Attaining extra GVW capability

[wingnut60]

My '05 came with 7k axles/16" wheels and tires--GVWR is 16000. I have changed to 17.5" wheels and tires, now looking to get the 8K axles, altho I actually am somewhat under the 14000 axle rating. Trailer also came with upsized electric brakes--12 1/4 x 3 3/8--so that is ok also. Wondering if anyone knows someone who had the 8K taken out for a Kodiak disc brake upgrade?
I have all the info from Dexter to get it done, just wondering if there is a pair of 8k axles laying around in someones den.
Going to the disc/8k setup is just too expensive at this time.
I also have the NevRLube bearings, and I have to factor in replacing them before next summer.
Thanks for any help.
Joe

[rdunk]

We ordered our 2005 with the 8k axles, and the disc brakes. After a lot of reading on the internet about the safety advantages of the discs, I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Yes, I know several that upgraded to the 8k axles, and most, if not all, also upgraded to the disc brakes. One of my friends upgraded after riding with me while towing, and I had a "must stop" situation while he was riding shotgun. He said his band brakes didn't stop like that! Wasn't long until he made the upgrade. The discs have proven shorter stopping distances, and several other advantages, most of which relate to increased towing safety.

The 8k axles normally have 5/8 wheel studs - will your current 17.5" wheels work with the 5/8 studs, or do you also have to buy new wheels? Just making sure you are prepared for that too, if needed!! lol

[wingnut60]

Robert,
That is a question to be answered if/when I locate a set of axles. Yes, the current axles have 9/16" studs, so wheels/tires will be a problem...lots of things to consider on this changeover. Have been considering a Torflex or MorRyde suspension swap as being a less expensive option overall.
Thanks for reminding me.
Joe

[billr]

Call Morride they pull axles out everyday, sometimes brand new. Maybe they will sell you a set?

Go for the discs when you can. You won't be sorry. Also, stick to Dexter brakes if you can. Too many issues with the Kodiak.

Bill

[Motor31]

I have always been curious about what the factory did when they raised the GVW to 20k from the previous limit of 18.5k when both rigs have the 8k axles. So far no one has been able to answer my question about it.

[wingnut60]

I was told by Dexter the next step above 8K axles was...9K, but to get that rating it needed dual wheels/10lugs. So, guess the capability was there, just not rated?
At 20k, and 8K axles, and 4000+lbs Pin Weight, leaves 16K to be handled by the axles. Would seem that the 20K rating with 8K axles is cutting it pretty close...unless I am looking at it wrong.
Joe

[RodeWorthy]

Joe, sorry to hear that the budget is an issue for upgrading your axle/brake configuration. If, as you say, your rig is grossing out at 20,000 pounds it is crying out for substantial axles and disc brakes. Safety vs. budget is always a tough call.

The first trip we made in our '07 MS was from the dealer to Mor/Ryde in Elkhart to have the axles changed to the Mor/Ryde IS system.

I ordered the trailer with disc brakes/17.5 in wheels and H-rated tires but the axles were the standard 8K Trailair leaf spring axles. For the same cost as the Centerpoint axle option from DRV I had substantially sturdier axles installed even though the weight rating was the same at 8K. Everything aspect of dealing with the changeover at Mor/Ryde was professional and courteous.

Billr is right -- MR is changing out axles every day. It won't cost you anything to discuss your issue with them and you may find they have a solution for you. I am really pleased with what we achieved.

If you want to see a picture series of the changeout process check out my Webshots site (http://community.webshots.com/user/RodeWorthy).

If that doesn't excite you there are some nice photos of Bill and Joan's beautiful KOA Kampground at Sault Ste Marie, ON :)

Good luck with your upgrade project.

[wingnut60]

RW,
My trailer grosses at 17400, 4200PW, so there is about 13200 on the 7k axles--close, but under. My comment about 20k was about the newer Suites, but have since noted they have triple axles.
Have talked to MorRyde but there is the problem of reusing the hubs/bearings that have lots of miles/years on them. At this time, I should replace the NevRLube bearings, and haven't found anyone around here that has worked on them.
Have also heard/read of the problems several have had with the discs/calipers/rotors on the Kodiak systems--to me, changeout to that also has its risks.
Joe

[FD5]

The Mobile and Elite Suites are built on the same frame. Our 2011 MS 36TKSB3 came with a rating of 17,500 with 16" tires on 8k axles. To get a rating of 18,500 all DRV did was upgrade the tires to 17.5" H rated tires. The Elite Suites have 17.5" and are rated for over 20k. Our 2005 TKS3 weighed in at 16,060 empty with 7k axles on 16" tires. Our 2011 has the 8k axles with disc brakes. The 43' 5'vers have the triple axles.

[wingnut60]

FD5,
Kind of confused--did you actually take delivery of a trailer with a GVR of 17500 with the 16" tires and 7K axles? Or with 8K axles and 16" tires?
Joe

[FD5]

8k axles

[GlennWest]

My 06 ms has 8,000 lb axles with 16" tires. I'm thankful for it to. We are pushing 17,000 now.

[RGordon]

My 8,000 lb axles with disc brakes was an option on our 38RL3 in 2007 and of course came with the 17.5 tires. These heavy rigs need the twin axle dually tires like the mountain air. Then we would have some extra capacity.

[wingnut60]

Ron,
Agree, but they would have to do a complete redesign of the frame and would have to result in loss of some interior space where the inside duals are. And, having had to move tires on my 450, working with duals just ain't fun.

Are they still making the Mountain Aires with the tandem/duals? Don't remember seeing one recently.

Joe

[RGordon]

Joe,

Yes, they still make the dually Kountry Aire and looks like a great design, even though they only have a 12 inch frame. The frame is just narrowed to make room for the dually wheels. I personally would feel better knowing that you had more rubber on the road holding up all that weight. It really would not hurt for the Lippert frames to be redesigned anyway!