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View Full Version : Fulltime Launch is Near!


HighwayRanger
09-20-2015, 08:58 PM
Off we go, getting ready to go full time. We plan to launch on November 1st, 2015. This is our rig. 2016 Mobile Suites and 2015 GMC 3500HD Denali dually, long-bed, crew-cab.

Can't get here soon enough!

Roy

DBL Z
09-21-2015, 12:47 AM
Very nice outfit! Enjoy! and safe travels!

Stevencoles
09-21-2015, 08:27 AM
Congrats, we started a year ago on Nov 15th......! It has been fantastic, but be prepared for a few things going wrong, that is just the way it is. Keep on the forum here it is very helpful.

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 12:33 PM
We envy you! Hopefully it will happen soon, our house is up for sale. At this point that is the biggest hurdle!

Cummins12V98
09-21-2015, 01:15 PM
Very nice!!!

They sure have improved the looks of the GMC. My #2 choice in a TV.

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 01:33 PM
Cummins12V98,
You had posted pics of your truck and the specs, Does the Aisin refer to the Allison Transmission? or is that something different that Dodge has come out with? Also someone posted that with a Dodge I would need 2' risers for the hitch. Is this only with a Dodge because of suspension height? I've driven Tractor Trailers since 1971, but am kind of at a loss with the residential terminology and requirements. Guess I need tutoring!

rvdon
09-21-2015, 01:39 PM
The 2" riser is for the trailer frame not the hitch. The Dodge sits higher so the trailer needs to sit higher if you want to tow level.

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 01:47 PM
So where do the 2' risers go? Under the trailer axels? Sorry to ask so many questions! Too much money involved to make mistakes!

rvdon
09-21-2015, 01:57 PM
Cummins12V98 can verify this, but I believe it is added to the existing frame where the suspension is installed. The suspension could be axles and leaf springs or Morryde independent suspension. I have had the Morryde on 3 5th wheels and recommend it.

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 02:26 PM
Yes we will definitely be going with the Morryde suspension.

Cummins12V98
09-21-2015, 02:52 PM
The 2" riser is a pc of 2" square tube steel welded to the bottom of the 15" stacked tube steel frame then the MorRyde "IS" suspension is mounted below that. The GM and RAM trucks should have the 2" riser added. I don't have it and do need it.

Now if you are a Ford only person I would still get the riser, for one resale value and for two if your next TV is a Ford the next gen Ford will most likely have a taller stance.

Pic below of our 39TKSB3 on the assembly line.

http://i.imgur.com/GwW7gHOl.jpg

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 04:47 PM
Thanks! So when you buy the DRV do you have the dealer install the riser or is it something that you would order from the factory? Sorry for all the questions.

Bugcatcher
09-21-2015, 04:49 PM
Also if the hitches are adjustable why would you have to use a riser?

rvdon
09-21-2015, 06:26 PM
I am not sure why Ford would build their next truck with a taller stance. I have had both Dodges and Fords over the years and both have treated me well. The reason I went back to Ford this time was the wide front axle for shorter turning radius ( which makes a huge difference ) and it does not sit so high. For the wide front axle you need either F450 or F350 high capacity towing package. I guess in my older age climbing up into the truck or trailer does not do well with bad knees or hips. But I am going to enjoy life as long as I can. 😀 By the way I have owned several 5th wheels over the years and our Mobile Suites with out the 2" riser sits higher then any we have owned. Everyone should buy what makes them happy.

HighwayRanger
09-21-2015, 11:41 PM
I have a 2016 MS 38RSB3, and it does sit high (it has the MorRyde IS suspension, and the 2" riser.) I also have a 2015 GMC 3500HD dually, in which the rear of the bed is higher than the front of the bed. The result is that the clearance between the trailer and the rear of the bed/tailgate area is less than it is going forward. I do not want to raise the trailer any more (it is a bit of a hike up the stairs already) so the only solution to increase the clearance between the bed and the trailer is to lower the rear of the truck. I'm looking into that now.

Roy

Cummins12V98
09-22-2015, 04:04 AM
Thanks! So when you buy the DRV do you have the dealer install the riser or is it something that you would order from the factory? Sorry for all the questions.

It is factory installed. The goal is to have the RV sit level and have at least 6" clearance between the bed and RV overhang.

If the RV is sitting nose high like mine then you will have more weight sitting on the rear axle then the front on the RV. The weight of each axle should be similar.

Cummins12V98
09-22-2015, 04:06 AM
When Ford changes to a stronger modern frame I will wager it will be similar in height to RAM and GM.

HighwayRanger
10-25-2015, 09:40 AM
Well, since my last post, I've done more research and lowering the rear of the truck is apparently not the wise solution, so we will be going back to MorRyde in April to have the 2" riser added to the MorRyde IS suspension and hopefully that will be enough.

BTW, Cummins 12V98, those white hub end caps on my rig just failed. I found out because the chrome center cap on one of my hubcaps was missing, and half of the white grease cap was sitting inside the hubcap.

When the mechanic removed the other 3 hubcaps, two more of them just cracked in half in the middle of the threads.

Needless to say, I replaced all four with new ones. Other than popping out part of the hubcap, watch for grease streaks on your wheels, check these caps.

Dexter makes them and I bought them at a truck repair joint for about $15 per pair.

Roy

Cummins12V98
10-25-2015, 11:17 AM
Contact Greg at DRV he will send you the clear caps. My original ones were all broken when I received my RV and DRV sent me more white ones and they failed then they sent me the clear ones. I have not towed with the clear ones but it sounds like they don't break.

HighwayRanger
11-01-2015, 06:54 PM
And off we go! We are official full timers now!

Roy

Cummins12V98
11-01-2015, 06:56 PM
Congratulations!

Just completed a 1,200 mile jaunt and the clear caps are holding up!!!