Anyone add Skid Wheels on the Rear?

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

Ok, you bought for 3" hitch bar not 2 1/2". That makes sense now.
But isn't the height adjusted lower with the shims the correct height to clear the V skid?

I needed almost 1" shim to clear the wire harness plug for the wheel base which put the bottom of the wheel just over 1/2" below the skid. Any less than an inch would hit the plug bracket. I took out one of the 1/2" shims and moved the skid wheel between the hitch receiver and the plug bracket last night. The wheel is now only 1/16" below the skid. I also moved the right skid wheel closing to the hitch receiver so they are now both centered but just closer together. Will take a picture later and post if you would like.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by HopHed

I needed almost 1" shim to clear the wire harness plug for the wheel base which put the bottom of the wheel just over 1/2" below the skid. Any less than an inch would hit the plug bracket. I took out one of the 1/2" shims and moved the skid wheel between the hitch receiver and the plug bracket last night. The wheel is now only 1/16" below the skid. I also moved the right skid wheel closing to the hitch receiver so they are now both centered but just closer together. Will take a picture later and post if you would like.

From the looks of the Amazon photo of 2 1/2" roller, the bolts seem to go just long enough to attach the nuts. Perhaps your 3" has longer bolts, they would have to be 1/2" longer anyway.

[Sagecoachdriver]

HopHed, this one? Wasn't there enough room to keep it on the outside of the receptacle?
Robot Check
I suppose I could use the plate on top and buy longer bolts and place a shim to substitute for the bottom plate.

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

HopHed, this one? Wasn't there enough room to keep it on the outside of the receptacle?
Robot Check
I suppose I could use the plate on top and buy longer bolts and place a shim to substitute for the bottom plate.

Here are updated photos with moving the wheels in and taking out 1/2" shims on bottom. The wire harness bracket and plastic cover for wiring really gets in the way on the left side and I think you will have issues with either the 3" or 2 1/2". Cant say how long the U bolts will be on the 2 1/2" and if any room to add shims.

[Brother Les]

my last camper.... had drag bars on the back.... I drug them off.
Put steel wheels on.... drug those off too...

with the length and low profile... bad combination for going into and out of angled driveways. It is a wonder that the frame was never bent.

solution, get a higher (and longer ) profiled camper....

[Sagecoachdriver]

I'm ordering the 2 1/2" today from Amazon. Going to place them like yours HopHed. We'll see how the bolts are and if I need shims.
Noticed in your photos that you have a decal on the hitch with the ratings. My MH with full body paint had it taped over and when the tape was removed, so was the decal. Any chance you can take a photo of it with legible number? Also, did FR give you a name brand spare, mine is Wild Trac????? Like the overspray?

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

I'm ordering the 2 1/2" today from Amazon. Going to place them like yours HopHed. We'll see how the bolts are and if I need shims.
Noticed in your photos that you have a decal on the hitch with the ratings. My MH with full body paint had it taped over and when the tape was removed, so was the decal. Any chance you can take a photo of it with legible number? Also, did FR give you a name brand spare, mine is Wild Trac????? Like the overspray?

Here is the decal. I also have a Wild Trac spare.
As a side note solar panels on the roof and testing out. 2-165 watt panels rated at 9.58 amps each(19 total). With some high clouds today I got 17.9 amps to batteries this afternoon. Attached a photo of the controller.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by HopHed

Here is the decal. I also have a Wild Trac spare.
As a side note solar panels on the roof and testing out. 2-165 watt panels rated at 9.58 amps each(19 total). With some high clouds today I got 17.9 amps to batteries this afternoon. Attached a photo of the controller.

Attachment 105657

Attachment 105658

Attachment 105659

OMG that's fantastic 17.9 amps. Have you ordered the mounts yet? Can't wait to see the finished system! Are those 12v or 24v panels?

[Sagecoachdriver]

Where did you get those cut-off switches? HopHed?

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

OMG that's fantastic 17.9 amps. Have you ordered the mounts yet? Can't wait to see the finished system! Are those 12v or 24v panels?

Sticky feet mounts are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Will be permanently attaching to roof next weekend or the weekend after depending on time to attached mounts to panels, double check and mark locations, clean roof etc.
Panels are 12v with 18.1 volt rating. $350 after tax and shipping on ebay for both panels.

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

Where did you get those cut-off switches? HopHed?

I believe Amazon for $12 each. Sure is better than adding a separate cut off switch and fuse on each side.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Ordered the skid rollers today. Should have them late next week.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Ordered a week ago and it said shipping Tuesday. Still not shipped. Seems it's just sitting over at the San Bernardino, CA shipping center all week. Later today it said "shipping today". Nope, expected Saturday April 30. Guess with FREE shipping they wait until the last moment to get you to buy Amazon Prime.
Hope I get them in time to mount the roller for Yosemite trip Monday morning. I know I will scrape exiting the Von's parking lot in Oakhurst.

[Sagecoachdriver]

HopHed, your "U" bolts are longer, because yours is the 3" and you used a shim. I'm getting the 2 1/2", That means mine will sit a 1/2" higher and the skids are going to hit first instead of the new rollers!
Any ideas? Maybe remove the existing skids which I'd rather not do or use the bottom plate on top and buy some long bolts using a 1/2" shim?

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

HopHed, your "U" bolts are longer, because yours is the 3" and you used a shim. I'm getting the 2 1/2", That means mine will sit a 1/2" higher and the skids are going to hit first instead of the new rollers!
Any ideas? Maybe remove the existing skids which I'd rather not do or use the bottom plate on top and buy some long bolts using a 1/2" shim?

You may have enough to put a shim in as the length was almost an inch longer than the width which should give you some room for a shim and the lock nut.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by HopHed

You may have enough to put a shim in as the length was almost an inch longer than the width which should give you some room for a shim and the lock nut.

Great! Got another alert, it's out for delivery. Amazon can't make up it's mind about delivery.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Received the roller skids and mounted them like you did HopHed. Not enough room on the driver's side because of the receptacle. But as I thought, the Squared U bolts aren't long enough to add a 1/2 inch shim. I was able to add a 1/8 inch and it brought the roller down to the level of the V skid. Going to see about moving the plate above the hitch bar and use hex bolts, probably grade 8.

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

Received the roller skids and mounted them like you did HopHed. Not enough room on the driver's side because of the receptacle. But as I thought, the Squared U bolts aren't long enough to add a 1/2 inch shim. I was able to add a 1/8 inch and it brought the roller down to the level of the V skid. Going to see about moving the plate above the hitch bar and use hex bolts, probably grade 8.

The plate on top and hex bolts would work and not too expensive. Too bad you cant squeeze another 1/8" in there to clear the V skid.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by HopHed

The plate on top and hex bolts would work and not too expensive. Too bad you cant squeeze another 1/8" in there to clear the V skid.

Not enough threads to hold the nut. I measured the V scraper and the roller and it's just about the same level. I think it should be at least 3/4" difference, what's yours?

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

Not enough threads to hold the nut. I measured the V scraper and the roller and it's just about the same level. I think it should be at least 3/4" difference, what's yours?

There is only 1/4" difference on mine. I just found other issues on our last trip last week. The right rear jack foot is hitting on the driveway as I pull out/into the driveway. As a result the foot turns slightly and bent the limit switch pin on the jack. I'm going to try more air in the bags to see if that helps at all. If not, I will be making small ramps to stick in the low portion of the driveway apron for when we pull into/out of the driveway. Such fun!