Mods to 377 RLBH?

[2naEagle]

Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom

Update on the trailer saver hitch....
That thing is awesome. The towing experience is night and day different. So smooth. Normal roads feel like there’s no trailer back there. Bumpy roads are far less jarring. I still need to dial in which pressure is the best but I ran it with 60 psi and it seemed like I was about there.

With the hitch, MorRyde king pin, shocks on the trailer, and air bags on the truck, I’ve got a pretty cushioned ride.

Every time I hit a bump look into the mirror and see the trailer just float up and down (and can't fill it) I can't help but smile.

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by 2naEagle

Every time I hit a bump look into the mirror and see the trailer just float up and down (and can't fill it) I can't help but smile.

Lol! I was doing the same thing the entire trip

[Dskyward]

Here we go again! We’ve been parked almost 2 weeks in TX near our future homebase, and this evening, while doing a task outside I happened to clean some dirt and rubber smudges around the old crack repair and discovered this:


To say the least I’m heartbroken. It’s almost an inch long. Tom, Mark, and anyone else whose rig who is scheduled to get repaired by Jayco, don’t get discouraged. This last trip back to TX, we’ve had more pin weight (4400 lbs) from IN, carrying our stored items back with us. At the time of repair, we were about 4050 pin weight, and I’m sure we’ve added to that since. It’s a possibility of looking my fault.

[Magnolia Tom]

Oh no! Well you’ve traveled as much in a year as we would in 5.

So if we get that kind of time with ours, I’d be satisfied. I also think if mine cracked again, I’d immediately turn the crack into an expansion joint just like all the other manufacturers.

[Dskyward]

That’s some food for thought. But keep your pin weight under 4K if possible. I did end up putting the items you saw on the floor in front of the couch back up into the loft from IL to TX. My pin weight difference was only 160 lbs when I weighed the next day. But I had it like that at first and running 30 miles around Ft Wayne and it didn’t crack then. It could’ve happened backing uphill to our current campsite, which puts even more weight on the pin?

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by Dskyward

That’s some food for thought. But keep your pin weight under 4K if possible. I did end up putting the items you saw on the floor in front of the couch back up into the loft from IL to TX. My pin weight difference was only 160 lbs when I weighed the next day. But I had it like that at first and running 30 miles around Ft Wayne and it didn’t crack then. It could’ve happened backing uphill to our current campsite, which puts even more weight on the pin?

I don’t think we would be close to a 4K pin any time soon but I hope that with the shocks and air ride hitch, the trailer will be spared from all the jolts of the road.

[MadJoker TX]

Originally Posted by Dskyward

Here we go again! We’ve been parked almost 2 weeks in TX near our future homebase, and this evening, while doing a task outside I happened to clean some dirt and rubber smudges around the old crack repair and discovered this:
Attachment 45220

To say the least I’m heartbroken. It’s almost an inch long. Tom, Mark, and anyone else whose rig who is scheduled to get repaired by Jayco, don’t get discouraged. This last trip back to TX, we’ve had more pin weight (4400 lbs) from IN, carrying our stored items back with us. At the time of repair, we were about 4050 pin weight, and I’m sure we’ve added to that since. It’s a possibility of looking my fault.

Oh man, sorry to hear that. Like Tom says I would be happy to get as many miles out of the repair as you did. DW has been asking for a stackable washer/dryer but with that crack issue I am afraid to put one in even after Jayco fixes it. I hope you can that repaired easily.

[Dskyward]

As smooth as you say it is now, which sounds fantastic, I think you’re all set for the future, after you get it back from Jayco. Do you plan to remove everything in the rig for the transport up there?

But I still want to switch out the 3000 EQ for the SRE 4000s, then maybe the Joy Rider shocks if needed after that. 2naEagle has that now, but he put on the shocks first.

[Magnolia Tom]

Mark

Split the difference and get a combo washer/dryer [emoji23]

That’s what we have.

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by Dskyward

As smooth as you say it is now, which sounds fantastic, I think you’re all set for the future, after you get it back from Jayco. Do you plan to remove everything in the rig for the transport up there?

But I still want to switch out the 3000 EQ for the SRE 4000s, then maybe the Joy Rider shocks if needed after that. 2naEagle has that now, but he put on the shocks first.

Darin

If that question is for me, yes, I do plan on emptying everything out of the trailer before it goes to Indiana.

I think you’d be fine with just adding shocks. Adding the SRE4000 would just be a belts and suspenders thing IMO

[Dskyward]

Yes Tom that was for you. Sorry I didn’t spell it. Point taken on getting the shocks first. It would seem they would have a greater effect than the SRE4000, but I read where a full time couple added them to their 38’ 2008 NuWa Hitchhiker that already had shocks, and they reported a night n day difference. Have you read their roadslesstraveled blog? Tons of RV info for anyone with a fifth wheel.

[Magnolia Tom]

I haven’t read any of their stuff. And, I have no experience with the SRE 4000 so I could be totally wrong but I am very happy with our current setup. Now, that could always change! [emoji23]

[Dskyward]

They too have done many things to their camper, along with some big repairs in the last two years using an extended warranty company that’s saved them thousands. Yeah, check their blog out, they have lots of RV experience as they’ve been fulltiming for over 10 years, and almost all boondocking.

Some here may have the deep pockets for the Morryde’s IS system, which is said to be the ultimate smoothest ride...but that’s way out of my price range.

[PlayersZ28]

Originally Posted by Dskyward

But I still want to switch out the 3000 EQ for the SRE 4000s, then maybe the Joy Rider shocks if needed after that. 2naEagle has that now, but he put on the shocks first.

I had to replace my 3000 when I did the wet bolts as one shackle bolt was seized into it. I should've gone with the 4000 then.

I have a different model but I've been watching the small crack I have. It hasn't grown since I first noticed it and is still not long enough to see when the slide is retracted. We've towed about 15k miles since we got the trailer.

We have friends with a Designer ('10 I think) and they went to the IS and kept the drums. Not sure which is a better place to spend money, brakes or suspension. Both would be nice.

[MadJoker TX]

Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom

Mark

Split the difference and get a combo washer/dryer [emoji23]

That’s what we have.

LOL...that's what I want and have been telling her also. I even said that is what Tom has since she always tell me to ask what Tom would do on his trailer when I say I want to do something to the trailer. [emoji1787][emoji1787]

[2naEagle]

I have to say we had a combo in the 08 Eagle and a stacked in the North Point.
The stacked is a whole lot nicer and more convenient (about 50lb more weight). The wife is happier with the stacked.
She is always washing. So when we get home no clothing to have to wash. I have to say it is nice.

[Dskyward]

Originally Posted by PlayersZ28

I had to replace my 3000 when I did the wet bolts as one shackle bolt was seized into it. I should've gone with the 4000 then.

I have a different model but I've been watching the small crack I have. It hasn't grown since I first noticed it and is still not long enough to see when the slide is retracted. We've towed about 15k miles since we got the trailer.

We have friends with a Designer ('10 I think) and they went to the IS and kept the drums. Not sure which is a better place to spend money, brakes or suspension. Both would be nice.

I’ve read where the cracking is said to be caused by the weight of the bed slide, but I’ve witnessed my old crack separating when pin weight is loaded(was a long crack to watch after 10 mos), but ever so slightly. Now hat I’ve had the repair done, if it starts to grow, that might indicate a weld may have cracked. However I won’t know until we move again and that’ll be next year.

I’d vote for disc brakes over smoother suspension. Big Truck Big RV on YT also did the SRE4000 upgrade and said it was a big improvement and said chucking was lessened. It is cool to see the undercarriage action his cameras reveal.

[2naEagle]

Originally Posted by Dskyward

As smooth as you say it is now, which sounds fantastic, I think you’re all set for the future, after you get it back from Jayco. Do you plan to remove everything in the rig for the transport up there?

But I still want to switch out the 3000 EQ for the SRE 4000s, then maybe the Joy Rider shocks if needed after that. 2naEagle has that now, but he put on the shocks first.

So far everything I have done I would do again starting with the hitch. I personally would have gotten the IS with disc brakes but at the time life would not allow me to go to Indiana. I am well pleased with everything.

[Dskyward]

That sounds great. I’ve got my hopes set high to install what you got back there. [emoji1]

[PlayersZ28]

Only problem with adding the big $ mods is there's probably about 10-25% cost recovery if/when you get rid of the unit. My '14 is worth 35k$CDN (~27kUS) on trade according to the dealer. If I add IS & discs that's likely more than 25% of the value of the RV and I don't like those numbers so I'll deal with the rougher ride and my drums work pretty good anyway.