|
|
07-24-2015, 11:49 AM
|
#81
|
Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
|
Other that a higher step into the trailer I see no practical downside to raising these trailers. I love only bottoming out once in a blue moon. It makes me happy and much less stressed out about maneuvering around town.
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
|
|
|
07-24-2015, 01:09 PM
|
#82
|
Moderator dude
1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,497
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by J. Morgan
Other that a higher step into the trailer I see no practical downside to raising these trailers.
|
Other than having a higher center of gravity and higher profile that the wind gets to work on. Both of these conditions can lead to instability when towing and to some degree when parked.
May not be too much of an issue for most of the time however there are those few occasions like on I 40 in Northern AZ where as much control is needed as one can get.
>>>>>>>>>Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - Streamless.
1966 Lincoln 4 door Convertible 462 4V 1971 Ford LTD Convertible 429 4V Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
|
|
|
07-24-2015, 01:29 PM
|
#83
|
Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
|
In my experience I cant tell the difference in center of gravity or wind exposure, but in any case, an Airstream, even one that is raised three or four is going to be lower than most any other brand trailer.
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
|
|
|
07-24-2015, 08:35 PM
|
#84
|
3 Rivet Member
1972 31' Excella 500
Mount Vernon
, Is For Lovers
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 110
|
But, as always, it's a buyers choice.
Andy[/QUOTE]
Expert Service and Experienced Craftsmanship are what puts Colin Hyde's Business head and shoulders over the competitors. From his testimonials from satisfied clients... ' It is simple. I like things done right the first time and I appreciate expert craftsmanship. The quality of the workmanship and communication with the client is the best in the industry. Do not trust your treasured investment to anyone but the best and the best is Colin Hyde.
- Bill Clayton bclayton@bellsouth.net I have to agree with Bill and others after experiencing what kind of service I got elsewhere. Colin HydeTrailer Restorations
Plattsburgh, NY
(518) 578-7772
|
|
|
08-02-2015, 02:52 PM
|
#85
|
Master of Universe
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Grand Junction
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,694
|
You may not notice the difference between OEM height and using a lift kit, but you aren't riding in the trailer to tell, and anyway, it is too subjective to know (if you were riding in the trailer before and after). Of course, you could ride in the trailer to make a judgment, even though you would be violating laws in probably every state and province.
And most of the time, it wouldn't make a difference. But I remember driving in a snowstorm on I-70 in the Colorado plains with a 40 mph crosswind and the trailer never wavered while big trucks were parked on the shoulder because they couldn't drive in the weather. If the trailer were several inches higher, maybe it would have made a nasty difference. No way to know that without a testing lab doing the testing, but simple physics says higher means a higher center of gravity, thus it is easier for the trailer to tip and sway.
In the realm of silliness, you could lift the trailer so it was over the truck and bolt it to the truck roof—then the whole thing could tip over until you went (partially) under a bridge. And, not so good for the truck suspension. Silly, yes, but think about how tippy a truck with trailer bolted to the roof—about 16' or more in the air. You know that would be awful, but lifting the trailer several inches does the same thing, but less, much less, though it still increases potential problems. Or, think of how tippy you would be if your head weighed 75 lbs. (the visual on that is not appealing, but gives definition to the term, "he's got a big head").
Gene
__________________
Gene
The Airstream is sold; a 2016 Nash 24M replaced it.
|
|
|
08-02-2015, 03:15 PM
|
#86
|
Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
|
Going from stock 15" tires and wheels on the Classic to the 16" Michelin and SenDel wheels raised it just over a half inch.
Going from stock 14" tires and wheels to the same 15" Michelins I installed on our 25FB along with the same appearance as the Classic wheels and correct bolt pattern and wheel size 15" SenDel wheels brought the 23D to the same elevation as the 25FB.
The same Hensley and Mercedes were used on the 23D with no elevation adjustments required.
It stands to reason that turning the trailing arm suspension downtown to 38 from 23 would require different rubber torsion rods which could adversely impact the trailer's ride on secondary roads.
It would seem prudent to ask around for any negative experiences before making the switch.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
|
|
|
08-02-2015, 04:21 PM
|
#87
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mission
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 836
|
How to gain more clearance
Opting for larger wheels and tires is okay if there is room. The original sized tires (27.88" diameter) damaged the lead edge of the wheel wells on mine. So I replaced the 7.00x15s with smaller tires.
Another option is a lift kit, 2-5/8" - 3" lift here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...it-102393.html
|
|
|
08-06-2015, 08:43 AM
|
#88
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by guskmg
Has anyone done the lift kit mod to a 35' Classic. It would sure help when backing up on to a high crown road at an intersection or, when boon docking, for that matter. All I know is that when you drag a rear frame a quarter panel repair job costs $6,000. And, that doesn't help. The LT tires are one inch taller so a lower kit might be better. If that is the case. I would think with the right metal they could be locally fabricated. Sounds like a simple spacer to me. Is it?
|
A rear quarter panel replacement costs less than $ 2000.00.
Extending the "drag" plates below the rear of the frame, will subtract from the clearance without dragging.
If the dragging the rear end, slowly, seldom does damage occur. BUT, when a sudden bang happens to the rear end skid plates, the damage to a quarter panel, is almost guaranteed.
Raising the trailer clearance, can be done by simply using some steel tubilng as the spacer.
As an example, if you used 6 inch channel steel, you would raise the trailer 6 inches. BUT, remember that the axle tubing height will remain the same, no matter how much you raise the shell.
Yes, adding 16 inch tires will raise the trailer 1/2 inch, but, if the axles are old, those 16 inch tires may then rub on the exterior plastic wheel well cover. That has been known to cause a fire.
Best way to add height is to increase the distance between the trailer frame, and the axle mounting plate.
A word of caution however, make sure that the axles are placed with respect to the original mounting holes in the axle mounting plate, in the exact same place VERTICALLY.
Andy
|
|
|
01-26-2016, 10:39 PM
|
#89
|
explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
|
I'm glad I found this thread, it's been very helpful. Many thanks to those who have done the lift and posted pics and experiences.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
You can also extend the frame downward using rectangular tubing and the welding the axle bracket to that tubing, making sure that the axle alignment is correct.
Then you can add, within reason, several more inches of clearance.
|
This is exactly what we plan on doing. We've seen a few SOBs lifted this way, and it almost looked factory.
Yes, I'm aware of the dangers of raising the COG, and I'm not worried.
|
|
|
02-19-2016, 06:06 PM
|
#90
|
Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
Currently Looking...
felton
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 692
|
i agree !!
Quote:
Originally Posted by J. Morgan
For me there was no down side.
What If a person wants to leave their trailer stock height?
I think that is great!
What if a person wants to raise their trailer up?
I think that is great too!
Is it possible that raising a trailer three inches might adversely affect trailer handling? While it is not my experience at all, I suppose lots of things are possible.
I have posted on lots of forums, I have never posted on a forum with so many people who want to make any statement that disagrees with their personal opinion controversial.
If I and others think that our stock trailers are too low, why do you disparage the action of raising them up when you have never even pulled my trailer that you call ill handling?
1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow
|
The older AS's look cool being so low but when you can't get in & out of gas stations that's just not practical! ... not to mention damaging for the rear end , no ?
|
|
|
03-25-2016, 04:20 PM
|
#91
|
Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 691
|
I have a new 2016 serenety 23'. Has anyone actually done this on a 23? I see several talk about it but if they have done it please respond to this thread.
Can't park in my own driveway. Too steep. Thanks, Dave
|
|
|
03-25-2016, 06:36 PM
|
#92
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek
, California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
|
If you really have to address this, you want to fix the driveway. The normal approach is to bridge it with lumber if the problem is a street to driveway transition issue. We considered several options and currently store at a covered facility that does not have access issues.
To help with trailer clearance, you want to go 15 in wheels and Michelin tires. Spend some time investigating the tire threads. There are other alternatives as well.
The 23 is quite low, so a bit of extra clearance helps. Raising the trailer considerably is really a mistake IMHO. It negatively impacts the normally excellent towing characteristics of the 23. The exception is when you plan to regularly go off road, but there really are better off road RV solutions.
My apology that this does not answer your specific question.
Good luck with your investigation. Pat
|
|
|
03-25-2016, 11:31 PM
|
#93
|
explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
|
I just finished installing the 3" dexter lift on my 2010 30FC. I haven't driven it yet, but I really like the clearance it gave me. Install video coming in a week or two.
|
|
|
03-26-2016, 07:55 AM
|
#94
|
Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
|
I forgot to mention that going from the stock 14" GYM ST215/75R14C tires with a diameter of 26.7" and stock 14" wheels to the 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires with a diameter of 28.9" on SenDel T03-56545T wheels raised the 23D about 1.1" which created more ground clearance.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
|
|
|
03-26-2016, 07:49 PM
|
#95
|
Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 691
|
I did the wheel and tire upgrade but did not give me enough clearance. I still think that raising it a couple of inches can not hurt the handling much and will solve the drive way problem.
I will try the lumber yard fix but not sure if I want to drag out 2 x 10s and plywood as a ramp ever time I want to move the trailer.
|
|
|
03-27-2016, 05:35 AM
|
#96
|
3 Rivet Member
1999 30' Excella 1000
Chatham
, Virginia
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 111
|
Stability
Since the Airstream already has a very low center of gravity and one of the most stable towing campers if not the best, I wouldn't give a second thought to raising it 3 inches. I for one am going to do this. As an added benefit I can finally get it to ride level without using such a drop on my hitch.
If your really concerned about unbalance look at how they test rail cars and track curvature speeds. That should answer any misgivings you have.
|
|
|
03-27-2016, 01:01 PM
|
#97
|
explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
|
^ I agree 100%. Everything in life is a tradeoff. I'm willing to trade a little ease in towing for more ground clearance. I put a good 80 miles on my lifted airstream yesterday, and I was able to tackle steep gas station and parking lots with ease. Two weeks ago I would have scraped considerably there. It removes so much stress from driving.
|
|
|
03-27-2016, 10:23 PM
|
#98
|
Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
Currently Looking...
felton
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 692
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by explore more
^ I agree 100%. Everything in life is a tradeoff. I'm willing to trade a little ease in towing for more ground clearance. I put a good 80 miles on my lifted airstream yesterday, and I was able to tackle steep gas station and parking lots with ease. Two weeks ago I would have scraped considerably there. It removes so much stress from driving.
|
good to hear, I'm about to do the same thing ... steep driveway, easy access in & out gas stations and off grid campsites ... I'm willing to "take the chance" ..
by how much did you raise ? I'm installing new axles so can add another couple of inches here but was thinking about a small spacer too, so about 4" or maybe even 5" total ...
|
|
|
03-27-2016, 10:31 PM
|
#99
|
Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 691
|
I may go ahead and do a lift later. For now I solved by driveway problem. When backing in the tail would hit the driveway. I pulled the trailer to the street and removed the stinger and replaced it with a 6" drop hitch which brings the back of the trailer up so I can back in with out scraping. Ready to go simple put the proper hitch back in. Takes a few extra minutes but for now at least I can now use my new parking spot next to my house.
Dave
|
|
|
03-27-2016, 10:46 PM
|
#100
|
explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by nickclifford
by how much did you raise ? I'm installing new axles so can add another couple of inches here but was thinking about a small spacer too, so about 4" or maybe even 5" total ...
|
I raised mine 2 7/8". I think 4-5" might be a bit much.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|