Visit our Popular Forums

shb2777 · 09-07-2019, 09:56 AM

Hey Y’all
I’ve been thinking about installing a lift kit on my 2007 30’ classic. I’ve read all the pros but haven’t seen a whole lot about axel alignment is this a big concern, or is there a kit that’s just bolt and go?
Thanks Steve

wulfraat · 09-07-2019, 10:06 AM

Kit is bolt on and go, made by dexter. Not sure how you’d get out of alignment, it’s a drop in kit with limited adjustability.

Definitely recommend for a 30’. There are only upsides (no more dragging the rear skid plates). No difference in towing.

GCinSC2 · 09-07-2019, 10:29 AM

Comments based on one installation I did a few years ago. I have no alignment specs.

I scribed a reference line from the axle (prior to loosening axle bolts) up onto the frame. At install it was helpful and on some spots necessary to use a ratchet strap to position axle back in line to the scribe marks.

Dexter install info. https://www.dexteraxle.com/docs/defa....pdf?sfvrsn=12

Gary

Reno Classic · 09-07-2019, 10:56 AM

I just completed a lift on my 2006 30' Classic and like you was concerned about wheel alignment. Many on this forum have had good luck simply installing the kit and report no issues with alignment. I was hoping for, and trying to achieve, the same results. My experience is noted in Al&Missy's post Lift Kit Installed Today, page 6. I had used measurements and reference marks but could not line up exactly.

Two resources I used were published by Lippert Components and the Dexter service manual beginning on page 64. The Lippert document is excellent for ballparking where you stand but if there is any variance in your frame or tires the measurements could be off.

The alignment shop used the method similar to what is described in the Dexter manual, page 71 item 2, by dropping a plumb bob from the hitch coupler and the ends of the two front axle spindles. They initially found my installation off by 7/16" relative to the front coupler and frame. After adjustment they were able to get within 1/32" of being equal. The variables being the slotted holes in the axle top mount brackets and the slotted hole where the side bolts attach. Also, there is just a little bit of variance in the bolt holes so if you pick up a tiny bit here and a tiny bit there it adds up to a measurable variance. Centerline spacing between the two axles was adjusted to 33". A lot of this is greek to me but made sense when talking to the shop mechanics. Cost was $230, similar to what a few others indicated they paid.

Was it worth the effort and dollars spent? Considering I have a brand new set of Endurance tires installed I hope to have them perform and wear as expected. If I were to do this project again I would check alignment per the instructions in the Lippert document, tow the vehicle a short distance using chalk marks across the tread to identify any abnormal wear pattern and then make a decision to go to the alignment shop or not.

shb2777 · 09-09-2019, 11:06 PM

Thanks y’all
I think I will give it whirl when I get some time and it gets a little cooler in Anahuac Texas. One more thing though, how hard was it to loosen those bolts?
Thanks Steve

GCinSC2 · 09-10-2019, 04:54 AM

IIRC, some can be hit with impact gun, some have decent breaker bar access, a few are possible PITA. If you're a regular DIY'er used to busting a knuckle on a project you'll get it.

farafield · 09-10-2019, 05:03 AM

I'd like to add a lift kit to my Sport 16. Not something I can do myself. Do you think a well respected trailer (all kinds trailers, not specifically RV's) outfit be suitable to do this job?

GMFL · 09-10-2019, 05:42 AM

It’s not a hard job to do. Any shop with some basic skills and the willingness to do so should be able to complete this project.
Single axle trailer makes it super easy.

Here’s a couple of BLOG post form some I’ve done.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...lift-kit-2901/

http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...3fb-lift-3033/

mythbuster88 · 09-19-2019, 10:36 PM

Thanks to this thread we pulled the trigger.We just had Airstream of LA do the lift for us. $1,050.00 total cost.
No difference towing.
Big difference going in and out driveways.
Dramatic difference off the pavement and in the dirt in Temecula, CA among wineries and hot air balloons.

I would rank this among the top AS modifications after LiFePO batteries.

shb2777 · 09-20-2019, 11:47 PM

Thanks Mythbuster88
Seeing post like this helps reinforce the decision process.
Thanks Steve

Michael Anna · 02-09-2020, 07:00 AM

I would like to install a lift on our trailer, but don’t want to start something that I can’t finish. Plus the front axle looks fairly easy, but not the rear. Does anyone know of a place to install close to Alabama? There is a new airstream dealer near Huntsville, AL, Rocket City RV, but their airstream service department is fairly new and inexperienced. Thank you

pcskier · 02-09-2020, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Anna

I would like to install a lift on our trailer, but don’t want to start something that I can’t finish. Plus the front axle looks fairly easy, but not the rear. Does anyone know of a place to install close to Alabama? There is a new airstream dealer near Huntsville, AL, Rocket City RV, but their airstream service department is fairly new and inexperienced. Thank you

GMFL (Ronnie--see comment number 8 above) is in Dadeville, he'll probably chime in here or send him a PM. He did mine (I held the light lol) in early December. Knocked it out in a couple hours, he has the knowledge and the tools to make pretty quick work of it.

GMFL · 02-09-2020, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Anna

I would like to install a lift on our trailer, but don’t want to start something that I can’t finish. Plus the front axle looks fairly easy, but not the rear. Does anyone know of a place to install close to Alabama? There is a new airstream dealer near Huntsville, AL, Rocket City RV, but their airstream service department is fairly new and inexperienced. Thank you

I could probably take care of you...
You could drive down the night before and be home the next afternoon.

Michael Anna · 03-20-2020, 02:35 PM

Just had GFML install lift on our 30 foot Serenity this week, and true to his word, I drove down in the afternoon and I was back on the road by noon the next day. Installation on 30 footer is a little tricky as half bolts need tabs welded to them as there’s no room to get a wrench on them. Well, you could if water tank was removed, but that’s no fun. Also, there was no way I could have installed the lift myself. Ronnie will also let you help him with no extra charge and if you’re lucky you can get a step stick for only $20.

I did not notice any handling differences on the 240 mile trip home with crosswinds from time to time. I did, however, notice the three inch difference in unhitching, less bending over.

Totally satisfied with Ronnie’s installation, thank you Sir. Ronnie’s passion is installing solar power systems and we’re going to have him install solar on our Airstream. Pictures are before lift, during with on axle complete, and after lift.

GMFL · 03-20-2020, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Anna

Just had GFML install lift on our 30 foot Serenity this week, and true to his word, I drove down in the afternoon and I was back on the road by noon the next day. Installation on 30 footer is a little tricky as half bolts need tabs welded to them as there’s no room to get a wrench on them. Well, you could if water tank was removed, but that’s no fun. Also, there was no way I could have installed the lift myself. Ronnie will also let you help him with no extra charge and if you’re lucky you can get a step stick for only $20.

I did not notice any handling differences on the 240 mile trip home with crosswinds from time to time. I did, however, notice the three inch difference in unhitching, less bending over.

Totally satisfied with Ronnie’s installation, thank you Sir. Ronnie’s passion is installing solar power systems and we’re going to have him install solar on our Airstream. Pictures are before lift, during with on axle complete, and after lift.

It was a lot of fun for sure. And don’t forget to tell them, I let you use the impact gun

SandKSmith · 03-21-2020, 08:51 AM

We’re in our first outing after adding the 3” Dexter lift. The only disadvantage I’ve seen so far is that setting up the awning is a bit more of a stretch now. I’m going to start carrying a small step stool.

jaybauman · 03-21-2020, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandKSmith

We’re in our first outing after adding the 3” Dexter lift. The only disadvantage I’ve seen so far is that setting up the awning is a bit more of a stretch now. I’m going to start carrying a small step stool.

We have one trip under our belts after the 3" lift. While not necessarily a disadvantage, I find that now we always need to extend both steps to get in/out of the trailer. I'm glad I purchased the step stabilizer from GMFL, which quite simply stabilizes the lower step. If you're lifting your Airstream, I highly recommend this accessory.