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Post by rasmousein on Apr 19, 2018 7:57:48 GMT -5
Got a 2017 Sportsman Classic 181BHS, bought new last year. After using it for a year come to realise 600lbs of cargo is not enought for us, plus I want to had a proper carry bumber and up size the tanks. We chose that TT because of the layout. Let get to the point. It comes with a 3500lbs axle and I wanna change it to a 4400lbs axle, of course change leaf spring, brakes and tires. Is the frame rated for such ? The same trailer come as a toy hauler and have the 5000lbs axle on it... Has any done something similar? Any thoughts?   |
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 19, 2018 9:17:10 GMT -5
I agree with replacing the axle, I have come to learn that the 3500 lb. axle is a bad design and will NEVER buy another one, long story. The frame might be a problem, look at that skinny tongue. If it happens to have the 3 piece welded together "I-beams" they are junk.
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Post by rasmousein on Apr 19, 2018 10:03:59 GMT -5
The main beam and tongue is made of rectangular tubing. Looks like it's very solid...
We did not find a similar trailer with more axle.
I bought thinking I might upgrade. Hehe
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Post by rescue1 on Apr 19, 2018 11:26:35 GMT -5
Have you weighed your unit when loaded?
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 19, 2018 11:32:04 GMT -5
Yes, they use that axle on many trailers and folks call me crazy when I point out an obvious flaw. It is hard to push for improvements when folks defend the status quo.
Be aware that adding weight to the rear can result in sway issues. Be sure that you have 10 to 15 % of the total trailer weight on the coupler. The bumpers are usually rated for 100 lbs. so it might need to be beefed up. I still think the tongue is wimpy.
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Post by rasmousein on Apr 19, 2018 11:42:15 GMT -5
I just received a call from KZ. Saying they use the 2x4 tubing for all 5000lbs and under, so I'm good that way.
And yes definitely remove oem bumper and make a folding rack of sort.
Tongue weight will be checked thanks for reminding me.
And I did not weight it yet. But according to the water and propane and my big 240lbs battery bank. I'm super close .
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Post by sanchin on Apr 29, 2018 3:04:56 GMT -5
I just received a call from KZ. Saying they use the 2x4 tubing for all 5000lbs and under, so I'm good that way. And yes definitely remove oem bumper and make a folding rack of sort. Tongue weight will be checked thanks for reminding me. And I did not weight it yet. But according to the water and propane and my big 240lbs battery bank. I'm super close . Can you show the pictures of your big 240lbs battery bank? I am really interested to see it. Thanks. |
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Post by rasmousein on Apr 29, 2018 17:55:04 GMT -5
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Post by myredracer on May 9, 2018 13:49:03 GMT -5
-2x Crown 12volt fs12 cr-215 a/h (430amp/h total) 120lbs a piece. Unless you are using sealed AGM batteries, you need to use sealed and vented battery boxes to vent hydrogen gas away. MTS Products makes one that is commonly used in RVs. Even then, AGM batteries can off-gas if overcharged and are recommended to be in sealed/vented boxes. The WFCO converter/chargers that so commonly used are junk and can cause overcharging. Ours died in it's 3rd season of use while away on a long trip. A battery disconnect switch can be a good idea. Can't go wrong with upgrading the axle. We have 2 x 5200 lb axles on our Spree when stock is 2 x 3500 lbs. I don't know about 4400 lb axles but larger requires upgrading to 6 lug rims. The 3500 lb axles can be ordered with a stronger 3" dia. tube in place of standard 2-3/8" so you can keep original rims. ALko has a website with good tech. info. on axles. The added weight of a 4400 lb axle would be "unsprung" weight and won't add to weight ON the frame and the increased suspension stiffness shouldn't affect the frame/chassis. Going to a scale is always a good idea to know what your actual weights are. Gil, Deb and Dougal the Springer Spaniel 2014 KZ Spree 262RKS 2009 F250 |
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Post by rasmousein on May 10, 2018 7:38:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the battery concern. They are vented, picture is of unfinished box.
I went to local axle store.
It looks like I will go with a 5200 lbs dexter.
And put 4500lbs leaf spring has to not have it to stiff...
Need to get a bunch of measurement before ordering. Mainly for the bigger tires.
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Post by rasmousein on May 21, 2018 16:39:32 GMT -5
Went camping for two nights. We packed light, no bicycle and extra stuff. On my way back stopped at the Cat Scale. The Honda Pilot was pretty much empty. And I'd say about 10 to 15 galllons of liquids... 100 lbs or so... I'm right at the limit!!! I wish I knew this before hand...  Guess an axle upgrade is in order to stay on the safe side. And I will sell the Pilot and probly get a Ram 1500 ecodiesel. One scale with trailer other without.  |
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