Dexter Lift Kit - Gas Line Relocation Pics Please

[JennyJakeNH]

Hello all - We are preparing to add the Dexter lift kit to our 2019 FC 30FB Bunk.

While I've been reading and re-reading the various posts and have watched the YouTube videos, any additional images on the relocation of the gas lines would be a huge help. I've seen lots of images of the kit installed, but few that highlight how people tackle the gas line relocation.

Also - Beyond the gas line(s), has anybody with a 30FB had any other complications during the install?

Thanks in advance to all!

[jaybauman]

I put a Dexter lift on my 2019 FC 30FB Bunk. (Well, I actually just handed the credit card to my service shop.) Upon delivery, the tech showed me what he did on the install. He did not mention anything about the gas line. In fact, they charged me only a very few hours of labor for the job, and I see no evidence they had to do anything to the gas line on my trailer. If he did anything to the gas line, it was too minor to mention and did not show up in any meaningful way on the service invoice.

EDIT: Adding those 3" of ground clearance has been awesome for my long trailer with large overhangs. You'll be happy you did it.

[GCinSC2]

JennyJakeNH,

How about posting a picture of the axle and gas line interference area on your trailer.

Gary

[JennyJakeNH]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

JennyJakeNH,

How about posting a picture of the axle and gas line interference area on your trailer.

Gary

Thanks Gary - Pic of the two lines running through on the camp side.

[mikesSE]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

JennyJakeNH,

How about posting a picture of the axle and gas line interference area on your trailer.

Gary

The dumass Jackson factory ran my gas line through the axle bracket on my Safari.I had to cut the continuous copper line to get it out of the axle to put in the lift brackets!!!

[chugchug]

In my case the choices were 1) under the axle 2) in the wheel well. I chose the wheel well. The copper tubing is protected by a 1/2 inch PEX tube.

And like other people said, the original location was right through the axle bracket and it had to be cut and pulled out to install the lift kit. With the lift kit installed that route is completely blocked.

[Hermes]

There may be an alternative to the Dexter lift kit. Can-Am RV is well known in Airstream circles for their expertise (in particular the owner Andy Thompson's) in fine tuning Airstream hitches and rigs.

They will reinforce your frame and raise the trailer by adding a 2" steel reinforcement onto the frame in the section where the axels are positioned. I haven't done it yet but after discussing this with Andy, it made a lot of sense and I will be putting it on my todo list before our next boondocking adventure.

[panamerican]

Originally Posted by chugchug

In my case the choices were 1) under the axle 2) in the wheel well. I chose the wheel well. The copper tubing is protected by a 1/2 inch PEX tube.

And like other people said, the original location was right through the axle bracket and it had to be cut and pulled out to install the lift kit. With the lift kit installed that route is completely blocked.

That's rough. I'm not a fan of placement in the wheel well. If a tire blows, etc, we've all see what it has been able to do with the sheet metal. The soft copper, might only have a marginal chance with the pex.

Other option might be to get new axles with greater downward angle, of course that's kin to hitting a fly with a sledgehammer.....

I have however had one strange oddity I can't explain...the shock mount bracket on one of the wheels bent and was rubbing against the frame in the area where I see that PEX protected gas line.

[tbashin]

When I installed my lift kit, I took a joint apart on the gas line and moved it out of the way to install the axles then put it back together above the axles since there's a gap there now. No big deal.

[GCinSC2]

Jenny,

Pic helps but can't see all of the situation. I checked the parts manual but it doesn't show me at least the sections and joints of the line. Can someone look to the front and to the rear and see if a section can be removed to do the lift install and then look at what's left and see how to run new line routing.

Gary

[chugchug]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

Jenny,

Pic helps but can't see all of the situation. I checked the parts manual but it doesn't show me at least the sections and joints of the line. Can someone look to the front and to the rear and see if a section can be removed to do the lift install and then look at what's left and see how to run new line routing.

Gary

I think you will find each case slightly different. In my case I couldn't pull the tube out as the flare nut was bigger than the opening in the axle bracket. It is very tight in there.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by chugchug

I think you will find each case slightly different. In my case I couldn't pull the tube out as the flare nut was bigger than the opening in the axle bracket. It is very tight in there.

Each case slightly different, that sounds like the Airstream motto.

I installed a lift kit on a mid 2000 Classic Ltd maybe 5 yrs ago and don't even remember the gas line being an issue.

[guskmg]

Does anyone know if CanAm RV uses that system on 3 axle trailers? Other shops don't recommend the Dexter lift kits for 3 axles.
guskmg

[GMFL]

I’ve installed over 30 lifts on Airstreams and though they are all a little different they are all basically the same. Welding stop tabs, cutting bolts, removing shocks, move propane line, modify tank shrouds,ect. All these are just part of the work that could be required.
Tips:
23, 27, 30 not to bad. 25’s are the worst. Front axle is always harder than the rear.

[Jprtugs]

JennyJake NH and others, I have been trying to install a Dexter lift kit on my 2013 30" Classic. The front axle was easy enough but on the rear axle, I do not have enough room between the trailer frame and the belly pan that encloses the black and gray water tank. The is only 1 5/8" and the lift block is 2 1/2". Has anyone encountered this problem? Thanks!

John Riemer

[GMFL]

Yes. Pan must be modified for lift block to fit

[Jprtugs]

GMFL, thanks for the information! Sounds like you have a lot of experience with these things. I was wondering if I could modify the lift block but I was concerned that the modification would compromise the structural integrity of the block. I'll look for a metal shop to modify the pan. Thanks again!

John

[Hermes]

Originally Posted by guskmg

Does anyone know if CanAm RV uses that system on 3 axle trailers? Other shops don't recommend the Dexter lift kits for 3 axles.
guskmg

You need to call Andy Thompson, but from what I understand from their solution, it should work fine with one, two or three axels, you just need longer stuctural supports in the case of three (and it probably could come out cheaper than getting three Dexter kits, but I am speculating).

But you will have to wait for the border to open up before getting the work done if you are stateside.

[pickupjason]

Originally Posted by GMFL

I’ve installed over 30 lifts on Airstreams and though they are all a little different they are all basically the same. Welding stop tabs, cutting bolts, removing shocks, move propane line, modify tank shrouds,ect. All these are just part of the work that could be required.
Tips:
23, 27, 30 not to bad. 25’s are the worst. Front axle is always harder than the rear.

Could you explain more why 25’s are the worst?

[guskmg]

FYI, Andy says he can raise 3 axle trailers too! We will just have to wait until the border opens.
guskmg