I gather the Mor/ryde IS suspension is highly recommended by knowledgeable types with high end rigs. Their reasons make perfect sense. My question would be, when would it be overkill to upfit a 5er not equipped or optionable with this suspension? I know for instance that DRV offers the option but Heartland Landmarks do not. Would it it be worthwhile to do a upfit on the Landmark? What about a middle of the road model say. Or would you recommend doing it on any rig to get the best ride for your 5er? Trying to gauge where the upfit cost outweighs the benefit gained against the price of the rig. I realize that it would surely be a subjective thing.
RVKevi said
09:33 PM Jan 13, 2014
Well, we had it put on our 2011 Heartland Big Horn the end of August. We're very pleased with it!
Terry and Jo said
10:02 PM Jan 13, 2014
Brian,
Even though manufacturers might not offer the Mor/Ryde IS as an option, one can always go to Mor/Ryde and have one installed. Since I've not dealt with this issue, I would venture that you would want to discuss this with Mor/Ryde. It might be that they customize the suspension based on the size and weight of the trailer it is going to be upgraded. If they do customize them, only Mor/Ryde could give you a good idea of the price for a lighter/smaller trailer and thus give you an idea of the cost/benefit of an upgrade.
Terry
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
06:35 AM Jan 14, 2014
We plan on having it installed on the Carrilite. Round figures are $3500-4000.
RickandJanice said
07:24 AM Jan 14, 2014
Mor/Ryde I.S. cost will vary depending on what each rig requires and the GVWR of the trailer but the cost Jim has listed is about average. Also depends on whether you want to upgrade the brakes or wheels or use what you already have. The real advantage that many do not recognize until they see it installed is that the I.S. system actually adds strength to the frame. The rig actually rides on top of the suspension system. They are custom built for each rig, so adding them to any level of unit is not an issue, just depends on whether you can justify the cost.
BiggarView said
10:17 AM Jan 14, 2014
I had basically figured on an upgrade(thru Mor/Ryde) on any used units we would consider buying or a new unit if they did not offer it. From the responses so far(small sample) it seems that it's worthwhile at least on a mid level rig(based on my limited knowledge of what that means...) and on up. We'd love a to have New Horizons but I don't think our future budget will be able to accomodate that level of rig(at least not new). We definitely want to put the best mechanicals/components we can afford on our future rig to protect our investment and get the maximum use out of it.
Neil and Connie said
04:12 PM Jan 14, 2014
Howard did the same upgrade to their Cambridge.
Bill and Linda said
08:57 PM Jan 14, 2014
I have seen many trailers upgraded to MOR/ryde IS when the factory did not provide it as an option.Even DRV’s before DRV stated offering it as an option.People with brand new rigs brought them directly to MOR/ryde from the factory and had the IS installed.
I’ve seen rigs of all brands and price range having an IS installed at the plant in Elkhart.
Is it worth it?Without a doubt, yes, if you are going to travel.IMO, if you are going to move two or three times a year and only travel 2,000 miles, maybe the investment is harder to rationalize.However, the ride improvement over any spring based system, even those with air bags or a rubber “equalizer,” is significant. Very significant IMO.
The cost will be based on a few factors:Is it a 7K or 8K axle system?Do you already have disc brakes? If so, they can probably be reused assuming a few things.If you have drum brakes then you really should consider the upgrade to the safer and much more effective 8K disc brakes at the same time. BTW, if your trailer needs to be lifted to run level with your truck this is a very inexpensive process when the IS is installed. Not a problem at all and you can finally have some trailer belly to truck bed rail clearance. Don't let this concern you. It is not a big deal. MOR/ryde is a frame company. They do this all the time including on Motorhomes.
Yes, Howard had his 7K spring axles upgraded to an 8K IS a few years ago as well as disc brakes as I recall.If you read his posts, Linda was very pleased NOT to see the rig bouncing all over the place after the upgrade.
Second only to an upgrade to “H” rated G114 tires, this is a very important upgrade to consider for the well being of your rig if you are going to travel.
My opinion with lots of miles of experience before and after on an IS to back it up.
PM me if you want more information.
Bill
BiggarView said
11:41 PM Jan 14, 2014
I read about Howard's conversion in his journal, and your comments confirm what I thought we would be doing when we get down to narrowing the field. Of course 6-8 years is a long time and more RV mfr's might be putting the IS on their rigs by then. Knowing the approximate cost is good for planning. Thanks for the info.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 14th of January 2014 11:42:19 PM
Bill and Linda said
07:35 PM Jan 19, 2014
As this was a recent topic I thought I would quote from Howard’s comments in his post from today regarding the MOR/ryde IS suspension upgrade.Jack Mayer and I have the same opinion FWIW having done this some time before H & L.
For those that plan to travel this is just a real good idea in more ways than one.
“We visited with the guys at the MOR/ryde booth. Upgrading our stock suspension on the Cambridge to the MOR/ryde Independent Suspension was one of the best decisions we've made in our time on the road. Not only does it provide a smoother ride for our fifth wheel, but it also reduces stress on the frame and unit as a whole, so it should assist in making it last a lot longer.”
I gather the Mor/ryde IS suspension is highly recommended by knowledgeable types with high end rigs. Their reasons make perfect sense. My question would be, when would it be overkill to upfit a 5er not equipped or optionable with this suspension? I know for instance that DRV offers the option but Heartland Landmarks do not. Would it it be worthwhile to do a upfit on the Landmark? What about a middle of the road model say. Or would you recommend doing it on any rig to get the best ride for your 5er? Trying to gauge where the upfit cost outweighs the benefit gained against the price of the rig. I realize that it would surely be a subjective thing.
Brian,
Even though manufacturers might not offer the Mor/Ryde IS as an option, one can always go to Mor/Ryde and have one installed. Since I've not dealt with this issue, I would venture that you would want to discuss this with Mor/Ryde. It might be that they customize the suspension based on the size and weight of the trailer it is going to be upgraded. If they do customize them, only Mor/Ryde could give you a good idea of the price for a lighter/smaller trailer and thus give you an idea of the cost/benefit of an upgrade.
Terry
I had basically figured on an upgrade(thru Mor/Ryde) on any used units we would consider buying or a new unit if they did not offer it. From the responses so far(small sample) it seems that it's worthwhile at least on a mid level rig(based on my limited knowledge of what that means...
) and on up. We'd love a to have New Horizons but I don't think our future budget will be able to accomodate that level of rig(at least not new). We definitely want to put the best mechanicals/components we can afford on our future rig to protect our investment and get the maximum use out of it.
Howard did the same upgrade to their Cambridge.
I have seen many trailers upgraded to MOR/ryde IS when the factory did not provide it as an option. Even DRV’s before DRV stated offering it as an option. People with brand new rigs brought them directly to MOR/ryde from the factory and had the IS installed.
I’ve seen rigs of all brands and price range having an IS installed at the plant in Elkhart.
Is it worth it? Without a doubt, yes, if you are going to travel. IMO, if you are going to move two or three times a year and only travel 2,000 miles, maybe the investment is harder to rationalize. However, the ride improvement over any spring based system, even those with air bags or a rubber “equalizer,” is significant. Very significant IMO.
The cost will be based on a few factors: Is it a 7K or 8K axle system? Do you already have disc brakes? If so, they can probably be reused assuming a few things. If you have drum brakes then you really should consider the upgrade to the safer and much more effective 8K disc brakes at the same time. BTW, if your trailer needs to be lifted to run level with your truck this is a very inexpensive process when the IS is installed. Not a problem at all and you can finally have some trailer belly to truck bed rail clearance. Don't let this concern you. It is not a big deal. MOR/ryde is a frame company. They do this all the time including on Motorhomes.
Yes, Howard had his 7K spring axles upgraded to an 8K IS a few years ago as well as disc brakes as I recall. If you read his posts, Linda was very pleased NOT to see the rig bouncing all over the place after the upgrade.
Second only to an upgrade to “H” rated G114 tires, this is a very important upgrade to consider for the well being of your rig if you are going to travel.
My opinion with lots of miles of experience before and after on an IS to back it up.
PM me if you want more information.
Bill
I read about Howard's conversion in his journal, and your comments confirm what I thought we would be doing when we get down to narrowing the field. Of course 6-8 years is a long time and more RV mfr's might be putting the IS on their rigs by then. Knowing the approximate cost is good for planning. Thanks for the info.
-- Edited by biggaRView on Tuesday 14th of January 2014 11:42:19 PM
As this was a recent topic I thought I would quote from Howard’s comments in his post from today regarding the MOR/ryde IS suspension upgrade. Jack Mayer and I have the same opinion FWIW having done this some time before H & L.
For those that plan to travel this is just a real good idea in more ways than one.
“We visited with the guys at the MOR/ryde booth. Upgrading our stock suspension on the Cambridge to the MOR/ryde Independent Suspension was one of the best decisions we've made in our time on the road. Not only does it provide a smoother ride for our fifth wheel, but it also reduces stress on the frame and unit as a whole, so it should assist in making it last a lot longer.”
Bill