2019 25 RBT lift kit to get in driveway

[McDonald256]

I am about to buy a new house and thinking ahead drove the AS over to see if I can get it up the drive. With the WD bars removed I backed up making a sharp turn in no problemo. Leaving I scraped the right rear ever so slightly. I think the lift kit would fix the problem. The house is the one mama wants and the AS will not be the reason she does not get it. I read lots of posts on adding the dexter kit and it looks straight forward. Anyone have experience adding one to a new 25’? I don’t think I can weld tabs to bolts or alter to fit but don’t want to pay to have it done either.....

[jeffmc306]

Congratulations on finding the new home and great thinking ahead about the Airstream / clearance.

Thinking outside the box, would it be possible to use a temporary wood ramp (2x8’s) to span the low spot? I’m sure the lift kit would do the job but perhaps there’s an alternative solution? I know it’s not as convenient but would be less expensive.

[wulfraat]

Have the lift kit installed. It’s a PITA to install. I paid $600 bucks worth every penny. They should ship them from the factory with the lift kit - big improvement in ground clearance and zero effect on towability.

Chalk it up to an expense associated with buying a new home. It will be the first of many haha.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by McDonald256

I am about to buy a new house and thinking ahead drove the AS over to see if I can get it up the drive. With the WD bars removed I backed up making a sharp turn in no problemo. Leaving I scraped the right rear ever so slightly. I think the lift kit would fix the problem. The house is the one mama wants and the AS will not be the reason she does not get it. I read lots of posts on adding the dexter kit and it looks straight forward. Anyone have experience adding one to a new 25’? I don’t think I can weld tabs to bolts or alter to fit but don’t want to pay to have it done either.....

I have installed several (5) and would be happy to help. Also I’m just south of you.

[StuartsDad]

I had same issue with my 28' going in or out of driveway. Initially I used boards in the low spots (PITA) until I installed the Dexter lift blocks. Problem solved. Having the tabs welded on would certainly make installation easier, especially if installing it by yourself. I did not have the tabs, but had two pair of hands, one to hold wrench, other to operate impact wrench. A cheap 15/16 combination wrench, cut in half and a makeshift long extension handle did the trick for me. I like the kit for reasons beyond just my driveway clearance.

Since you just barely scrape the rear and if you don't really want the lift for any other reason, you might get by using a non WD drop receiver just for getting in and out of the driveway. Get one that lowers the front of your AS, thus raising the rear a little. I have to do that because my Blue Ox hitch head will drag.

[McDonald256]

Originally Posted by GMFL

I have installed several (5) and would be happy to help. Also I’m just south of you.

Where about? I might take you up on that.

[GMFL]

Dadeville,
Haven’t done a 25’, but I’ve done a few for sure.

[McDonald256]

That’s not too far. If your willing to help I might take you up on it if the stars align and I get the house.

[Steamy1]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

Have the lift kit installed. It’s a PITA to install. I paid $600 bucks worth every penny. They should ship them from the factory with the lift kit - big improvement in ground clearance and zero effect on towability.

Chalk it up to an expense associated with buying a new home. It will be the first of many haha.

Hi Wulfraat,
Could you share who installed yours?

Many thanks!

[drbrick]

There are several videos on YouTube "less we explore" has a very detailed install video

[emelaich01]

Good to hear so many are upgrading their ground clearance! We did the wood ramp--a couple of 2" x 12"s to lift the rear end on a high-crowned street. Problem was stowing the ramp after each exit and retrieving it on return. And we STILL scraped if the approach angle was off a bit.

Got the Dexter lift kit for our 25FB's axles and the 2x's got delegated to other projects. Only complaint was that the nuts and bolts supplied didn't thread well so we replaced them with a load of grade 8's from Ace Hardware; those supplied were grade 5.

Dropping the axles wasn't difficult but a roll-around floor jack to maneuver them throughout the process is strongly suggested; and you may need a couple of flare wrenches if your PVC-jacketed gas line goes through the street-side axle bracket. Watch the routing of the leads on your electric brakes so as not to put any unnecessary strain on them. Took my wife and i about 5 hours to do the job, including getting the new hardware. One of of the most rewarding projects we've done so far!