Livin' Lite Forum

CampLite => CampLite Travel Trailers => Topic started by: Silverfox on May 02, 2017, 07:22:09 PM

Title: New Axle Questions
Post by: Silverfox on May 02, 2017, 07:22:09 PM
Does anyone know anything about these new leaf spring axles? Does Dexter still make them? What does wide-track mean? What is MORryde suspension? This is what they have listed for equipment on the 2018 Livin Lite Travel Trailers.  :-\ Wide-Track Leaf Spring Axles w/MORryde® Suspension
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djmiller on May 03, 2017, 08:10:59 AM
Dexter Still makes the axle.  I honestly think the wide track is more of a marketing term.  The new Leaf Srping Axles are still equiped with the EZ lube system.
The MORryde Suspension refers to... see this link.http://www.morryde.com/products/90-cre3000-suspension-system?return=%2Fproducts%2F87-independent-suspension-system

-Dan
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djsamuel on May 03, 2017, 01:57:12 PM
The MORryde system got an excellent review in a recent issue of Trailer Life.  It is basically a much improved system for linking the leaf springs of the two axles.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Silverfox on May 03, 2017, 08:56:54 PM
Thanks for the link Dan. My trailer hasn't been delivered yet but I'll assume it will be installed with the Mor/ryde CRE3000 kit with leaf springs instead of the torsion axles. Some people said the their trailer handles better after they installed this kit. The Trailer Life article that djsamual mentioned was about 7 years old I couldn't find a more recent issue. This Mor/Ryde kit looks like an upgrade to the standard equalizer triangle and should produce a better ride. I think the wide-trac means the axles are spaced further apart. I was on a dealers lot and saw a CL 21' with torsion axles that had about 4" of space between tires and another 21' with leaf springs that looked like it had about 9" of space between tires. I've been reading a lot of pros and cons to leaf springs vs torsion suspension. I guess time will tell. One thing is for sure...the leaf spring set up has to add weight to the trailer.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djsamuel on May 03, 2017, 10:39:49 PM
The article I saw was a few months ago. I didn't have a camper 7years ago.  :)

I do remember the review of the installation and performance was very positive.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Silverfox on May 07, 2017, 02:05:56 PM
Thanks djsamual, I think I found the article you were referring to. Been doing a lot of reading on leaf springs and shackles and I think I'm going to upgrade the shackles to 1/2" thick ones and use wet bolts or switch to lifetime bushings. The thing about leaf springs as opposed to torsion axles is that the springs require some maintenance.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Mr Smith on June 05, 2017, 05:39:17 AM
 Look at this picture and see if you can tell what's wrong.  I have down payment on a 2017 CL21 RBS.  Can somebody please shed some light on this.  These new leaf spring axles are only 2500 pounds weight rating each. They are saying the gross vehicle weight 5468. The old torsion axels are rated for 3000 pounds each.  Is there something I'm not understanding here some help would be appreciated thank you.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djsamuel on June 07, 2017, 12:55:00 PM
Basically, the limiting factor is now the axles.  The axles have a combined capacity of 5,000 pounds and the tongue weight is 468 for a GVWR of 5468.  My 2013 21BHS with the torsion axles (3500 pound capacity each) has a GVWR of 5,000 pounds which was the weight limit for the hitch.  So they increased the hitch capacity (I believe the went with the larger ball size) but decreased the axle capacity. 
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Mr Smith on June 08, 2017, 02:08:42 AM
 Thank you for your reply. This does make sense but it still makes me very nervous. I guess  only time will tell. Thank you again for the reply. Mr Smith
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djmiller on June 08, 2017, 02:18:32 PM
Mr. Smith

Currently there are two schools of thought I know of on GVWR within the RV industry. I am not saying what is correct as on the web both are explained in detail.
Currently your new 21RBS will have (2) 2800 lb rated axles = 5600 total.  The tongue weight on the unit when we weight a standard unit was 416 lbs.
Because technically the weight on the tongue is not on the axles the GVWR is 5600 + 416 - 6,016 lb.  The Cargo Carrying Capacity is thus 2416 which is GVWR (6016) - the Unloaded weight UVW of (3600).
I think I got the math right LOL.  This is what our website currently reflects as well as other RV manufacturers.

We will be changing soon to the version that will not add the tongue weight into the calculation this lowering the calculated CCW in this case by 416lb.
When comparing specs between manufacturers this needs to be takes into consideration.

The rating on the coupler has nothing to do with the GVWR. Only the maximum load that the coupler is rated to carry.  Currently the 2-5/16" coupler currently utilized on that model is rated at 14,000 lb.

I hope the helps answer your question.

Regards,
-Dan
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djsamuel on June 09, 2017, 06:55:21 AM
Dan,

If the coupler has nothing to do with GVWR, why does my 2013 21BHS have a GVWR of 5,000 pounds?  The installed axles have a capacity of 3500 pounds each?  The camper has a 2" coupler marked with a 5,000 pound capacity. 

Do you have the part number for the new coupler in case I decide to upgrade to the larger ball size?

Thanks
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djmiller on June 09, 2017, 11:07:48 AM
The manufacturer actually sets the GVWR of the trailer. It just cannot be more than the weakest link such as tires, axles, frame, etc....

The 3500lb. capacity axles originally used on the 21's were overkill.  We did not feel comfortable rating the unit that high, thus we set the GVWR at 5,000lb.
The original 2" coupling was also rated at 5000lb, which may lead one to believe it was taken into consideration when setting that GVWR.

Sense then we replaced the 3500lb axles with 2500lb axles and standardized all couplers to a 2-5/16 ball the same used on our toy haulers.
That particular coupling is rated at 14,000 lbs. The 14,000 is the maximum tongue weight that coupler is rated for.

-Dan
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Mr Smith on June 11, 2017, 03:24:03 AM
Ok so this means the 21,s have 5000# GVWR. THE 468# tung weight does not apply. This means The old cargo carrying capacity was 1452.  Now minus the tongue weight 468 pounds leaves you with 984 pounds. So the actual cargo carrying capacity is 984 pounds not 1452 pounds. Is this correct. I just want the real numbers so I do not overload my trailer. Thank you Mr Smith
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djmiller on June 12, 2017, 08:27:19 AM
The image you posted was for a model built 4/2016 - At that time 2500 lb Dexter Torflex axles were used and the weight was different.
Currently the axles are Dexter spring axles rated at 2800 lb.  Without weighing your trailer I can only assume the sticker is correct.
It is a good idea to actually weight your trailer when typically loaded.  How you load your trailer can easily affect your tongue weight. Which can affect handling adversely.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Mr Smith on June 12, 2017, 04:10:07 PM
 Here's a picture of mine it is a denticle to the one I showed you earlier mine is a 2017 possibly 2017.5 I do not know when the model year ends. I just need to know so I can load my trailer properly and not put my family or ANYONE ELSE IN DANGER ON THE ROAD.  Thank you Mr Smith
I'm not yelling I'm not upset I'm not being angry or anything like that I just want everybody to be safe.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Mr Smith on June 28, 2017, 05:33:01 PM
 I was under my trailer the other day and took this picture of the axle. Mr Smith
PS I feel much better now. Still curious about the sideplate reading 2500 pounds per axle.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: klaker on August 30, 2017, 04:24:23 PM
Saw a 2017 21 with a 9/2016 build date and it had the leaf springs with the Dexter E-Z Flex Equalizer.

The MORyde CRE3000 equalizer looks to be a 2018 model year addition.

I like the wheel spacing on the leaf spring suspension and the fender looks good also.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Mr Smith on August 30, 2017, 09:23:21 PM
I have a 2017 cl 21RBS  with aluminum cabinets and dinette. Build date 02.2017. And it has this.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: klaker on August 31, 2017, 02:46:11 PM
I like that set up, I know leaf springs cost Thor less money but they are simple, durable, you can fix them yourself if required. With the CRE3000 equalizer the ride is much softer than springs alone.

My 21 has the Torflex and they are great but I wouldn't care if it had the leafs.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Mr Smith on August 31, 2017, 04:25:35 PM
 This is why I like the new axle set up. A simple bottle jack and jackstand is all you need to change the tire, no special jacking sequences needed, like with torsion bar suspension. Just put the bottle jack underneath the U-bolt plate and off you go. Oh by the way when we took the trailer to Wisconsin Dells it Road very smooth.
Mr Smith
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djsamuel on August 31, 2017, 08:27:32 PM
Quote from: Mr Smith on August 31, 2017, 04:25:35 PM
This is why I like the new axle set up. A simple bottle jack and jackstand is all you need to change the tire, no special jacking sequences needed, like with torsion bar suspension. Just put the bottle jack underneath the U-bolt plate and off you go. Oh by the way when we took the trailer to Wisconsin Dells it Road very smooth.
Mr Smith

What special jacking sequence is required?  I just place the jack right behind the wheels of my 21BHS (torsion axles) and lift the camper using a 4x4 on the frame.  Works great.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: Mr Smith on August 31, 2017, 10:29:05 PM
 You need the 2 x 4 on the frame. And if you put a jackstand in the wrong place on the torsion tube you can damage the tube and then the suspension would wear out prematurely.  Just saying that leaf spring suspension is much easier to work with. The tire that needs to be replace is the only one that gets jacked up not the whole side of the trailer to me that's a little on the sketchy side when trying to change a tire on the side of the road, and you have half the trailer Jack up at one single point that is not very stable.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: djsamuel on September 01, 2017, 06:48:18 AM
Quote from: Mr Smith on August 31, 2017, 10:29:05 PM
You need the 2 x 4 on the frame. And if you put a jackstand in the wrong place on the torsion tube you can damage the tube and then the suspension would wear out prematurely.  Just saying that leaf spring suspension is much easier to work with. The tire that needs to be replace is the only one that gets jacked up not the whole side of the trailer to me that's a little on the sketchy side when trying to change a tire on the side of the road, and you have half the trailer Jack up at one single point that is not very stable.

Understand.  Thanks.  Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. I like the torsion axles but certainly wouldn't mind the leaf springs.  The MorRyde suspension is a step up from the typical leaf spring suspension on many travel trailers.
Title: Re: New Axle Questions
Post by: gerry on September 01, 2017, 08:48:58 AM
You might consider this for raising your tandem axle trailers. I use it unless I need to rise both wheels.  https://andersenhitches.com/Products/3604--camper-leveler.aspx Lynx Levelers are another great option. Both require no jack or block or jack stand.

On the side of the road these are the safest options considering you need to climb under the trailer for your spare. I wouldn't waste any time trying to refit the flattened spare under the trailer. Let the tire guys do that... ;D