Independent Suspension

[cariboocreek]

Well after much discussion the DW and I are going to go the MorRyde Independent Suspension route. I priced out upgrading to 8k axles (and all the other bits and pieces) and disc brakes installed locally and ended up at $9,000.

The tandem 8k IS with disc brakes is $8900. No brainer really. We are booked in for early May. Going to be a heck of a long trip from Alberta to Indiana. Long but fun. I will be inquiring later this year for good overnight stops along the route particularly from Minot to Elkhart.

[Stan&Sharon]

Congratulations! Smart upgrade.

[Camp CA]

Why did you decide to replace the suspension and brakes with IS and disc brakes?

[cariboocreek]

Originally Posted by Camp CA

Why did you decide to replace the suspension and brakes with IS and disc brakes?

Good question. I keep running the numbers and my OCD from my previous career in aviation, left me uncomfortable with the margins. Example: Our unit has a maximum allowable weight of 17650. Assume loaded to exactly max and assume 20%(3530) on the truck that leaves us with 14,120 on the axles. The axles are rated for 7k but I do note that the tag on the axles indicates 7,400. Assuming 7k is the actual number then we are over the rated capacity of the axle. Assuming 7.4k is a good number then we are inside 680 pounds of max, or less than 5% under max.

Yes I know the numbers will be slightly different over the scale and we can move weight to the back, or to the front, to help with the load displacement, but at that point I think we are just picking fly poop out of pepper.

As well the independent suspension will definitely smooth out the ride and likely provide us with a longer rv lifespan. I am the first one to crap on an industry that does not seem interested in overall quality, however, the poor suspensions on stock units, coupled with highways that will make you urinate blood, it is no wonder cupboard doors fall off, fiberglass becomes delaminated, and roofs fall apart. Not entirely the industry's fault that we are pulling a rolling earthquake.

The hydraulic disc brakes need no justification. Drum brakes, coming from a design from a previous century, should be illegal on units over 10k (or pick your number).

[TxLoser]

I agree with all you’ve said. I think if I ever find 9k I just don’t know what to do with, I may go the same route.

I’m in the opposite boat. I’ve got 8k axles and H rated 17.5” tires on a trailer that has a max of 15K. I think I’ve got too much suspension, and the IS setup would make the ride a little better. Hydro brakes… nuff said.

[Camp CA]

All good points. An upgrade to consider.

I weighed my 36SSWS and found the pin weight to be 21.4 % of the trailer loaded weight of 16360 lbs. Using 16,750 lb GVWR and subtracting 21.4% for pin weight leaves 13,167 lbs over the axles or 6583 lbs per axle < Dexter axle rating of 7000 lbs each and the MORryde® LRE-4000™ suspension is suitable for trailers with axle ratings between 6,501 lbs and 7,500 lbs. It appears to have an acceptable design margin as I have had zero issues with moulding, etc. falling apart. Understand the benefits for disc brakes but never had an issue with electric drum brakes on this trailer and all my previous fifth wheel trailers in over 30 years with diesel exhaust brake on my tow vehicle.

I put a request into Jayco and Dexter for confirmation of the axle rating.

[Jagiven]

My htt has torque tubes, and I absolutely love the ride. I wish everything we are looking at had independent suspension.

[Camp CA]

Jayco customer service advised each axle is rated for 7400 lb and advised the axle tag number is D80-4IN-DBSA-92.50 74.50-OS-EZL-BRBU-8LUG-.56STUD-12.25X3.38BRK. Plan to climb under the trailer and identify the axle 9-digit serial number etched on axle tube near the center on the rear side to independently verify with Dexter since they needed this to verify rating.

Correction to post #6: Using 16,750 lb GVWR and subtracting 21.4% for pin weight leaves 13,167 lbs over the axles or 6583 lbs per axle < Dexter axle rating of 7400 lbs per axle.

[billcf7]

Originally Posted by cariboocreek

Well after much discussion the DW and I are going to go the MorRyde Independent Suspension route. I priced out upgrading to 8k axles (and all the other bits and pieces) and disc brakes installed locally and ended up at $9,000.

The tandem 8k IS with disc brakes is $8900. No brainer really. We are booked in for early May. Going to be a heck of a long trip from Alberta to Indiana. Long but fun. I will be inquiring later this year for good overnight stops along the route particularly from Minot to Elkhart.

I dont understand why Jayco charges $11843 as an option when you can go to MorRyde and pay $8900 for the same thing and then throw brand new suspension and axles in the scrap bin

[cariboocreek]

Originally Posted by billcf7

I dont understand why Jayco charges $11843 as an option when you can go to MorRyde and pay $8900 for the same thing and then throw brand new suspension and axles in the scrap bin

Good question....

[Camp CA]

Climbed under the Jayco Pinnacle SSWS trailer to get the Dexter axle S/N and tag says the axle is rated for 7400 lb.

[jimmoore13]

With 4-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes, you'll be ready for Formula 1.

[Russc25]

Calling them "7k axles" is shorthand like talking about 12v batteries. If your batteries are at 12v they're heavily discharged, actual fully charged voltage is 12.6 (if lead acid. more if lithium).

Yes, the imprecision in the world drives me mad too. Marketing people should be made to come up with a pleasant, euphemistic name for a torture pit... then all be thrown in.

Drum brakes have good capacity and are partially self-energizing (they tighten themselves as you apply them) when properly engineered and maintained... they just suck at everything else. Shedding dust, water, contamination, HEAT, ease of service, ease of inspection, parts count, smoothness of application if everything isn't perfect... everything lol