Community Forums

pddgm · 03-14-2022, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CecilD

When I mention not all older trailers can be towed level behind a new 4WD truck, I use mine as an example. To say that all can is an overstatement. It will take considerable lifting to give a 54" overhang 6" of clearance over a 59" bedrail. To make a general statement that every trailer can be leveled with adjustments is wrong.

Install a subframe infers one has an i-beam frame. My frame is a custom engineered c-channel, 19" high at the axles.

Install correct track, reverse axles on spring pack, different holes on shackles - Sorry, Torflex axles, no spring pack, no shackles.

Use Torflex axle lift kits - nope, custom axles are flange mounted and are non adjustable, I checked.

Adjust pin box - sorry, non adjustable pin box.

Larger tires? - 2" of overhead clearance.

Somehow lift trailer 10" to clear bedrails with 2" squat and 6" clearance - Nope. Trailer is 13'-1" high stock.

Fortunately I tow slightly nose high because I tow with an older 2WD dually. I had my hitch made to 14" which gives me 5" of bedrail clearance. New trucks are out of the question with this trailer. I'm sure other older trailers suffer the same problem.

And you will still get an argument from those on here, that if you throw enough money at it, you can fix anything....LOL

Nwcid · 03-14-2022, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudfrog

Are you sure you have enough truck to pull that 5vr?

Tows way better than my Duramax and at a lower cost point. Plus I have a lot more room for all my tools and my SxS loads on the truck.

oscarvan · 03-14-2022, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRNewsom

We try to get fairly level and manually let the jacks down for stability and to prevent frame twisting.

Frame twisting? If your frame twists measurably without levelers down I would not take it out on the road.

WyoFree · 03-14-2022, 10:06 AM

My axles are 8000 pounds each. Does that help from the twisting of the Frame aspect?

JIMNLIN · 03-14-2022, 07:58 PM

NO.
IMO rv folks over think the frame twist thing when the truck is hooked to the trailer.

TRNewsom · 03-15-2022, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarvan

Frame twisting? If your frame twists measurably without levelers down I would not take it out on the road.

I don’t know if it does or not. We were told not to put the slides out without the legs down because it puts stress on the frame, so we don’t.

WyoFree · 03-15-2022, 03:50 PM

That makes sense to me. We have these large slides today with a 23 CF refrigerator, home style oven, TV and all the supporting cabinets. Then add all the weight we add and It’s obvious the legs down and level would have a beneficial impact.

egwilly · 03-16-2022, 04:36 PM

Towing level is critical to long life of the tires, brakes and bearings of the trailer.

Even a couple inches high or low will shift more weight to one of the axels, making it carry more of the load.

Same when loading the trailer. More weight front or back changes the center of gravity and puts stress in those areas.

As far a being hooked up and deploying the slides, I try and get as level as possible without going crazy about it. Then deploy the stabilzers to assist with the weight support. Then open the slides. ORV recommends this regardless if hooked up or not. A 14 foot slide out 4 feet is a lot of cantilever weight hanging out there.

We don't often open slides while traveling since we have full access to the entire inside with them in.

I would not consider it at Wally World or rest stop if the slides were in the path of vehicles.

oscarvan · 03-20-2022, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRNewsom

I don’t know if it does or not. We were told not to put the slides out without the legs down because it puts stress on the frame, so we don’t.

You were told by, a sales guy? Someone else at a dealership? I think it is well established that they will talk out of any side of their mouth depending on what they think you want to hear.

If anyone here thinks that putting a slide out, even a big slide, without supporting the frame with a few legs under the same frame and right next to the wheels exerts stresses in excess of what the trailer experiences going down an interstate last paved in 1982 they are mistaken.

Again, if putting out a slide without legs endangers the frame you should NOT take that trailer out on the road. The manufacturers/dealers are creating excuses to hide behind when their poorly designed stuff fails. It was YOUR fault you overstressed it by putting the slides out, yeah that's the ticket.

Maybe I should set my rig up to take some accurate measurements and put this BS to rest for once and for all. Because if you want to see some REAL twist.......put your levelers down and listen.......

WyoFree · 03-20-2022, 09:30 AM

Hi oscarvan,

RE: “Maybe I should set my rig up to take some accurate measurements and put this BS to rest for once and for all. Because if you want to see some REAL twist.......put your levelers down and listen.......”.

That would be terrific if it was easy for you to do?

oscarvan · 03-20-2022, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoFree

Hi oscarvan,

RE: “Maybe I should set my rig up to take some accurate measurements and put this BS to rest for once and for all. Because if you want to see some REAL twist.......put your levelers down and listen.......”.

That would be terrific if it was easy for you to do?

I'll be under there finishing up my RoadMaster Comfort Ride installation.

Probably two lengths of mason twine and make a big "X" to the corners and see what happens to the distance between the two at the intersection.

TRNewsom · 03-21-2022, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarvan

You were told by, a sales guy? Someone else at a dealership? I think it is well established that they will talk out of any side of their mouth depending on what they think you want to hear.

If anyone here thinks that putting a slide out, even a big slide, without supporting the frame with a few legs under the same frame and right next to the wheels exerts stresses in excess of what the trailer experiences going down an interstate last paved in 1982 they are mistaken.

Again, if putting out a slide without legs endangers the frame you should NOT take that trailer out on the road. The manufacturers/dealers are creating excuses to hide behind when their poorly designed stuff fails. It was YOUR fault you overstressed it by putting the slides out, yeah that's the ticket.

Maybe I should set my rig up to take some accurate measurements and put this BS to rest for once and for all. Because if you want to see some REAL twist.......put your levelers down and listen.......

I don’t really see what the big deal is. It certainly doesn’t hurt to put the legs down, even if it doesn’t help. We do it. If you don’t, that’s fine with me.

ORLT · 03-21-2022, 02:18 PM

I wouldn't do it. Hitching and unhitching are no where need the hassle as trying to get a slide back in that is out of sync. It could ruin an entire trip. We specifically looked for a 5er that had the bedroom, fridge, and bathroom that were accessible when the slides were closed. I would not run the risk. just my .02