Thinking of buying a GD tt.. Independent suspension questions

**Ed1911** · 01-26-2021, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by goducks14

It just seems not right that you have to buy a new TT and then upgrade the suspension. I think your case is different from what GD intends buyers to do with an Imagine.
Imagines are on the low end of their line up. Geared more towards 1st time buyers or buyers upgrading from an older TT or like a tent trailer.
Most would just drive down the hwy and pull off right into a CG/RV park. Doubt many would do the boondocking thing.

Not sure what it would cost to have Dexter torsion axle installed but that might be a cheaper way to go. Agree dumping upwards of $7K into an already depreciating RV doesn't make sense. IMO there's better suited TT's out there.

And we already have an Airstream with the torsion axels... the wife likes the GD floor plan though. Personally, I have looked at Lance (although reports of their recent quality issues is getting pretty large), Northwoods (we have a few dealers in michigan but have no stock)... and ORV but no one within several states that even have stock to see, let alone sell.

We may just keep what we have for now..

**Flyn2high** · 02-06-2021, 06:46 PM

I've been concerned about the suspension and tires in my Solitude 310GK. I was all set to upgrade the Westlake tires to the Goodyear Endurance. In fact I ordered the tires and had them shipped to a Goodyear dealer. They arrived in a couple of days and they tried to install them. I am lucky that they could not get the Westlake's off. Someone else pointed out that my Westlakes were G rated tires and the strongest Endurance tires are only E rated. I had them returned and was purchased a set of Goodyear G614 RST Unisteel LT235/85R16 tires at a heavy truck shop. They were kind of expensive but I feel that they are safer than the Westlakes. I now hear that the Sailun tires are just as good and a lot less expensive.

I also made an appointment with Morride this March in Elkhart IN to have the IS installed. I already installed my own disk brakes and they will keep what I have and just do the suspension which will save about $2K. I have a goosebox hitch and the B&W ball I use is a little high but it gives good amount of clearance to my bed rails. I am looking forward to them adjusting the height so that the trailer is level.

I'll let you know how I make out.

**bertschb** · 02-06-2021, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by Flyn2high

Someone else pointed out that my Westlakes were G rated tires and the strongest Endurance tires are only E rated. I had them returned and was purchased a set of Goodyear G614 RST Unisteel LT235/85R16 tires at a heavy truck shop. They were kind of expensive but I feel that they are safer than the Westlakes. I now hear that the Sailun tires are just as good and a lot less expensive.

The Westlake (G), Goodyear G614 and Sailun S637 are all excellent tires. I put the G614 on my lighter Reflection 5th wheel. In the 235/85R16 size I chose the Sailuns on my last Solitude because they have a significantly higher load index rating as follows:

Goodyear G614 - 3,748lbs
Westlake G - 4,079lbs
Sailun S637 - 4,409lbs

Excellent choice going with MORryde IS!!!!

**orbiker** · 02-06-2021, 10:06 PM

I've been debating back and forth about doing the MORryde IS on our Solitude. So far it's a go.

We retire in a little less then a year. My wife wants to go to Michigan to visit family. I think we will detour to Indiana. I need to call them and see when I need to schedule the job. KEN

**Boogiejack75** · 02-11-2021, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Ed1911

Hello all..

The wife and I are not new to RV'ing and TT's. We are contemplating a purchase of a 2021 2250rk.. we boondock out west (drive from Michigan to the southwest for several weeks a year), and currently have an Airstream. One upside of the airstream is the suspension.. it is tough, tracks smooth and is easy pulling. Looking at the small shackles and springs on the GD, I am hesitant to trust this weaker set up on Michigan roads.. or BLM land trails we like to go on.

My thoughts were to get the upgraded moryde independent suspension system.

I've seen several posts on here of people who have done it.. can you fill me in on your experience? Cost? Did you have to drive to the moryde facility in Elkhart Indiana for the install?

Is there a better upgrade?

We are the kind of owners that want to do it "one and done" and the idea of bent axels, blown tires and bad bearings doesn't appeal to me.

Please advise.. thanks!

You have to go to Elkhart or an independent shop they use in Oregon to get the install. Changing Lanes on YouTube has a video on the install.

**Second Chance** · 02-11-2021, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by Boogiejack75

You have to go to Elkhart or an independent shop they use in Oregon to get the install. Changing Lanes on YouTube has a video on the install.

OP has already been informed that MORryde does not offer an IS option lightweight enough for his travel trailer.

Rob

**Flyn2high** · 02-11-2021, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Boogiejack75

You have to go to Elkhart or an independent shop they use in Oregon to get the install. Changing Lanes on YouTube has a video on the install.

We made the appointment for ours about two weeks before the Changing Lanes Video. You could have it done in Oregon but all the custom manufacturing is done in Elkhart. They measure and make the parts on the first day and install it the second day. If they do it in Oregon they have to measure and order the parts from Elkhart and it will ship freight to them which will probably take about a week.

**Boogiejack75** · 02-11-2021, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Second Chance

OP has already been informed that MORryde does not offer an IS option lightweight enough for his travel trailer.

Rob

Has Morryde been consulted on this application?

I answered his question on where the installation had to take place. It had nothing to do with someone's opinion on a forum, which may or may not be correct.

**Second Chance** · 02-11-2021, 06:18 PM

I have had hours of conversations with MORryde, toured the factory, observed the fabrication of the suspension units, and talked with the technicians. I have also had the IS installed on two fifth wheel RVs and know what MORryde offers. It's not just "opinion."

Rob

**huntindog** · 02-11-2021, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by Second Chance

MORryde does not offer an independent suspension unit light-weight enough for the 2250RK. In the IS, they offer 7,000 and 8,000 lb. suspension units - probably twice what the 2250RK would need (and they are heavy). A much better option would be to beef up the hangers and shackles - there are many threads on the forum outlining how folks have done this. Bent "axles" are not the common failure mode. Flat springs, broken hangers, and failed shackles or bolts are much more common.

LT tires are not the best choice for trailers, either. The sidewalls are not designed to handle the lateral stresses put on tires by tandem axle RVs. A good ST tire such as the Goodyear Endurance would be a better choice.

Rob

Have you ever used LT tires on a TT? Or are you just repeating what you have read?
I have actually used STs AND LTs. Michelin XPS RIBS. I had three sets all replaced due to age! Not a single issue with them.. And I am admittadly hard on tires. Just about every trip involves high tempertures (home is in Phoenix)and rough (100% boondocking) roads.
I actually have owned a LOT more STs than LTs though. Only because none of the STs made it to their second birthday. After MANY ST upgrades and still having failures, I decided to make the switch. It turns out that all of the pro ST tire writings I had believed were ....... Wrong. Making the upgrade to LTs was the best thing I ever did.... And yes it is an upgrade. Some higher end TTs come with them, or they are an optional upgrade.