Possible bumper drag

[s1000pre]

I’m reading posts where dragging the bumper is discussed. We haven’t had a chance to do any BLM boon docking, though have driven through some uneven Harvest Host fields. I do a pretty good job reading terrain and seeing potential hazards. We visited a campground in Palm Springs which had a drainage area formed into the paved surface which could not be avoided. It ran the entire width of the road with deep grooves on one side. I didn’t have an issue with the 25’ though it was really close. We recently traded our 25’ for a 30’. As far as I can tell, it looks like all 5 feet were added behind the wheels. I can guarantee I would have scraped the bumper with the 30 Bunk.
How common is this?
It the only solution adding a lift? If so, does it effect the ride?
Should I even be concerned about this?
Have you scraped your bumper and not had any damage?

[NC-Serenity]

I have a 2018 30’... Off road the bumper isn’t the only worry — it is the sheet metal enclosure for the tanks just above and behind behind the axles. That can be the low point in the right dip. Haven’t done it yet but a lift kit is in my future...

Disconnect your weight transfer hitch (if possible) prior to entering the campground. On most rigs this will drop the hitch an inch or more and that gains you an inch or two clearance in the back of the trailer.

I have air bags on my truck and between deflating the bags and removing the weight bars it helps with clearance. Some folks will even set up the hitch to have a 30’ trailer be slightly nose low to add rear ground clearance. But that is another can of worms.

[mojo]

I believe the consensus is that the lift kit has been a blessing. Have not heard any regrets. After bending one of the skid plates on the back of my trailer coming out of a busy parking lot, I decided to add the lifts. They have helped when on dirt back roads and when parking on a slope...no more digging a hole to lower the pro-pride hitch far enough to level the trailer!

[s1000pre]

Originally Posted by mojo

I believe the consensus is that the lift kit has been a blessing. Have not heard any regrets. After bending one of the skid plates on the back of my trailer coming out of a busy parking lot, I decided to add the lifts. They have helped when on dirt back roads and when parking on a slope...no more digging a hole to lower the pro-pride hitch far enough to level the trailer!

Which lift kit did you go with?

[mojo]

You have to determine which Dexter axles you have and then order the proper lift kit. Got mine from etrailer.com

[wulfraat]

Dexter Lift Kit.

There is only one kit that fits your 30' trailer - dexter 2 7/8" kit #K71-724-02 for #11 axles.

There are no downsides. Tows the same. More clearance. Frankly, 30' trailers should come standard from the factory with these axles blocks installed. Many of us have them installed. Cost for installation with parts runs between ~$850 and ~$1500 depending on who does it for you.

Some people tackle this themselves. On the 30' getting at the bolts in behind water tanks requires welding tabs to the bolts as it's very difficult tog get a wrench back in there. GMFL on the forum sells the modified bolts for DIYers.

I still cringe on those parking lot dips. Difference now with a lift is that I still come close but don't drag

[jaybauman]

Previously with my 30Bunk, and now with my Classic 33, a lift kit should be considered a necessity. On any trip gas stations, grocery stores, and Starbucks are required stops and maps never show how much incline you may have to negotiate.

Problem solved when I installed a lift on the bunkhouse. I'm taking the Classic in on the 15th to have it lifted before summer travels begin.

Do it and don't look back.

[AnnaBelle33]

I agree with the above posts. I called Dexter with my axle serial #s to confirm the #11s. I had my lift done yesterday by @GMFL Went easy & no issues. As long as the 30 & especially the 33’s are, I think this is a necessity; regardless if you’re boondocking or not. Well worth the money when considering risk vs reward.