Lippert Air-Ride suspension raise??

hjamla · 03-20-2023, 10:57 AM

Hello!
Has anyone installed the Lippert Center Point Air-Ride suspension upgrade on their 5th wheel?
I am thinking of doing this mainly for the stated 2 inch lift that it gives you. We ride a little low in the back and have made all the hitch adjustments we can.
Does it really raise the trailer 2 inches, or ?. Don't really need the improved ride, but would like the height.
Thanks! John in Boise.

**chuckster57** · 03-20-2023, 11:18 AM

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...ol/RR23QX.html

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...ent=0%20-%2030

Looking at the price difference, we have installed the top on a few fivers. No issues.

hjamla · 03-20-2023, 12:00 PM

Thanks for pointing me in this direction! I see that you can't use this kit with the morryde CRE3000 equalizers that I have. But replacing those also would still be wayyyy less money than the Air Rides. I hadn't seen these before.

rhagfo · 03-21-2023, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...ol/RR23QX.html

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...ent=0%20-%2030

Looking at the price difference, we have installed the top on a few fivers. No issues.

WOW! I recall only paying about $250 for my correct track system about five years ago.

hjamla · 03-21-2023, 10:34 AM

Thanks for the input everyone. I really appreciate the options given with way less cost than my idea.
Since I will do the install myself, The Trailer Blocks look like an easier install than the Correct Track kit. Both look like good safe alternatives. Any comments on that thought?
I'm not worried about overall height. We are under 12ft now. Though side wind buffeting may be a little worse.
Again, Thanks All!

**JRTJH** · 03-20-2023, 11:34 AM

I also have a 2014 Cougar 27RKS. I just replaced my "5200 pound axles (derated to 4400 pounds) with Dexter 6000 pound axles and improved the ride quality significantly, although there was no "trailer lift" from that upgrade.

Installing the Lippert Air Ryde system is going to be about $2200 for the kit and an addition $400-700 for installation.

If you are not having problems with "ride quality" but are looking to only accomplish a bit of "trailer lift" then have you considered installing the Lippert Correct Track kit? It will lift the trailer either 1.25" or 2.25" depending on which set of holes you use. Total cost for the kit is $435 at etrailer.com https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...ol/RR23QX.html
and installation is much faster (also much cheaper) if you have someone else install it and, if you're mechanically inclined, you can install it with simple hand tools, a couple of good quality jack stands and simple hand tools.

Looking at your "stated need" of only wanting to raise the trailer, then I'd be reluctant to spend $2500+ to do what $450 will do...

That said, you can also simply install 4 pieces of 1x2x5" steel bar stock" cut to size with longer axle U-bolts and do essentially the same 1" lift to the trailer for somewhere around $25 if you do the work yourself....

I'd be reluctant to spend all that money "only to lift the trailer"... Now, if you're wanting improved ride quality, more complicated suspension modifications and extreme cost mods, the air ryde system is an alternative... But it's NOT "wallet sensitive"....

ADDED: I see that Chuck was typing essentially the same response while I was looking up links....

hjamla · 03-20-2023, 12:06 PM

Also, We love our 27RKS too. Last of the better quality 1/2 ton series. I'm not sure I would trust just increasing the length of the hangers. Ive seen a couple of alterations that way and they seem to bend over time. The Correct Track looks like a good way to go. Thanks again you guys.
John in Boise.

bobbecky · 03-20-2023, 03:33 PM

About four years ago, I installed 2" trailer blocks on our rig because we were running low on the tail end. This has been an excellent improvement on getting the rig level and also improved handling as the loads are equal on the axles now. https://www.trailerblocks.com/collec...00lb-axle-kits

Alpine Custom Upgrade · 03-20-2023, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbecky

About four years ago, I installed 2" trailer blocks on our rig because we were running low on the tail end. This has been an excellent improvement on getting the rig level and also improved handling as the loads are equal on the axles now. https://www.trailerblocks.com/collec...00lb-axle-kits

I would use the 2" or the 3" lift kit or fabricate my own out of square tubing and longer bolts. It will make the RV that much taller at the campground though.

bobbecky · 03-20-2023, 06:45 PM

The total height of our rig did not change, because the highest point is at the front A/C, and that is almost right above the hitch, and the hitch is still at the same height.

SR71 Jet Mech · 03-27-2023, 03:27 AM

I actually installed the 3” blocks from the same advice here about 2 years ago.
Easy install and perform great.

notanlines · 03-22-2023, 03:36 AM

Alpine, the entry steps will gain the same height as any spacer put over the axle, front or rear entrance, makes no difference after the rv is disconnected and leveled.

**JRTJH** · 03-22-2023, 07:22 AM

2014 Cougar "lite" fifth wheels do not have solid step systems. They have the "old style folding steps" Unless he has modified his steps, he has a 3 step folding system mounted outside the trailer, under the entry door. So, he won't have any "problems with the step stabilizers reaching the ground" that would be an issue with a solid step system.

The "easy solution" to a "too tall trailer with folding steps" is simply to place a "step stool type step" on the ground under the folding ones.

That said, we're talking about a 2" lift, not a 10" lift. What his 2" lift will cause in a level campsite, is the steps being 2" further off the ground. If he can currently "navigate the steps" then he's not going to "create an insurmountable problem" by adding 2 inches to the distance from the ground to his bottom entry step.

Honestly, with his, or most owners trailers, where the entry door is just a couple of inches forward of the front axle, there isn't a lot of "raise/lower effect" at the door location as you'd have if the door were at the extreme front or rear of the coach (multiple feet from the pivot point at the axles).

That said, even on a "close to the axles" door location like his (and mine), just leveling the trailer in a "front or rear sloping campsite" would have significantly more influence on the step height than he will encounter from a 2" axle lift.

notanlines · 03-22-2023, 08:36 AM

I added a little edit to clarify what I said.

fulltilt · 03-26-2023, 03:39 PM

Yes, I installed the Lippert Center Point a few years ago. We bought a new Ram 3500. I raised the pin box to maximum height, I purchased the thinnest hitch adapter for our Pull-Rite slider, this allowed the hitch to locate on the Ram Factory mount points. I was still able to close our Bak Flip F1 tonneau over when not towing. Now on the trailer, our 5th wheel was 5" below level at the farthest point at the rear of the trailer, connected to the truck, & weight on the truck. So I had the Morryde suspension blocks removed, welded in a single center spring hanger, & installed the tandem axle kit. This brought the trailer up 2" approximately. Then I added a 1" lift block under the spring packs...now I had 2" left to go. I could have used 2" lift blocks, but less is better in my mind, I was concerned the wheel flair gaps over the trailer tires might look silly. I run the truck air bags on "alternate height", which lowers the truck 1". I am still 1" low at the trailer rear 32' away, but it's tough to notice, & it tows beautiful. I have 6" between trailer over hang & the top of the truck box sides. I paid $1200 on Amazon.com for the kit, it cost $800.00 to have a frame shop do the welding. I also installed 2-2.5" silicone filled gauges & separate fill valves so I could add air & monitor each side separately. I have found that with most of the weight [kitchen, furnace, hot water tank] on one side of the trailer, I run 10# more pressure on the heavy side, I notice quite a difference when cornering, stays level.

jamays338 · 01-06-2024, 12:31 PM

Hi, I was reading post and saw your response on a thread. I’m interested in the lippert air ride system for our 39’ toy hauler. The goal is to soften the ride for the trailer… I messaging you to see if your happy with the system? Does it soften the ride and any issues with the system? I would appreciate any input.. Thank you.. Jeff

hjamla · 01-06-2024, 03:30 PM

Hi!
We decided not to go with the Lippert system. Went to a Reese Goose Box setup and that solved our out of level issue. It's a great goose neck hitch system. We are still between 1/2 and 1 inch high in front but I can live with that and not mess with the original suspension. Very happy with the goose box, but sorry I can't answer your question.
Happy Travels, John.

CedarCreekWoody · 03-26-2023, 03:51 PM

I installed shackle extensions from eTrailer, about a 2 inch gain.

rhagfo · 03-27-2023, 04:16 AM

Well we installed the Correct Trac system works great. At the same time installed wet bolts and heavy duty shackles.

SR71 Jet Mech · 03-27-2023, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Well we installed the Correct Trac system works great. At the same time installed wet bolts and heavy duty shackles.

Yep excellent ideas as well, the wet bolts are a must, much much better with them. Also installed equalizers as well. Not sure if they’re helping but whilst you’re there….Again from great advice on this forum!

Russ I see shocks on yours, can you tell a difference. I’ve thought about adding those as well. Probably gonna have to do breaks and for sure a bearing pack and it’d be a good time.

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