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08-30-2015, 01:25 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 53
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Axle Weights
New to fifth wheels and I would like to balance my axle weights a little better. The fiver is slightly nose high. Will raising the trailer 2 5/8 to 3 inches (kits from Dexter for Torflex axle) make much of a difference? Has anyone raised the trailer to equalize axle weights?
Torflex 4000lb wt axles
Weight - front 3380 rear 3920- unit weight close to what we travel with
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2014 Ram 2500 Bighorn CC SB CTD 4X4
2016 Flagstaff 8528IKWS Platinum
2013 Keystone Hideout 23RBWE -Sold
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08-30-2015, 03:26 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,275
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Quote:
Originally Posted by randygk
New to fifth wheels and I would like to balance my axle weights a little better. The fiver is slightly nose high. Will raising the trailer 2 5/8 to 3 inches (kits from Dexter for Torflex axle) make much of a difference? Has anyone raised the trailer to equalize axle weights?
Torflex 4000lb wt axles
Weight - front 3380 rear 3920- unit weight close to what we travel with
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The weights you posted, are those front and rear axles weights? I would guess it is, since torflex axles don't equalize like traditional leaf spring setup. I would think that lifting it would move some weight from rear to front axle, yes. I think I would do it, since nose down should tow better, but what the heck do I know.
Is 4000# torflex for each wheel... or the pair? My little TH has 5200# axles (leaf springs).
WW
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Hyper Lite was sold
2017 F-250 4x4 6.2L Gas
I can't fix everything, but I can make it so nobody else can
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08-30-2015, 03:32 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 53
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4000 lb per axle
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2014 Ram 2500 Bighorn CC SB CTD 4X4
2016 Flagstaff 8528IKWS Platinum
2013 Keystone Hideout 23RBWE -Sold
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08-30-2015, 05:45 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,275
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I was thinking the "axle" doesn't run side to side... independent as it were??
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Hyper Lite was sold
2017 F-250 4x4 6.2L Gas
I can't fix everything, but I can make it so nobody else can
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09-04-2015, 11:13 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Where the camper is
Posts: 598
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If your bed rail to fifth wheel clearance is over 6" to 7". You could raise the hitch or lower the fifth wheel while maintaining proper clearance to get a level riding camper. Just a thought.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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09-04-2015, 11:49 AM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 53
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About 5" now, not sure I want to lose any clearance as I'm on uneven property. I've requested a quote for new axles so will see if that will work. We knew this may be an issue when buying the trailer.
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2014 Ram 2500 Bighorn CC SB CTD 4X4
2016 Flagstaff 8528IKWS Platinum
2013 Keystone Hideout 23RBWE -Sold
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09-04-2015, 12:00 PM
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#7
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Old Enough to Know Better
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Greenwood, In
Posts: 528
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I'm assuming you cant shift any "stuff" forward?
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Jim & Debbie England
Do you have Gas? 2015 F350 6.2L CCLB DRW 4.30 axle.
2020 Keystone Cougar 364BHL ,Gone 2012 Yellowstone Ridgeline 34RLT Fifth Wheel
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09-04-2015, 12:03 PM
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#8
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Akron, Ohio
Posts: 1,895
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I suggest you look at THIS site for 5th wheel weights.
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.Write a blog on RV tire application RV Tire Safety. 48 years experience as tire design & forensic engineer. My RV Freelander 23QB on Chevy 4500 chassis. Giving seminars on RV Tire applications (not selling)@ FMCA Conventions. Mar 20-22 Tucson AZ
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09-04-2015, 12:29 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Alberta - East of the Rockies, West of the Rest
Posts: 1,785
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I just looked up the specs. of your 5er, I like it 
Flagstaff Classic Super Lite Fifth Wheels / Travel Trailers by Forest River RV
I'm a little surprised they get away with 4,000 # axles, you're already at over 90%, better to keep a close eye on axles, bearings and especially the tires.
Leveling the load (trailer) would definitely help with distributing the weight better between both axles. Looking at your pic., I don't see how you could lower the front end without risking some nasty mishap sometime down the road. If I had to do it, I would get the lift kit and plan for an axle upgrade down the road. I know it's expensive, but you'll be a lot happier in the long run.
Edit: Kudos for paying attention, some folks just hook up and go and then complain when something goes wrong.
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2018 RAM 5500 Laramie CC
Sold: Riverstone Legacy 38RE, 960 Watt Solar, 6x6 Volt AGM Battery Bank, Freedom SW 3012 Inv/Charger
Ordered: 2021....
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09-04-2015, 01:23 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 53
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May just bypass the lift kit (which Dexter recommend against using) and upgrade the axles to start with. The upgrade being the same load rating, but starting angle of 45 degrees to lift the trailer about 2 1/2 inches. Heavier axles start a whole new chain of events. I guess it depends on the price of the axles. We don't load heavy or do long trips and the trailer fits our needs.
Mostly Rv parks and will try to move some of the stuff forward.
I'm curious about lowering the front axle a bit to take more of the load with the trailer sitting as is.
__________________
2014 Ram 2500 Bighorn CC SB CTD 4X4
2016 Flagstaff 8528IKWS Platinum
2013 Keystone Hideout 23RBWE -Sold
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09-04-2015, 01:43 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Alberta - East of the Rockies, West of the Rest
Posts: 1,785
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Quote:
Originally Posted by randygk
May just bypass the lift kit (which Dexter recommend against using) and upgrade the axles to start with. The upgrade being the same load rating, but starting angle of 45 degrees to lift the trailer about 2 1/2 inches. Heavier axles start a whole new chain of events. I guess it depends on the price of the axles. We don't load heavy or do long trips and the trailer fits our needs.
Mostly Rv parks and will try to move some of the stuff forward.
I'm curious about lowering the front axle a bit to take more of the load with the trailer sitting as is.
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I agree, an axle upgrade is the better approach, side bonus is you can sell the old axles basically in pristine condition.
I would not lower the nose of the trailer any further if I was you, the recommended minimum clearance is 6", better 8".
__________________
2018 RAM 5500 Laramie CC
Sold: Riverstone Legacy 38RE, 960 Watt Solar, 6x6 Volt AGM Battery Bank, Freedom SW 3012 Inv/Charger
Ordered: 2021....
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09-04-2015, 02:17 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,183
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cypressloser
I just looked up the specs. of your 5er, I like it
Flagstaff Classic Super Lite Fifth Wheels / Travel Trailers by Forest River RV
I'm a little surprised they get away with 4,000 # axles, you're already at over 90%, better to keep a close eye on axles, bearings and especially the tires.
Leveling the load (trailer) would definitely help with distributing the weight better between both axles. Looking at your pic., I don't see how you could lower the front end without risking some nasty mishap sometime down the road. If I had to do it, I would get the lift kit and plan for an axle upgrade down the road. I know it's expensive, but you'll be a lot happier in the long run.
Edit: Kudos for paying attention, some folks just hook up and go and then complain when something goes wrong. |
Exact same floor plan as my 8289WS with 4000 pound axels.
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Joe & Beverly
2014 Ram 2500 CTD, CC, SB
2014 8289WS lifted
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