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  • Suggestions for upgrades to include with axle replacement

    We are getting some warranty work done on our 2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE. It includes a new Lippert rear axle and the associated leaf springs. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what are some good value-based upgrades to get done at the same time. We attended the national rally last summer and I recall some talk about a few of the MORryde products.

    I think this was one of them: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...de/MR34AR.html Thoughts on these?

    I plan to replace the leaf springs on the other axle.

    Anything else?

    Thanks in advance!
    Dick & Denise - Carmel, Indiana
    2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE
    2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD Diesel with towing package
    Past setups: 2016 Riverside Retro 177SE/2016 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB Coachmen Popup/2012 Subaru Forester

  • #2
    Hi Richard. I just went through some maintenance and upgrades on my rig too. You can see the details here:

    https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...s-25-000-miles

    The equalizers you link to are for a 42" wheel base. I don't believe those will fit your trailer. Most Grand Design trailers are built on a frame with a 33" or 35" wheel base. You can determine the wheel base size by measuring from the center of one hub to the center of the adjoining hub. Mine is 35-1/4", so I use the 35" equalizers.

    Here are the ones I purchased on Amazon which are $190 less expensive than the one's you link to.
    https://amazon.com/gp/product/B007HR...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    In addition to the equalizers, I'd also recommend you add the MORryde heavy duty wet bolt and shackle kit. Here is a link to the set I purchased:
    https://amazon.com/gp/product/B007HR...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    One other item that I installed was the MORryde X-factor braces at all three hanger positions. This may be overkill for your 17MKE. But it's something to consider.

    Jim
    Jim and Ginnie
    2024 Solitude 310GK
    GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
    GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by RichardTC View Post
      We are getting some warranty work done on our 2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE. It includes a new Lippert rear axle and the associated leaf springs. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what are some good value-based upgrades to get done at the same time. We attended the national rally last summer and I recall some talk about a few of the MORryde products.

      I think this was one of them: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...de/MR34AR.html Thoughts on these?

      I plan to replace the leaf springs on the other axle.

      Anything else?

      Thanks in advance!
      Wow that CRE3000 looks like a complete redesign.

      Jim

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by MidwestCamper View Post

        Wow that CRE3000 looks like a complete redesign.

        Jim
        That's a 42" wheel base version. They are available in 31", 33", 35", 42" (for 26" spring), and 42" (for 31" spring).
        If anyone is considering the CRE3000, they should consult this qualifier page to make sure they are getting a safe set up:
        https://www.morryde.com/wp-content/u...-Qualifier.pdf

        Jim
        Jim and Ginnie
        2024 Solitude 310GK
        GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
        GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by MidwestCamper View Post

          Wow that CRE3000 looks like a complete redesign.

          Jim
          TucsonJim pointed out to me above that picked the wrong one from etrailer.

          This is the right one for half the price.

          https://amazon.com/gp/product/B007HR...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
          Dick & Denise - Carmel, Indiana
          2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE
          2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD Diesel with towing package
          Past setups: 2016 Riverside Retro 177SE/2016 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB Coachmen Popup/2012 Subaru Forester

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by RichardTC View Post
            We are getting some warranty work done on our 2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE. It includes a new Lippert rear axle and the associated leaf springs. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what are some good value-based upgrades to get done at the same time. We attended the national rally last summer and I recall some talk about a few of the MORryde products.

            I think this was one of them: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...de/MR34AR.html Thoughts on these?

            I plan to replace the leaf springs on the other axle.

            Anything else?

            Thanks in advance!
            I am in the same rebuild upgrade process and recommend the MORryde heavy duty wet bolt and shackle kit mentioned earlier, but check to make sure the wet bolts work befor installation. Also be sure to give MoRyde a call to verify the proper kit for your trailer. I found them very helpful. To start measure the shackle length etc. I will also be installing X-Factor cross bracing at all of the hanger locations.
            2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Yoda View Post

              I am in the same rebuild upgrade process and recommend the MORryde heavy duty wet bolt and shackle kit mentioned earlier, but check to make sure the wet bolts work befor installation. Also be sure to give MoRyde a call to verify the proper kit for your trailer. I found them very helpful. To start measure the shackle length etc. I will also be installing X-Factor cross bracing at all of the hanger locations.
              My friend brought his nearly new Keystone Cougar over to my shop last Friday. We swapped out his standard spring equalizer and plastic spring bushings for the MORryde CRE3000 system, added the MORryde heavy duty wet bolt kit and also added the Roadmaster Comfort Ride shock kit to both his axles. After completion, he drove it about 20 miles back to his house. He was so excited when he returned home to give me a call and say---WOW--what a difference all those upgrades made to the ride and handling of the RV. I will also be adding that same shock kit to my 303RLS and am thankful it already has the MORryde CRE3000 and heavy-duty wet bolt kit installed from the factory.
              40-year Camping Enthusiast
              2022 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS with tons of upgrades
              2022 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4 CC LB SRW D-Max 3865 Cargo Capacity

              Comment


              • #8
                If you haven't bought from Morryde already, consider this offering from Dexter
                https://www.dexteraxle.com/Dexter-E-Z-Flex
                IMO, stronger, better design and over double the warranty. Morryde CRE3000 has 2 year warranty, Dexter EZ flex has 5 year warranty. I put 9 years on an EZ flex system with no issue. I don't believe the CRE can last that long.
                2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
                Not to brag or anything about my finances, but my bank calls me about every day to tell me my balance is OUTSTANDING!

                Comment


                • #9
                  I like the Dexter E-Z flex as well, but I have not had the other. Looking at the build of each the Dexter is engineered better, IMO. Having the Dexter on our RV previously and now with an air ride set up the Dexter is not much different than the air ride, a little more stiff maybe.

                  Brian
                  Brian & Michelle
                  2018 Reflection 29RS
                  2022 Chevy 3500HD

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Scott'n'Wendy View Post
                    If you haven't bought from Morryde already, consider this offering from Dexter
                    https://www.dexteraxle.com/Dexter-E-Z-Flex
                    IMO, stronger, better design and over double the warranty. Morryde CRE3000 has 2 year warranty, Dexter EZ flex has 5 year warranty. I put 9 years on an EZ flex system with no issue. I don't believe the CRE can last that long.
                    Is this an example of what you are suggesting?

                    Dexter K71-652-00 Complete Tandem Kit https://a.co/d/iu5oVRG
                    Dick & Denise - Carmel, Indiana
                    2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE
                    2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD Diesel with towing package
                    Past setups: 2016 Riverside Retro 177SE/2016 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB Coachmen Popup/2012 Subaru Forester

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Scott'n'Wendy View Post
                      If you haven't bought from Morryde already, consider this offering from Dexter
                      https://www.dexteraxle.com/Dexter-E-Z-Flex
                      IMO, stronger, better design and over double the warranty. Morryde CRE3000 has 2 year warranty, Dexter EZ flex has 5 year warranty. I put 9 years on an EZ flex system with no issue. I don't believe the CRE can last that long.
                      That is the system I have from the factory - works very well. and at 12K miles still looks good. Ill know more when I take it off and replace the bushings.
                      Keith
                      2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by RichardTC View Post

                        Is this an example of what you are suggesting?

                        Dexter K71-652-00 Complete Tandem Kit https://a.co/d/iu5oVRG
                        You link does not work. Is this what you were trying to link? https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-K71-65.../dp/B01HOAGBSI. Just double check it is the correct one for you trailer. Give Dexter a call.
                        2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Yoda View Post

                          You link does not work. Is this what you were trying to link? https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-K71-65.../dp/B01HOAGBSI. Just double check it is the correct one for you trailer. Give Dexter a call.
                          Thanks! I used a link generated by the Android Amazon app. From now on I will use the URL from the web page. I see now that these are for 33 inch axle centers, mine are 35 inch.

                          These are for 35 inch axle centers: https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-K71-65..._t1_B01HOAGBSI
                          Dick & Denise - Carmel, Indiana
                          2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE
                          2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD Diesel with towing package
                          Past setups: 2016 Riverside Retro 177SE/2016 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB Coachmen Popup/2012 Subaru Forester

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by RichardTC View Post

                            Thanks! I used a link generated by the Android Amazon app. From now on I will use the URL from the web page. I see now that these are for 33 inch axle centers, mine are 35 inch.
                            Dexter has good customer service. so give them a call or email and get the correct part number for your set up. They also can probably sell direct through thier distributors they have around the country. The are available on thier web page.
                            2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              In trailer suspension, all you can really look at is the durability of the parts. To claim that you can "feel" a change in the trailer suspension from the driver's seat of the truck is more wishful thinking than anything else. Now . . . if someone comes forward with before-and-after accelerometer data, that would be a different discussion. I have changed many things in the suspension of my trailer. Different equalizers up to LCI's airbag version. Different springs and sumo springs. I seriously considered shock absorbers (dampers) so my wife recorded a video in her mirror of the side of the trailer while traveling different road surfaces. Dampers control rebound after the jounce input. This is not happening (that I could see in the video) and seems to be controlled by the equalizer. I would need some real data before drilling significant size holes in the lower flange of my frame I beams to attach dampers.

                              Fully independent trailer suspension . . . either the MorRyde version or slipper springs has possibilities that I have not explored. I can see where these systems would need dampers.

                              Rob
                              Cate & Rob
                              (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                              2015 Reflection 303RLS
                              2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                              Bayham, Ontario, Canada

                              Comment

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