Independent suspension

[LCBoyer]

I am curious. Has anyone converted their rig to independent suspension? Morride quoted me $3,100 for the conversion. That would pay for a lot of springs. Some of my Montana friends claims it helps their units ride better

 

[el Rojo]

It made a big difference on our 2 axle Solitude. We did however change to 8k axles in the process. We we're border line on the 7k's and I liked the extra "fluff" so to speak. Talk to C&H Conner, Chris is on the verge of an upgrade. See what he found out.

Red

 

[Namlehse]

Does that include switching to disk brakes? If so, I'd jump on it. It's one of those things I really want (Oklahoma's roads are HORRIBLE), however I just don't want to fork out the money. I was quoted $1,800 or so for the conversion to disk brakes, if your quote was for the MorRyde IS system (Which is disk), I'd jump on it.

 

[LCBoyer]

Does that include switching to disk brakes? If so, I'd jump on it. It's one of those things I really want (Oklahoma's roads are HORRIBLE), however I just don't want to fork out the money. I was quoted $1,800 or so for the conversion to disk brakes, if your quote was for the MorRyde IS system (Which is disk), I'd jump on it.

I already have disc brakes.

 

[LCBoyer]

It made a big difference on our 2 axle Solitude. We did however change to 8k axles in the process. We we're border line on the 7k's and I liked the extra "fluff" so to speak. Talk to C&H Conner, Chris is on the verge of an upgrade. See what he found out.

Red

Thanks Red. I will check in the 8,000 lb axels

 

[el Rojo]

They put a medium spring in the 8k axles. LC this is a good time to raise the height of your trailer if it's needed to ride level. The first thing they do is put you on jacks and cut all axles off just leaving the I-beams. I take that back, that's the second thing. The first thing is weigh you and measure the axle position. They have electric and water for you and recommend you stay the night before...that way thy can wake you up at 4:30 a.m.

 

[LCBoyer]

I'd like to raise it. I've already smashed both corner and one side of my bed in some real tight places.

 

[el Rojo]

With the axle off they weld square tubing to the I-beam to gain the height. I think they raised ours 2". If I remember that part was less than $50.

 

[Second Chance]

We just scheduled an appointment for early September to have ours done - 7K axles and electric-over-hydraulic brakes. The whole shebang will run a little over $5,800 (includes an extra module they have to install for the trailer brakes to communicate with the integrated controllers in late-model GM trucks). We're really looking forward to it. Howard and Linda Payne over on RV-Dreams.com say it's one of the best things they've ever done to their rig (a great big, heavy residential unit).

Rob

 

[el Rojo]

Rob they had to put two modules on my 2010 Ford to make it communicate with the brakes. But I thought the late model trucks, ours is a 2015 would work without them.

Keep us posted on how your upgrade works out.

Red

 

[LCBoyer]

Rob they had to put two modules on my 2010 Ford to make it communicate with the brakes. But I thought the late model trucks, ours is a 2015 would work without them.

Keep us posted on how your upgrade works out.

Red

Red, I helped a friend wire his Kodiak disc brake system. I wired it like mine and it worked on my Ram. On his I had to retire break away switch to work on his 2012 Ford. After I wired it to work on his Ford, it didn't work on mine. Too bad all aren't the same

 

[Second Chance]

The MORryde IS system for trailers eliminates the solid axles (where the wheel on the opposite side reacts to whatever happens to it's mate) in favor of complete independent action on all four wheels (or six if you have a three-axle trailer). It also increases the wheel travel from the typical 3" to 5". The "springiness" comes from rubber shear type "springs" and eliminates the leaf springs that have a reputation for breaking. The bottom line is better alignment and a softer, more stable ride for the RV. The ride height can also be adjusted for each side so, in my case, the heavier street side (kitchen slide with big frig and pantry along with the bed slide up front) can be brought back much closer to level. This will make a big difference for us since we don't have auto-leveling. You can check it out on the MORryde web site:

http://www.morryde.com/products/87-independent-suspension-system

Rob

 

[SirCampsalot]

The shame of all this is why can't this be a option for those that are ordering and willing to pay? I do realize it slows down the production line, but if someone opts for IS & DB their unit just goes in the line waiting on this upgrade. Easier than having to go back to IN to get MorRyde to add this after market and probably cheaper to get it when being built instead of removing springs and axels.

All these companies advertise "luxury, engineered and built by RVers for RVers". Experienced RVers are more about build and safety than frills. Of course we want it all and don't want or can't afford the price tag.

Happy Trails!

 

[Second Chance]

The shame of all this is why can't this be a option for those that are ordering and willing to pay? I do realize it slows down the production line, but if someone opts for IS & DB their unit just goes in the line waiting on this upgrade. Easier than having to go back to IN to get MorRyde to add this after market and probably cheaper to get it when being built instead of removing springs and axels.

All these companies advertise "luxury, engineered and built by RVers for RVers". Experienced RVers are more about build and safety than frills. Of course we want it all and don't want or can't afford the price tag.

Happy Trails!

I couldn't agree more. My biggest disappointment in GD is that they chose to go with Lippert for frame and suspension. I understand that Lippert builds to the specs of whomever they're building for, but they have very poor quality processes and a LOT of defective equipment ends up rolling out of their plants (i.e. bent axles and spindles, bad grease seals, cheap springs that break, etc.) that makes owning any brand with a Lippert frame and suspension a crap shoot. I would have been willing to pay for the upgrades up front if given the option - and I would rather not have had anything to do with Lippert in the first place. Love my reflection... Lippert, not so much.

Rob

 

[SirCampsalot]

I couldn't agree more. My biggest disappointment in GD is that they chose to go with Lippert for frame and suspension. I understand that Lippert builds to the specs of whomever they're building for, but they have very poor quality processes and a LOT of defective equipment ends up rolling out of their plants (i.e. bent axles and spindles, bad grease seals, cheap springs that break, etc.) that makes owning any brand with a Lippert frame and suspension a crap shoot. I would have been willing to pay for the upgrades up front if given the option - and I would rather not have had anything to do with Lippert in the first place. Love my reflection... Lippert, not so much.

Rob

Unfortunately Lippert pretty much has the RV frame market unless you go way high end. I can tell you most consumers are happy, but then again many consumers are uninformed. if you do have a problem with the frame YOU HAVE A REAL PROBLEM!!! We have been very fortunate with our SOB and have traveled some pretty bad roads here in our great country. That is really where I guess we are torn if we want to make a change when we are happy with our current rig.

GD Solitudes are very nice looking rigs, but as mentioned all the components are the same everyone else uses including the Lippert frame. I always say there is just so much you can do with a box!

Happy Trails!

 

[SirCampsalot]

Rob to put your mind at ease that price is what a friend of mine paid this July for IS + DB's from Mor/Ryde. From even some rather old posts I have seen on other forums that price has been consistent for quite a while.

Happy Trails!

 

[Second Chance]

Rob to put your mind at ease that price is what a friend of mine paid this July for IS + DB's from Mor/Ryde. From even some rather old posts I have seen on other forums that price has been consistent for quite a while.

Happy Trails!

Thanks. From my research and talking to them, MORryde seem to be a pretty straightforward bunch. I don't think they would have the return customer base if they weren't. I'm really looking forward to getting up there!

Rob

 

[SirCampsalot]

Yea we have pretty much decided to go to Elkhart and take the plunge! I do believe it is a great mod and provides greater safety plus the IS may extend the life of your rig.

Happy Trails!

 

[LCBoyer]

Yea we have pretty much decided to go to Elkhart and take the plunge! I do believe it is a great mod and provides greater safety plus the IS may extend the life of your rig.

Happy Trails!

I have an appointment next week to have IS installed. I think the peace of mind is worth the price

 

[SirCampsalot]

Post your experience and how you feel about the quality of workmanship. I hear you will not be disappointed in the results.

Happy Trails and travel safely!