Replacing suspension

[Ddubya]

I am looking into replacing the leaf spring suspension on my 2017 Alpine 3401RS. I have already replaced the brakes with electric over hydraulic.
Most interested in the Timbren Silent Ride system and was wondering if anyone has installed them.

http://timbren.com/silent-ride/

[Fishsizzle]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

I am looking into replacing the leaf spring suspension on my 2017 Alpine 3401RS. I have already replaced the brakes with electric over hydraulic.
Most interested in the Timbren Silent Ride system and was wondering if anyone has installed them.

http://timbren.com/silent-ride/

That looks awesome! Reminds me of old time Hendrickson extended leaf combined with Hendrickson Pad. These were used big time on lodging and dump trucks 70’s and 80’s

Can I ask what’s your motivation for the upgrade?

[Ddubya]

Would like a less jarring suspension and I just do not feel secure with the components of the leaf spring setup.

[jlb27537]

You might also consider the Morride rubber center support. We have the 4" travel one on our Montana and nothing moves while traveling. Also consider the Morryde X factor braces. If you don't have wet bolts, now would be a good time to install them.

[Ddubya]

jlb27537

Thanks for the input. The MorRyde SRE 4000 looks like a big improvement over the Dexter EZFlex I now have. The price is certainly good compared to some other options.
Do you have shocks on your RV?

[chuckster57]

My ‘97 Jayco Eagle 323RKS had shocks and I can’t say it made a big difference. I broke 2 mounts and didn’t even notice a difference in the ride.

[JRTJH]

We had shocks on our Airstream and on our Holiday Rambler. We have the Mor ryde 3000 system on the Cougar. We haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary with the Cougar. All the cabinet doors stay closed and there's nothing out of place, just like in the Airstream and the HR. I'd say that shocks didn't make for much improvement in ride. We're satisfied with the CRE3000 system. The 4000 system is similar. YMMV

[jlb27537]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

jlb27537

Thanks for the input. The MorRyde SRE 4000 looks like a big improvement over the Dexter EZFlex I now have. The price is certainly good compared to some other options.
Do you have shocks on your RV?

No, I do not have shocks on my Montana. I had shocks on my Newmar 5th, and I really feel the Montana has a better ride. Springs, rubber center support, X factor braces, Bridgestone Durvas R250 tires. Morryde rubber pin box. Removed the #5 rubber block and swapped it for a #4 block.

The #5 block is rated for 19K and my 3150rl is less than 15k loaded, so the #5 block was too stiff for my actual weight. The #4 is a better fit for my weight.

[Ddubya]

Some shock systems place the shocks at such an angle as to render them virtually useless.
My belief that properly installed shocks on a leaf spring suspension have to have an effect not only in bounce but tire wear.

[Ddubya]

After looking at several options to improve the stock suspension on my 2017 Alpine I believe I will install the MorRyde SRE-4000 system. User reports are generally very good.
Price under $500.00

I looked at the Timbren Silent Ride but they would require some additional frame bracing and the frame manufacturer said that they would not recommend modifying the frame. Price could be over $2000.00 with installation.

Liberty Rider/Comfort Ride would just be replacing the springs and adding shocks at a cost of over $1000.00 and I am not sure how much more effective they would be over the SRE-4000

MorRyde IS most likely the best solution but $3500.00 plus tax (I have disc breaks already) is more than I can justify.

Thanks to jlb27537 for alerting me about the SRE-4000

[hardinrob]

I'm scheduled to have MorRyde IS installed on June 20 & 21st. I will report back after install. MorRyde is also installing disc brakes at same time.

[Dave W]

I can visualize way too much twisting stress on an axle with the two walking beams working against each other if the road has opposite types of low/high areas (one side or wheel up, the other down). A conventional suspensin will have little to no axle twist moments nor will an independent suspension.

Unless you go with an IS, your best bet may be with one of the MORryde, Dexter or similar rubber equalizers in lieu of shocks. These rubber suspensions work well and best of all wont break the bank. Also, reducing road travel shock may be as easy and inexpensive as going to one step heavier spring plus the rubber equalize. RV manufacturers seem to use as light suspension as possible.

Of course, this is just my opinion and a few RV trailers worth of experience

[Tinner12002]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

After looking at several options to improve the stock suspension on my 2017 Alpine I believe I will install the MorRyde SRE-4000 system. User reports are generally very good.
Price under $500.00

I looked at the Timbren Silent Ride but they would require some additional frame bracing and the frame manufacturer said that they would not recommend modifying the frame. Price could be over $2000.00 with installation.

Liberty Rider/Comfort Ride would just be replacing the springs and adding shocks at a cost of over $1000.00 and I am not sure how much more effective they would be over the SRE-4000

MorRyde IS most likely the best solution but $3500.00 plus tax (I have disc breaks already) is more than I can justify.

Thanks to jlb27537 for alerting me about the SRE-4000

I think if it were me upgrading, I'd go for the MorRyde before the Timbren. They've been around for quite some time!

[ChuckS]

Interesting on the need for the suspension system upgrade I find the Dexter setup on my Alpine works quite well

I tow on forest service roads and some pretty bumpy paved roads in Idaho and Montana.

Never had anything open and stuff stays in place.

I do keep an eye on the lead spring hanger mounts and don’t go around sweeping curves at Mach 9..

[Ddubya]

I have the Dexter EZFlex and I have stuff out of place all the time. Looks like the MorRyde SRE4000 allows for up/down travel of up to 4 inches which should smooth the ride substantially. IMO. If not,I am only out about $400.00 and will have new wet bolts.

[ChuckS]

Be interesting to see how it doe for you

[travelin texans]

While your at it get the MorRyde heavy shackle kit with wet bolts & the cross members then you'll be good to go, the only better setup would be the IS. The next best upgrade would add the disc brakes also, the difference in braking is night/day over the drums.

[Ddubya]

I plan to install all new wet bolt kit and cross braces. I installed Titan disc brakes about six months ago after three of four drum brakes literally fell apart.

[Ddubya]

It will be interesting to see how the Never Fail bushings fair.
I know that the manufacturer says not to grease them. I believe that it has something to do with the grease breaking down the polyamide.
I have about 20,000 miles on my factory installed wet bolts and will be replacing them in the next week or so. Looking forward to seeing what the wear is.
Just thinking, most of our tow vehicles have leaf springs and I never hear anything about replacing or lubricating them. Wazup?

[Dave W]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

It will be interesting to see how the Never Fail bushings fair.
I know that the manufacturer says not to grease them. I believe that it has something to do with the grease breaking down the polyamide.

I may never know how good/not so good they will be unless I have reason to disassemble the shackles again.

etrailer has put the myth out about grease infiltrating the polyamide bushings but when I emailed Lippert, in their response they were more concerned about dirt being forced in the grease 'drool'. I may have that email on hard copy but it's not available at this time. Additionally, SKF who manufacture many of these polyamide bushings also note that lubing them will prolong life.

Fuzion369 - that CRE3000 should be just fine but MORryde does have a user's manual on line which will tell you if they are starting to weaken or crack. One of mine was assembled incorrectly from the factory, but corrected at ~4000 miles though still mostly worked OK