Lifting the Suspension on a 22' Sport

[KnG]

Greetings Airstreamers,

We have a 2016 Sport 22, and we've had some problems with the trailer bottoming out. We've been looking into options for raising the suspension, including the Dexter Axle lift kit (~3"gain) or replacing the beam with the current 10 degree bars for a new beam with 45 degree bars (also ~3" height increase). A local mechanic is quoting us around $2000 for the either option, which seems pretty expensive. Does anyone have any experience with this or advice? This is our first Airstream, so we're flying a bit blind. We have some raw land where we'd like to dry camp, so we definitely need some additional clearance!

Thank you!!
Kim and Gary

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Part of the "zen" of an Airstream is the low to the ground design. That helps for paved roads. It is a bit of an issue for rough roads. The most basic answer is to buy a different design. That's much easier said than done.

Based on years of rough roads, I'd go for more like 6" than 3". That's going to involve steps in addition to lift kits.

Bob

[Cannonball]

Message member "Boxite" here on the Forums. He has installed a lift kit on his 22 Sport.

[Llittle54]

Originally Posted by Cannonball

Message member "Boxite" here on the Forums. He has installed a lift kit on his 22 Sport.

Yep there is a couple of threads on the subject. Even specifically for the 22. Google - Lift Kit Airstream. Also there is a good video from The More We Explore on the install on a larger AS.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Just remember that as you lift it (even by 3 or 6 inches) you reduce the stability of the trailer. You can also reduce it in the same way by putting your $10M gold bar collection in the overhead bins

Bob

[fran&frank]

$2000 is way too much to pay for this. The lift kit is less than $150 and it should take a professional mechanic with the right tools a few hours.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I suspect that for a *lot* less than $2,000 one of the local farmers would be more than happy to smooth out a "road" on your land for you. Even if you boost the trailer, that might still be worth looking into.

Bob

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Just remember that as you lift it (even by 3 or 6 inches) you reduce the stability of the trailer. You can also reduce it in the same way by putting your $10M gold bar collection in the overhead bins

Bob

Bob...your imagination is running wild.
There's is absolutely NO detectable difference in that three inch lift. I've done it. I know.

[SilverLife]

I concur on the "stability" issue. No difference whatsoever in stability, handling or towing after the lift kit install. Also, $2k for that is mighty steep. It's about a 1.5 hr install at a casual pace and only about $150 in parts, and that's for a tandem axle kit. I sold my other half for half that amount, so look around on the forum, or go in with another Sport owner.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Boxite

Bob...your imagination is running wild.
There's is absolutely NO detectable difference in that three inch lift. I've done it. I know.

Hi

Well there goes 60 years of now totally disproven Airstream marketing claims.

Bob

[rmkrum]

Marketing speak does not have anything to do with engineering realities.

[Tbeck11931]

Two things you may want to try.
1. Increase the wheel and tire size. I took mine from 14" to 15" granted the increase is minimal but it has the additional benefit of more reliable tires. Sell the Marathon tires if that's what you have and never go back! Try this out first and see if that clears most of your problems up. Discount Tire can help you with this, plus the service all across the nation.
If all else fails.
Step 2. The lift kit is a better option and anyone can do the work with 4 jack stands a floor jack and basic wrenches. Just drop one side at a time, install the lift then attach before going to the other side. May take the two of you 4 hours.

[TravlinMan]

They were liftin a 22' at airstream Los Angeles with the 3" Dexter when I was there and they said it's just a few hundred dollar job when I asked. They spoke very highly of the lift and said their customers have all been very happy with the added clearance. Apparently they started stockin em cause everyone was bottoming out right there in the dealer driveway.

I had a hi lift dexter axle from the factory on my Casita and the difference between towin that and towin a regular height one was not noticeable. These airstreams are so dang stable, I don't see how a small shift in COG would be noticeable unless you're takin hairpin turns at 60, which I wouldn't recommend.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Well there goes 60 years of now totally disproven Airstream marketing claims.

Bob

Hi

If you run into an engineer who recommends increasing raising the center of gravity to improve stability ... check his credentials very carefully.

Bob

[sheriff1]

Boys, you can argue this till the cows come home. Personal beliefs should guide YOUR decision to lift or not. Personally I'm a believer in lifting. Lifted our 27FB , no difference in towing other than not dragging arse through curb cuts. Just finished lifting out new to us 30'. Just because it's right for me doesn't necessarily mean it's right for you.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

It's not actually an argument, I suspect we are simply talking about different kinds of stability. Take a look at a Ferrari or any other high performance car if you want an example of going low to the ground for good stability in a curve. The "sway" debates are full of people bashing 4x4's that have 2" lifts for the exact same reason.

Bob

[TravlinMan]

Bob is correct it really depends on what ya want. There are folks that lower their Jeeps. It makes me weep but they wanna be able to take curves fast and drive slick on city roads. Ain't what I want but the science is there to use. On the same end if ya know ya ain't gonna be takin curves with your airstream and truck at 60 and ya also know ya need more clearance then raising the COG ain't gonna matter unless ya happen to take too sharp a turn too fast.

At 3" of lift, the only detectable difference would be at the extreme ends of capability. When you're right on the edge of tippin over, then that 3" *might* come in to play. But chances are drivin skill and fast thinkin will determine what happens more than that 3".

If ya stay away from the very limits of your vehicle/trailer capabilities, you'll never notice any of this.

[Steamy1]

good discussion titled "How to gain more clearance" you may be interested in.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

If you run into an engineer who recommends increasing raising the center of gravity to improve stability ... check his credentials very carefully.

Bob

No one said anything of the sort... and you're sitting bored at the computer too much looking to pontificate on something at which you've apparently got no experience.

Lifting a Sport has had absolutely no detectable difference in the stability experienced in typical towing. (Not to mention the fact that absolutely NO such cautions, not even a mention, are offered in the Lift-Kit literature either.... doubtless something that would be clearly annunciated in our litigious society these days if it did. Dozens of owners have had nothing but praise for this mod.)

Yes....theoretically .... the stability suffers a hit. In reality, however, there is no detectable difference and if one DID experience any problem with stability of a lifted Airstream.... they have no business towing anything more sophisticated than a child's pull-toy!

It's the BEST thing I've done to my 22' Sport Airstream.

[Grapevine]

I purchased the lift kit for our 2017 22FB from e-trailer and had it installed at local shop for around $200, which included rerouting the LP line and painting the axle/lift kit. I generally do my own mechanical work, but I lacked the supports to do this one safely.

For more clearance and trailering safety, we also changed out the original 15" wheels and tires for 16" wheels and LT tires with pressure sensors.

The lift kit added 2 7/8" and the wheels/tires added 1/2". We tow with a 2003 V8 4Runner and Andersen weight distribution. I towed this trailer prior to the clearance/wheel changes and after the modifications. There is no difference in how it trailers.

Before adding the kit, I spoke to Airstream in Ohio regarding the warranty. (The AS dealers in Portland in Eugene told me the lift kit would void the AS warranty.) AS in Ohio said adding the lift kit would only void the warranty for the specific parts. In this case, it would be the axle and LP line. Since Dexter made the axle and kit, I called them and was told they would still warranty the axle. That leaves me on my own for the LP line.

Given where we travel, these clearance modifications has been invaluable. If you don't travel off road, these modifications can help immensely with gas stations along major interstates.

e-trailer only sells the lift kit for dual axle installations. I have the other half of this kit listed in the classifieds, or you can PM me.