Making room for a lift

[afk314]

I've got the trailer into a local axle specialist to do a lift. Another member here has posted about his experiences lifting a 2013 25RB and the trials and tribulations that went into it. Now it's my turn.

Turns out that our trailer needs to have both the freshwater and grey/black tank covers cut back to make room for the lift hardware. Of course, dropping the covers is an ordeal and one that I'd never expect the axel folks to want to get into. Likewise, I don't think I'd want to know what an AS dealer would charge if they were even willing to install the lift. Thus, the dilemma.

So, I gave the go-ahead to cut back both tank covers in place. Of course this is dicey and an errant move and I not only don't get my lift but also need to replace a tank! But, before they go cutting (tomorrow) I thought I'd check in with the collective wisdom to ascertain generally how much space exists between the tank covers and the tanks. Clearly, it's impossible to know how much space my particular trailer has, etc - but I should at least ask before I take the risk.

Is one a tighter fit than the other?
If you've seen the actual fit, would you be willing to carefully cut from the outside?
Am I nuts?

-Adam

[azflycaster]

If the person doing the work doesn't know, maybe he's not the right person for the job...

[sheriff1]

I’ve done 3 lifts on Airstreams, none needed such mods!

[GMFL]

HOUSTON. We have a problem!

[afk314]

Sheriff, I guess you can consider yourself lucky, or me and trailbob unlucky - however you like. Doesn't change the fact that the two known 2013 25RB's (a not common layout on these forums) both have needed pretty serious mods to get the brackets in.

-Adam

[sheriff1]

Haven’t done a 25 RB, wow!

[tbashin]

Are talking about a suspension lift or a handicap chair lift? Big difference.

[afk314]

A suspension lift of the trailer is what I should have called out! My apologies for the confusion that possibly ensued.

-Adam

[tbashin]

I did the lift on mine and it’s a simple bolt on job. Unbolt the old axle, slide in the lift component and bolt them in then bolt the axle to the lift extension. Torque the bolts on the extension b4 putting the axle back. I had to ream the holes a little because the axle bolt holes didn’t align exactly with the lift piece’s axle bolt holes. That’s the whole job. Took my about 2 hours by myself in my driveway for two axles.

[afk314]

Just wanted to post a follow up to this. The 2013 25' RB (and probably a few others) have tank covers which make this job quite a bit more complicated than other trailers. In order to install the lift, one must cut away the tank covers of both the FW tank (plastic) and the grey/black tanks (aluminum). See this post by Trailbob for another perspective.

In the end, Boise Spring Works here in Boise Idaho did the work for me. The bulk of the 7 hours of labor was put into dealing with trimming the tank covers, with only 2 for doing the actual lift. I had them make a custom 4" lift for me and it is welded to the frame. This may have been simpler than dealing with the nuts/bolts, I don't know but I am very happy with the outcome. If you have a trailer that doesn't need these covers trimmed nor propane lines moved (22' trailers) I think Boise Spring Works could do the whole job for $350 or less in today's prices.

If you are unlucky enough to have the oversized tank covers, my sympathies to you - it makes this process about 3x more difficult than it is for others.

Adam

[MTNHIGH]

Does anyone know of a service center/mechanic in the Virginia or surrounding states that has performed a dexter lift on a 2015 Flying Cloud 23 FB or similar frame trailer?

[Steamy1]

Adam,

We purchased our 23FB from the dealer in Boise, and they said they would not install a lift kit. Also added that there have been problems and have had to remove them. This is the first time I have ever heard of a problem associated with lift kits. If there were a problem, I would think that it would have surfaced on the Forum.

With that said, I installed the lift kit on our 19' Bambi and it has worked terrific. one of the best upgrades I have done.

Now I want to install a kit on our 23FB, but hesitant to take on two axles by myself, though I have the tools and the garage to do it. I have considered the dealer in Salt Lake City, but your reference in Boise may be an option. Did you feel they were experienced and knowledgeable in how to lift an Airstream properly?

I tried a local mobile RV repair guy to do the job, but when I saw him start to place the jack on the axle tube, I stopped him and said that is not how to lift the trailer. He did not want to be supervised so we parted ways.

So I am very sensitive to have the work would be performed which is why I have had the kit for 3-years and yet to install it.....

[afk314]

I had Boise Spring Works do the lift for me. These guys work on cars and trucks every day. Lowering them, raising them, building springs, etc. They have photo albums of a million car/truck projects. I felt confident that I could trust them with the work. They are also local, have a great reputation and have been around forever.



I love the lift. Even if the lift had some negative side-effect I would still most likely endorse it. I boondock 95% and used to sweat ruts that today don't raise an eyebrow. But, the fact is, I notice absolutely nothing different when pulling. Like you, I researched this a ton and have never heard of someone who didn't like the lift or wished they hadn't done it. I bet Boise Airstream simply doesn't want the liability. Oh well.


I am not mechanic or fabricator though, so my endorsement of Boise Spring Works should be as one happy customer only. But I'd have them do it again, too!


-adam

[Steamy1]

Hi Adam,

Did they have to remove then re-install the gas line on your rig?

The 23FB requires completely removing a gas line on the street side then routing again once the lift kit is installed.

so I guess the question is if they mess with LP lines.

Thank you,

[afk314]

Luckily, there wasn't a need to move gas lines on the 25' trailer. But I know Troutboy and Explore More both had to deal with the gas line on their 23's. I would call up Boise Spring Works and ask about moving the propane line. I bet they can do it.


-Adam