spray all the wear joints in the suspension AND the leaf springs themselves with lithium lube, it will all but eliminate the squeeking. There is nothing nicer than cruising thru a new camp ground with everyone checking out your rig and it sounds like an angry squirel convention! I know that you can buy new weld on hangers with solid bushings but I will make my own with bronze inner bushings and grease zerks for lubrication, it should not be too hard to fab up and weld on. I will take picturs of the finished product and post em up. Mitch.Smile

4:41 pm
September 25, 2012


Mike M

SE Massachusetts

Member

posts 88

Mitch,  I did some research at Dexter Axles today, and found this heavy duty suspension kit that replaces all the pivot points with greasables:  http://www.trailerandtruckpart…..p_377.html   No matter what I decide on the axle, my unit will have these next season.  I've also inquired with Dexter about getting a straight tube to replace the drop tube currently under there.  The straight tube would give me 4″ more overall height and 4″ more clearance under the axle.  If I can get just the tube, it's a snap to drop the axle out and swap over the spindles/brakes/hubs, etc.  We'll see what they say.

Mike

2012 190 pulled by a 2011 F150 Supercab 3.7 2wd.

11:46 pm
September 28, 2012


rom

Virginia

Member

posts 3

This company has 14 tires without modification.

http://www.bobcatrv.com/616/br…..t_2011.pdf

8:04 am
September 29, 2012


Mike M

SE Massachusetts

Member

posts 88

rom said:

This company has 14 tires without modification.

http://www.bobcatrv.com/616/br…..t_2011.pdf


You probably meant to post this in your thread about tire sizes, but does this mean you're trading in your KZ and going with the Bobcat because it has 14″ tires?

Mike

2012 190 pulled by a 2011 F150 Supercab 3.7 2wd.

No Tags