Axle upgrade and disc brakes complete.

[deerislandbrew]

Here was an interesting project. I ordered the complete kit for an upgraded axle, suspension and disk brakes from performance trailer braking co. The upgrade for my 2019 303 RLS 5th wheel went fairly smooth, although I took my time and spent a week getting it done. Stock axles on the 303 are 5200 each. So easy to overload your rig with all the add on and general stuff that is thrown on board. We were pretty close to max weight that is 11, 990 lb. I have an additional 1,600 lb margin now with the upgrade. Dexter 6k axles, 3k leaf springs, MoRyde HD wet bolt shackles, cross members to strengthen the hangers, CRE 3000 equalizer, SS disc hubs, 6 x 5.5 , Kodiak disc brakes and dexter electric, hydraulic brake actuator. I spent more time installing the brake lines and actuator the doing the axles and components because that is really straight forward installing. Planing and figuring my actuator and placement of brake lines took more time. Not really a bad job. Just need to jack the trailer up and support it well on the frame. The cheap flare tool I had to use to make two ends to finish my brake lines was the worst part. Made a short 4 mile test run. Disc brakes are really nice!

 

[traveldawg]

Glad to hear you stiffened the hangers with cross members. Did you make those yourself? Are they welded to the inside of the hangers with cross members the full width from one side to the other?

I just had some frame cracking that I think would have been prevented if I had the hangers cross braced.

 

[Ynot4me2]

Wow look at those shiny beauties. Looks real nice and I'm sure that extra capacity will come in handy and ease your mind. Nice job

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[Jksmith1990]

Nice job, wish I had the Skills & tools, plus PATIENTS to do that. I'm having brakes and HD shackles installed at the G.D. rally in September, can't wait

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

Here was an interesting project. I ordered the complete kit for an upgraded axle, suspension and disk brakes from performance trailer braking co. The upgrade for my 2019 303 RLS 5th wheel went fairly smooth, although I took my time and spent a week getting it done. Stock axles on the 303 are 5200 each. So easy to overload your rig with all the add on and general stuff that is thrown on board. We were pretty close to max weight that is 11, 990 lb. I have an additional 1,600 lb margin now with the upgrade. Dexter 6k axles, 3k leaf springs, MoRyde HD wet bolt shackles, cross members to strengthen the hangers, CRE 3000 equalizer, SS disc hubs, 6 x 5.5 , Kodiak disc brakes and dexter electric, hydraulic brake actuator. I spent more time installing the brake lines and actuator the doing the axles and components because that is really straight forward installing. Planing and figuring my actuator and placement of brake lines took more time. Not really a bad job. Just need to jack the trailer up and support it well on the frame. The cheap flare tool I had to use to make two ends to finish my brake lines was the worst part. Made a short 4 mile test run. Disc brakes are really nice!View attachment 35610View attachment 35610

I'd like to upgrade our axles, but I think I've been convinced to do Sumo Springs on both the truck and camper.

As for disc brakes, I pulled my 2021 320MKS from Northgate RV in Ringgold, GA, 1400 miles to Albuquerque, NM on drum brakes. I set up an appointment with McBride Spring and Suspension here in Albuquerque and they did the Kodiak hydrolic over electric disc brake conversion.

On every trailer I have ever owned, that weighed over 10K lbs, I put disc brakes on them. Best investment on the trailer.

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[geotex1]

Looks great! X-factors work very well! I could have made my own, but for what I paid for the three I installed it was well worth my time savings! I just made one for a fellow camper to work with the worst drain routing I've ever seen on a 5er, and 8 easily had 12 hours into it and he's doing the primer and paint!

 

[deerislandbrew]

Yes, the price for the x factor cross members were really reasonable. I spent 4k for everything I bought. A fair price, I think.

 

[deerislandbrew]

Glad to hear you stiffened the hangers with cross members. Did you make those yourself? Are they welded to the inside of the hangers with cross members the full width from one side to the other?

I just had some frame cracking that I think would have been prevented if I had the hangers cross braced.

Mine are MoRyde x factor cross members . They are bolted on using the hanger wet bolt for the springs and equalizer, plus they have another bracket and bolts to attach up against the hangers. Seems like good support.

 

[traveldawg]

Mine are MoRyde x factor cross members . They are bolted on using the hanger wet bolt for the springs and equalizer, plus they have another bracket and bolts to attach up against the hangers. Seems like good support.

Thanks. I knew about the x factor between the equalizer. I didn't realize they also had them for the spring hangers. hmmmm - another project for me maybe.......

 

[Saldog]

Here was an interesting project. I ordered the complete kit for an upgraded axle, suspension and disk brakes from performance trailer braking co. The upgrade for my 2019 303 RLS 5th wheel went fairly smooth, although I took my time and spent a week getting it done. Stock axles on the 303 are 5200 each. So easy to overload your rig with all the add on and general stuff that is thrown on board. We were pretty close to max weight that is 11, 990 lb. I have an additional 1,600 lb margin now with the upgrade. Dexter 6k axles, 3k leaf springs, MoRyde HD wet bolt shackles, cross members to strengthen the hangers, CRE 3000 equalizer, SS disc hubs, 6 x 5.5 , Kodiak disc brakes and dexter electric, hydraulic brake actuator. I spent more time installing the brake lines and actuator the doing the axles and components because that is really straight forward installing. Planing and figuring my actuator and placement of brake lines took more time. Not really a bad job. Just need to jack the trailer up and support it well on the frame. The cheap flare tool I had to use to make two ends to finish my brake lines was the worst part. Made a short 4 mile test run. Disc brakes are really nice!View attachment 35610View attachment 35610

Nice work on your installation. I realize your brakes are not fully seated in yet, but could you describe what level of additional braking performance you noticed?

Thank you, Saldog

 

[deerislandbrew]

Nice work on your installation. I realize your brakes are not fully seated in yet, but could you describe what level of additional braking performance you noticed?

Thank you, Saldog

I still have to wait for my next trip in a couple of weeks for a good evaluation. My short trip evaluation was the impression that braking was so smooth, it was hard to notice I was using them as I had no delay or pushing of the trailer on the truck. The trailer and truck slowed at the same rate of deceleration with a smooth stop. I never got over 30 mph in the 4 mile round trip down the hill and up to home. I'll know more soon.

 

[fez111]

...Every trailer I have ever owned that weighed over 10K lbs, I put disc brakes on them. Best investment on the trailer...

I agree whole-heartedly!! The spring of 2020 while we were in Florida I installed Kodiak brakes on our 2016 Solitude 379FL. WOW! What a difference!

In a panic stop I would have to stand on the brake pedal with both feet while praying that I would stop in time. I could feel the trailer pushing the truck forward. Now I can feel the trailer pulling the truck back. Its a really good feeling when aggressive braking yields aggressive results. With the magnetic brakes I had the brake controller set to "10". With the Kodiak's now it is set to 6.5 and stops so much better.

Don't think about disk brakes, just get them. You will never second guess you decision!

 

[deerislandbrew]

Nice work on your installation. I realize your brakes are not fully seated in yet, but could you describe what level of additional braking performance you noticed?

Thank you, Saldog

Finally made a trip with the recently installed disc brakes. After adjusting and setting up the brake controller, I got a setting that seems optimal now, although it took me the second half of my trip to set it up right. Challenging to make adjustments while trying to drive. Anyway, all I can say is very smooth, responsive braking. The truck and trailer decelerate in sync and stopping is significantly improved. I will also like the ease of changing pads, compared to doing drum brake shoes.