INSANE RV Upgrade: Disc Brakes, Road Armor EQ, HD Shackles, Wet Bolts, Springs, Axles!!

[@citizenfirst5826]

Mel was outstanding and paid attention to detail. You can't beat a tech like that and experience.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Mel is first class!

[@TomGarner99]

Mel is a pro. Really cool. Made putting the axels on easy, but I know better! Disc brakes on a travel trailer 😀

[@Life.After.Retirement]

Great job Mel, it's great to see someone that pride in their work and it looks like you know what you are doing!

[@woodystoltzfoos1755]

Great to see others doing these axle upgrades, I replaced my 7 k electric brake, with 8 k hydraulic disc, very happy with these axles. Also went with 17.5 rims and tires.

[@bretthansen4773]

jacking up something like this is always a big question mark ! Thanks for adding those details.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Brett Hansen the ability to suspend the rig properly was something I did not have the equipment to do. It is not hard to do but takes at least 4 HD jack-stands. Appreciate you watching!

[@Denden505]

Great video! Great upgrade for your rig. Mel is a real trooper to work in the incliment weather. Nice partnership.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Denden 501 Mel is the real deal!

[@chipbrown3742]

I converted my try axle toy hauler two disc brakes love them. But if you get stopped Buy a long train you need to put your truck in park. If you stay on the break for a long period you can burn up the actuator.

[@gilianrampart8514]

You have crap actuators!

[@bobr7867]

Excellent video! Way to go Mel - what a knowledgeable craftsman who knows what he’s doing! Really interested in the Road Armor shackle upgrade - it’s on my list 👍

[@WanderingWeekends]

Much more substantial than the CRE3000’s we removed. Very happy with our first tow (that’ll be another vid!)

[@tkilg7169]

I had this done, not by Lippert, but another company, and it's the best upgrade I've done to the fifth wheel. One thing I might mention, depending on your brake controller in the truck......I had problems with the controller indicating that the brakes were not connected ( a warning light on the controller). It didn't show up right away, it took a while. The solution was to add a heavy wattage resistor to the trailer wiring to simulate the higher resistance that drum brake coils are. Since the disk brakes don't have those coils, it fools the truck brake controller. Maybe Mel installed one with the install.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Thomas Kilgore glad you like them! Mel didn’t mention any issues that might occur. Burnished the brakes in and put around 100 miles on the trailer the day after he finished. No issues and the brakes are great. Smooth as silk!

[@tkilg7169]

@@WanderingWeekends Could be the particular controller that I have. Mine is a Tekonsha P3 controller, and it could be the only type that has this issue. And it could be that only a certain percentage of them exhibit the problem. Enjoy your brakes, especially down those 7 percent grades and emergency stops.

[@1towmater1]

Most controllers need to be TOLD it's hydraulic brakes. I have several genisus controllers and there is a setting for hydraulic, vacuum, electric brakes. You get what you pay for so that's why I only buy Kelsey Hayes controllers

[@tkilg7169]

@@1towmater1 Thanks, but my Prodigy controller also has the setting for that, and it is set correctly. It actually worked initially and later intermittently would get the error on the screen of the controller.........one thing I should mention is that the brakes actually were working even though the error would indicate that the controller was not connected. The added resistor solved these problems. But, again it might just be for the Prodigy controllers, with Dodge Ram trucks of a certain year, and in certain conditions. I'm not saying that a lot of people will have issues, but that's just what I personally experienced after the disk brake upgrade.

[@TheCampoholics]

Awesome stuff! Looking forward to upgrading also!! Mel was a Super Star!

[@Iowaracefan]

Nice to see a tech using Harbor freight tools.

[@mrmichaeltscott]

RVs so Cheaply made its a full time job getting them up to where they shouldabeen from the start. ATC! No wood to rot!

[@Jeff_369]

Awesome! It seems like they sent their best guy.

[@WanderingWeekends]

If they have better I’d like to meet him!

[@deankirkman7753]

Great job I had e brake start smelling hot on mine a few years back and took it apart and the liner had separated from the shoe -it was just glued on ! This would be so nice !

[@GivesNoFuxFPV]

Daaaaaaamn. Hella jealous! I'm still working on the solar system install. I got the tires and been eyeballing the weak leafs and brake systems. May have to look into this stuff! Super cool!

[@WanderingWeekends]

Appreciate you watching!!

[@rodneybettis9112]

I will be looking at my brakes this weekend, looking for that discoloration.

[@guspaca494]

Fantastic upgrades ! anxious to hear the improvement and safety of the items. Nice job Mel !

[@robertburnside3873]

What is the spacing of your axles center to center? I did not notice any info of the shackle length needed for the LCI Road Armor suspension. I found out the hard way that with the 6" spacing of the lower two bolt holes on the LCI system that you need the longer shackles since the spacing on the original system is 8" and will not work with the short shackles. LCI does not include this info in the instruction that come with my Road Armor EQ but I did find updated paperwork online that does not talk about wheel spacing it only shows an optional part number 862878 from Lippert that DOES NOT include any brass bushings. I still have NOT found a video for the Road Armor EQ system that talks about needing to identify wheel spacing to determine shackle length requirements.

[@wmcnett]

Great video! I'm really looking forward to your follow up video on what a difference the disc brakes make. Tough luck not getting the shocks but I may have an alternative for you. Take a look at SuperSprings TSS-107-40 in place of shocks. I just bought 2 pair for my Coachmen and I'm looking forward to getting them installed and seeing what a difference in ride they make. The best part is they are easily removable if I replace my TT to add to the new unit. All these upgrades are hard to let go of when it's time to sell!!

[@WanderingWeekends]

You ain't kidding about being tough to sell with all of the work that has gone into this rig!

[@chantzcutts]

My guess is the follow up video will say how great it all is given that they received it for free. The influencer marketing can be a very shady business when done the very way it is being done on this channel and many like it. It is good to see that there are some RV channels where it is being done in an ethical manner. This is not one of those channels. Simply saying, “we have partnered” doesn’t cut it.

[@betterthanideserve76]

We have a GD295rl 5th wheel, I couldn't agree more with your statement, although we run timbren on the tow vehicle for piece of mind instead of airbags, on the trailer we couldn't use shocks either so we opted for sumo springs. Night and day difference on the handling. The sumo springs act as a shock absorber in a sense by cushioning the ride, they help with compression more than rebound but the really calm down the trailer. After install on all 4 corners I pulled the trailer 50 miles over different roads with a plastic cup 3/4 full of water on top of the kitchen island, it was still there when the test was over with none spilled. From the factory we have CRE 3000, wet bolts, HD shackles. With the addition of the sumo springs the trailers seems to ride on air! The sumo springs and the crossmember braces from morryde not only stiffened the sway in motion, the combination helps when stationary

[@travisrussell951]

Mel da man! Great thorough job.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Travis Russell definitely da man!!

[@fj9460-lr]

I like you clean work, just wondered why you didn’t run the hydraulic lines along the I Beam frame to minimize exposure of the metal brake lines and long suspended lengths of tubing subject to vibration and work fatigue?

[@ljcme123]

We also have a 2800BH and love it! I have managed to bend my rear axle. Where is the best place to buy a new one that I can install myself? I only need the beam, my hubs and springs are in good shape.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Louis Cox check out the link above to the LCI Customer Care Center. Have your axle tag available. Most folks simply take a pic of the tag w their phone.

[@scottmichel9582]

What a great 👍 👏 job he did. I'm sure you won't be selling your Rig anytime soon.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Time will tell 🤓

[@scottmichel9582]

@@WanderingWeekends I sold my 5th wheel for a Montana.

[@WanderingWeekends]

When you going to pick it up?!

[@scottmichel9582]

@@WanderingWeekends 12 to 14 weeks.

[@scottmichel9582]

@@WanderingWeekends I sent you a video of it. Tell me what you think

[@mikejamesalt]

Nice video. I'm not a fan of disc brakes on an rv though. Disc brakes are not designed to sit unused for months at a time which is the case for the vast majority of trailers. I understand the braking benefit but be prepared to change the rotors often.

[@WanderingWeekends]

We use our rig around twice per month which includes 4 "trips". We should be good to go :-)

[@timf6916]

Good job

[@landtravels6936]

How do you go about getting a Lippert Mobile Tech out to your house to do these upgrades?

[@WanderingWeekends]

They now require you to come to their service center in Indiana.

[@searlearnold2867]

You gotta know a guy like Mel is going to go home and spend a lot of nights and weekends engineering a shock holder assembly to go with that axle upgrade !!

[@WanderingWeekends]

Searle Arnold I hope so!! Haha

[@s.g.4184]

Need to find a way to put a shock bellcrank on there for a pushrod style suspension.

[@highpro1394]

I know you have jacks under that RV, but I would still be nervous getting under it with no wheels/tires.

[@Crazywickd]

Don't know if you will see this comment since this is a older video but my question. Once you got it done, where would you take it to get a updated dot sticker, since all the weights would change?

[@WanderingWeekends]

On our rig it’s actually the frame that limits the GVWR.

[@Crazywickd]

@@WanderingWeekends thank you for the reply. BTW I agree with you, those disc brakes really made it look so good.

[@matthartlage3463]

How do you like the new brakes?

[@WanderingWeekends]

Only about 100 miles on em so far. Love them. We’re in a site for the fall season but will tow again after Thanksgiving. I’ll do an update vid then 😊

[@stephentassin5637]

What brand were the brakes? I see that the actuator was HydroStar. Were the disc brakes HydroStar as well? I just had a HydroStar system installed this week. Picking it up tomorrow from the shop. Very interested in your feedback on the performance.

[@alely7282]

Following a couple of other youtube channels that have upgraded slightly heavier trailers, they added reinforcement to the bracket holding the end of the leaf springs. My assumption is that the improved braking puts more force on this backet and it may become the weakest link. Because the imagine is on the lighter side, maybe not an issue, but did you discuss this with Mel, or does anyone have additional information if reinforcing the bracket/weldments is necessary on a 9500lb reflection? BTW Excellent information and videography.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Mel didn't mention it on this mod... and I trust Mel for sure. He was looking for issues that may arise. The shackles are a good example. He suggested longer shackles and Lipperts lead engineer agreed. The shorter brackets were placing undue stress on the springs. Glad to have that improvement.

[@brucedeleskey8540]

To do this you must going to keep it a long time

[@boo7998]

Did he install the cross brace as well??

[@myront.miller6868]

So how do you like the Lippert vs MorRyde EQ's?

[@WanderingWeekends]

Similar performance but the Lippert part is a heavier build which I prefer.

[@myront.miller6868]

@@WanderingWeekends thanks for that insight. Have you heard anything about the SRE4000 which seems heavier duty than the CRE3000?

[@simplyblessedrvlife9067]

How are these upgrades holding up ?

[@WanderingWeekends]

They’ve held up great. Brake calipers could use a coat of paint but otherwise all is well.

[@simplyblessedrvlife9067]

@@WanderingWeekends great we are looking at purchasing another travel trailer and wanted to have the dealer upgrade the suspension

[@s.g.4184]

Nice 2800bh! What camera system (make & model number, etc please) are you using? And do you like it? It looks like you have the side view cameras. Thanks!

[@WanderingWeekends]

Thanks! Here’s that video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4POfIp3rbZ7fpY

[@vdubing01]

Boy that's nice! I'm wanting to upgrade our equalizer on the suspension to this save set up. Did yall raise the trailer with the Jack's or just support the trailer and raise the axles? Did that make sense? Lol. I'm wondering if I could support my trailer with Jake stands and is a floor jack to raise the axles.

[@laspin8992]

Where did you get the wet bolt kit for this? I’m looking to change mine and having a hard time finding a kit

[@pedalplay]

I have the same trailer except it’s a 2021. I have purchased the same stuff minus the disc brakes. What was the length of the HD side plates? (2-1/2” or the 3-1/8”). I think that’s the correct length choices.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Scott Mackey in our situation Mel decided to switch to the longer shackles. He thought the shorter shackles were placing unneeded stress on the springs. Lippert’s engineer agreed.

[@pedalplay]

Thank you!

[@jacobwilliams4724]

I have a 2022 Grand Design Transcend 261BH and have been doing some research to upgrade the factory suspension/braking. After some time how have you liked this total setup? Also, have you seen, or heard of anyone putting the MorRyde Independent Suspension setup on a travel trailer?

[@rvfamilylife]

What would be a total cost on a major upgrade like this?

[@WanderingWeekends]

This would run about $4000 installed. About 1/2 that if you did it yourself. Rough estimates.

[@danhendrix9768]

What is the average cost for this total upgrade on your trailer. Plus we’re you able to sell the axels you had removed?

[@WanderingWeekends]

I gave the old axles and springs away to someone who asked for them. Cost for this build would run around $2500.00 if you did it yourself. $4000.00 if you had it done at a service center. These are very rough estimates.

[@buzzhead817]

Sir what happens if you have to pull down your skirting for Maintance or water leak if the break lines are running down the middle i would have ran it down the frame

[@WanderingWeekends]

Thank for your opinion. Happy camping.

[@MarkSDCA]

What is the weight difference?

[@WanderingWeekends]

This setup is a few pounds lighter but not enough to brag about.

[@czechmarque]

Did you look at Sumo?

[@WanderingWeekends]

jaydee_007 no, this was a complimentary install from Lippert.

[@billcorbet9746]

About how much would it cost to buy all these components?

[@WanderingWeekends]

Bill Corbet very rough estimate would be $2500. This is a VIN specific modification. That number could vary some.

[@billcorbet9746]

OK. I know our Forest River has a Lippert Frame

[@trinityrv4683]

Do you have a recommendation on who to talk to at Lippert about these upgrades I reached out to them and I got ahold of someone who was zero help and pretty much told me to figure it out.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Not cool! Shoot me an email. [e-mail]

[@clintonsawyer9674]

Lippert ugrade so, i reached out to lippert about upgrading my 2400bh with 3500 axles to disc but they are telling me they don't make any kits less than 5200lb. do you have a part number or can you send me contact info? great video! thanks!

[@SL-vw9pm]

That trailer only comes with 3500 lb axles?

[@WanderingWeekends]

GVWR is around 7500lbs... the tongue weight is nearly 900lbs at that weight. The math works. Grand Design has increased them to 4400lb since our year model. Way too many people overload these trailers.

[@christianh.8408]

Why do you oversees don't use automatic trailer brakes? Here in europe all trailer between 750kg and 3500kg have brakes with get acuated when the trailer starts to push. If the trailer is unloaded it only brakes a little, when loaded the brakes start to brake harder until the tires lock up. There is no brake controller or something like that needed

[@WanderingWeekends]

We call those surge brakes... very common here. Surge brakes are inferior in my opinion. The system lags and literally doesn’t brake until the trailer pushes the tow vehicle forward. Generally surge type systems don’t produce the higher PSI’s found in the hydraulic systems. Uncomfortable and less braking ability... that’s why we don’t prefer them.

[@christianh.8408]

@@WanderingWeekends if it is setup rigth they dont really push the tow vehicel and the main reason for us using that type is that we only need a tow hook and an ligth plug to tow up to 3,5t and the most cars can only tow up to 2t and on that load these brakes work really good

[@patrickschliesing1294]

Why must the shock be at a 50-60 degree angle? I'm curious - trying to learn here. I've seen suspension books call out a vertical shock at a 90 degree angle to the bumps it is responding to is 100% efficient. A shock at a 50-60 degree angle is between 55-75% efficient at controlling the same bumps (or the shock valving would have to be stiffer to do the same as the vertical shock). Care to comment or teach me?

[@WanderingWeekends]

Above my pay scale! You’d need to contact the engineers at Lippert for that type of info. I’m just a hillbilly with a camper 😊

[@keshmo12]

I think all pickup trucks do 1 shock forward and 1 shock backwards at probably a 60 degree angle. I always assumed why they do it is because your axle actually moves forwards and backwards when the suspension cycles and if your shocks are vertical they don't help with that motion. So probably for handling purposes.

[@DeverauxAdventures]

Can you keep using your existing Shackles from your previous upgrade or do you have to switch them out? I have the 2020 2800BH. Just purchased the Road Armor system but haven’t purchased the shackle and wet bolt kit yet. Debating between the two. I also see the two upgrade kits are two different lengths. Any suggestion?

[@WanderingWeekends]

You’ll certainly feel the shackle kit is worth it. Although these rigs come with the shorter shackles Mel felt the longer ones would work better and take unnecessary stress away from the springs. He contacted Lipperts lead engineer and he agreed. Give Lippert a call if you’re unsure. Have your axle tag info at hand. Either way I would do the shackles for sure. Once you see the stock parts alongside the upgraded ones you’ll be glad you did.

[@DeverauxAdventures]

@@WanderingWeekends Thank you. Was torn between the MorRyde shackle kit and the Lippert shackle kit. Looks like the MorRyde comes with the upgraded bushings as well.

[@mikep8085]

@@WanderingWeekends Do you know what length shackles that were used?

[@jeffanderson1773]

Go Mell !!!

[@trevrenard1090]

Can your truck run electric over hyd ?

[@WanderingWeekends]

The actuator converts the signal from the truck. Much smoother braking!

[@trevrenard1090]

I have a 2017 GMC 3500 and the truck would make the actuator run all the time so I could not use elect over hyd. Or maybe I have the wrong actuator. What is the name brand of your actuator?

[@larrywalden626]

I'd like to know if there are any way to keep stock axles and convert them from drum to disc brakes and rotors via bolt on brackets or backing plates? Basically a conversion kit? I did it 20 years ago on my 1966 mustang that was 4 wheel drum from stock, I converted to disc with removing backing plates, and added bolt on brackets. My keystone laredo 299BH is a lippert chassis.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Larry Walden yes there is! Working on a part number right now for you!

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

Yes, there is, there are a few companies that make conversion kits. Check with eTrailer.com that where I got all my stuff for my upgrade.

[@78ginop]

Why not keep the electric breaks?

[@WanderingWeekends]

Hydraulic is so much smoother!

[@santaclaus6602]

WHY don’t they put better suspension & shocks on trailers?

[@WanderingWeekends]

The more these things cost the less people will buy them. Options would be nice but that is difficult too. Storing the various options, halting production to install options, ect. The list of expenditures is long and the costs would be passed to the consumer.

[@anthonyellis9804]

I didn't see wheel alignment

[@kenj.8897]

I know this is a older video in your archives to comment on but it was such a informative video 👍 , from the former Plugs Biden .lol

[@WanderingWeekends]

haha! Plugs!

[@howardmiller4241]

I would be afraid to hear the cost of this upgrade lol

[@welcome2myworld1.o89]

@10:10 He knows his stuff.. but yet he touches the nice brand new clean disc brakes with his greasy dirty hands!! 😩🙈

[@WanderingWeekends]

Welcome 2 My World 1.o brakes worked great and were smooth as silk... maybe it didn’t matter 😊

[@ebolawarrior451]

Hope you didn't partner with the lawsuits they're going to end up with. Nice upgrades though.

[@WanderingWeekends]

I have no clue what you’re talking about… but if it’s a class action suit only the lawyers win.

[@marckruse2181]

Lippert is one of the RV suppliers with the lowest quality ratings. The internet is full of complaints. I am surprised you let this company "upgrade" the things they produced in low quality in the first place.

[@WanderingWeekends]

1. It was free 2. I agree Lippert has some issues with quality, precisely why we decided to cancel our relationship with them. Unfortunately Lippert parts make up the vast majority of nearly every RV (under $100k).

[@griller4246]

I can only imagine how much this cost. For the average guy who didn’t get this given to them as a promo situation, this upgrade is out of reach and totally unnecessary especially with today’s Diesel engine braking systems.

[@WanderingWeekends]

I disagree completely. That half ton guy looking for 50% more braking ability would likely disagree as well.

[@rodneybettis9112]

@@WanderingWeekends being a half ton guy, I would love this upgrade.

[@WanderingWeekends]

This upgrade is GREAT for half ton folks!!

[@jackmehoffer7819]

I say this should be standard equipment this is 2020. These trailer company’s should be regulated because they sure won’t do a dam thing to make a quality product on their own. Hate all the manufacturers China has better quality control than these manufacturers.

[@blainemcdonald6972]

Absolutely Jack, there is a reason why these companies don’t like big government, the government implements regulations that force RV manufactures to build decent quality units. Unfortunately their paid lobbyists stop the politicians from sponsoring these regulations that would help consumers like you and me.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Regulate them and they'll cost more... add more features and they'll cost more... make them bulletproof and they'll cost more. Folks expect Mercedes quality for Pinto budgets... its just not realistic. I think good manufacturers do a pretty good job of getting average income people into rigs they can enjoy.

[@dontwantnospam]

What is the cost of changing out to disk brakes? I'd like to convert our Imagine 2600RB. Also Lippert has told me in the past NOT to pull the brake pin with power since it is possible the contacts that allow power to the brakes could weld themselves together.

[@WanderingWeekends]

Give the Lippert Customer Care team a call and have your axle tag info ready to go (snap a cell pic). They’ll get you lined up with the parts you’ll need. Rough estimate is around $2k if you do it yourself. That is a very rough estimate... as far as the pin is concerned... I’d trust Mel on this one. The man has been doing this for 15 years and apparently it’s never happened to him. 👍🏻 btw... the info to contact Lippert is in the description box above.