On the road in Portland, OR trying to find someone to install a lift kit

[HappyHapgood]

My wife and I are from North Carolina and have been traveling off-and-on out west for the last 8 months. Our airstream is currently in Portland, OR and we have decided we want to have a Lift Kit installed. We will be heading that way next week to "rejoin" the Airstream!

Some of the most beautiful boondocking spots out west are down rough dirt roads and I'm tired of dragging the back of the trailer all the time. Can anyone recommend a place to have a lift kit installed? FYI, the Airstream dealer in Portland won't do it (Airstream Northwest), nor will Ultimate Airstreams, so I'm looking for another option. Or maybe somewhere in Bend (that'll be our first destination after leaving Portland at the end of next week.

I would do it myself but don't have that level of tools or "support" when I am on the road.

Any guidance will be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Matt

[HappyHapgood]

Bump. Anyone?

[Can of beans]

DK Fab would probably do it for you, down near Woodburn.

they could make up a kit.

GK Machine could probably do it in the repair department, but they might be a bit more expensive. both do custom Fabrication.
if you want the standard Dexter Lift Kit, probably a Tire Store could do it for you also.

Six Roblee's in Portland, or Autowheel specialize in Trailer parts not typically RV, but Trailers in general. They could get the standard lift kits for you.

[57Vintage]

In Bend I would suggest you check with Flyte Camp and see if they will do it. They are a trailer restoration company.

http://www.flytecamp.com/

[Wissler]

Here is the title of a YouTube showing how to do this.
Lifting Reynold the Airstream P1 - TMWE S3 E111

Looks pretty straight forward but I’m sure all must be done carefully and correctly for safety’s sake. Personally, I would have it done by folk who know Airstreams as they are more likely to be careful about jackpoints, etc.

[daleyocum]

If you happen to be going through Northern California, I’ll bet Vinnie’s Airstream Repair could do it. They have a stellar reputation. http://www.vinniesairstream.com/

[Wconley]

U-Haul Trailer Hitch Super Center in Beaverton did some great hitch work for us a few years ago as well as troubleshooting a wiring problem. They might be a good source.

[wulfraat]

Whomever you choose for the labor I’d recommend installing the dexter kit - it’s plug and play. No need for custom fabrication. It’s one of the best / simplest upgrades I’ve done on my 30’. Good luck.

[pteck]

Agreed with the Dexter kit. No point recreating with a custom fab piece.

Lift was the next upgrade ever. You'll appreciate it for much more that just clearance. Anytime you use a storage compartment, dumping tanks, etc.

It's a straightforward install that any trailer shop should be able to handle. As long as the pay attention to the jacking points.

Note that you'll need to adjust your hitch and WD bars after.

[HappyHapgood]

Thank you for all the very helpful recommendations. I definitely plan to use a stock Dexter kit. While it’s a simple mod, I’m on the road and don’t think I’d have the tools and help I’d need to do it on my own. I wish the Airstream dealer in Portland would do it, but they won’t (it’s at that dealership right now getting some other work done).

I’ll get on the phone on Monday AM and report back to this thread after those calls or getting the work done.

Thanks again!

Matt

[pteck]

You might give Dexter a call to see if they have any recommended partner shops in the region to perform the lift.

[Al and Missy]

It can be hard, or easy, depending on the configuration of your trailer. On some trailers the tank pans interfere with access to the bolts/nuts to mount the kit.


Find a trailer repair shop that sells Dexter axles. They should do it for you.


I was lucky enough to have a local traveling RV repair guy that came to my storage area and did it in the parking lot. I just happened to have an air over hydraulic jack that I bought to do some brake work on another trailer. It made it pretty easy except for the interference problem.


http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...ay-189927.html


Al

[Woosch]

Might want to try RV Pro's in Vancouver Washington.

[Caffeinated]

Originally Posted by Wconley

U-Haul Trailer Hitch Super Center in Beaverton did some great hitch work for us a few years ago as well as troubleshooting a wiring problem. They might be a good source.

While I agree that the Beaverton UHaul hitch center does good work, their parking situation is not one I'd bring a 28 ft trailer to.

Mike

[Bill M.]

Maybe give the Airstream dealer in Spokane a call.

[HappyHapgood]

Thank you to everyone for their suggestions. I ended up getting this done in Bend by an independent trailer/RV repair guy. He was pleasant and did a good job. So nice to be up a couple more inches and have less worry about dragging our tail end.

[speednoodle]

I realize this is an old thread, but wanted to post in case someone comes across it later like I did.

Just had some work completed by AANW in Portland and found out that they now install lift kits! They order the kit directly from Dexter. It's next on my things-to-upgrade list.