It's been a long summer and a long while since I posted, but we are making great progress towards hitting the road. In fact on track to finally purchase that DRV Full House next month (yep, finally decided she's the one!). However, I have a question about suspension that came up in a recent conversation, so I thought I'd ask about it here. The Full House comes with standard with triple 8,000 lb axles with the option to upgrade to MorRyde Independent suspension. We had always planned to order w/IS but one of the dealers we're talking to made the following comment:
"MorRyde IS is not standard on the Full House. DRV will install if wanted, however our experience is that tri-axle trailer ride much smoother than do tandem axle trailer, thus we typically do not put MorRyde on our triaxle models whereas we do on our tandem axle models."
Since we had never heard this before, we are now curious and not sure what to do. Anyone out there have any thoughts on his statement and/or any ideas where I can research more? (Incidentally, there are not many Full Houses out there and all that I have found do not have the upgraded IS.)
As always, thanks for your help!
Rachael
CJSX2fromCT said
01:31 PM Oct 17, 2015
(Incidentally, there are not many Full Houses out there and all that I have found do not have the upgraded IS.)
You might have just answered your own question then
BoAndRach said
01:43 PM Oct 17, 2015
Hey CJSX2fromCT,
You may be right, but in speaking with the guys from DRV earlier this summer they had only built 25 units between last September (when they re-released the Full Houses) and this July, so thought possibly they might be refraining from including more upgrades until they were more entrenched in the toy hauler market. Anyhow, thanks for your comment. I'll keep searching!
Rachael
-- Edited by BoAndRach on Saturday 17th of October 2015 01:45:05 PM
-- Edited by BoAndRach on Saturday 17th of October 2015 01:46:25 PM
The Schweitzers on the road said
06:20 PM Oct 17, 2015
Why don't you call MOR/Ryde and ask them what they would recommend?
Bill and Linda said
05:20 AM Oct 18, 2015
Rachael:
Linda and I have 1,000s of miles with a heavy tri-axle trailer with the MOR/ryde IS. I would strongly recommend it over any system with “springs.”
Call Rob Kolen at MOR/ryde as suggested - (574) 293-1581
Based on many years and many miles of towing experience with the MOR/ryde IS I have no idea where this dealer is coming from other than the person thinking “springs are good enough.”Not so based on my experience.Get the IS.You won’t regret it.
Bill
el Rojo and Pam said
07:27 AM Oct 18, 2015
Rachel, my answer will probably muddy the water but you wanted honest opinions.
We have had two 5th wheels by Grand Design;
The first, a two axle 16000# GVW that came with (2) 7000 axles and drum brakes. We were loaded (FT use) to the max. After meeting Bill of Bill and Linda at our first rally we had the Moryde IS 8000# axles and disc brakes installed. It made a lot of difference on how the trailer pulled just like Howard said in his daily journal. I was glad I had them installed.
The second, we purchased a 43' toy hauler (Momentum 380). It came with 3 axles (7000# ea) and drum brakes. I was dreading the expense of the Mor/ryde IS but have found it already pulls smooth and stops good. This 5th wheel has a 19500# GVW and we are below that weight. There is no doubt that disc brakes would help it stop faster but I don't feel pushed by the trailer when stopping. I'm not sure I would be able to tell the difference in the suspension if we install the IS system and have no plans to upgrade to Mor/ryde IS.
So the first trailer was loaded to the max of the axles and upgrading made a huge difference. The second we have room (weight) to spare along with 3 axles. I do have Goodyear G114 17.5" H rated tires.
Now I guess my decision would be based on the additional cost of the axles, I would get a quote to add the axles but my guess is $8k to $10k, maybe a little more because of the weight rating. So if you could add them for $2k to $3k I would do it but I think they already install the OEM/standard axles which are cut off and thrown away so you will be paying for them anyway. If that's the case you can always add them later if you feel they're needed.
Hope this helps Red.
R12 said
09:41 AM Oct 18, 2015
My Suite came with two axles that I paid $2,894.00 to have upgraded to the Mor/Ryde IS.
When I added a third axle it cost more than that for just the one. I would have only paid about $4200 total if DRV would have installed it at the factory, which they would not do. I highly recommend getting the IS and I consider it money well spent.
BoAndRach said
09:46 AM Oct 18, 2015
Schweitzers on the Road, Bill, Red and Paul,
Thank you all for your comments and thoughts.
I do have a call into MorRyde, I was just looking for some opinions/thoughts outside of folks who sell/install independent suspension for a living (absolutely not intending to imply that anyone has ever been anything other than forthright and honest). Just want to cover my bases.
Red, do you think your experience is because your Momentum is tri-axle, or because you're currently below your GVW? (BTW, the Full House comes standard with disc brakes and Goodyear G114 17.5 H rated tires.)
Bill and Paul, we had always intended to order with the IS, but I admit the prospect of possibly not needing it and not waiting 12-15 weeks for a factory order has been a bit alluring! But suspension discussions are way above my pay grade. I want to be sure we do the right thing.
The research continues!
Thanks, Rachael
-- Edited by BoAndRach on Sunday 18th of October 2015 09:54:56 AM
Bill and Linda said
12:10 PM Oct 18, 2015
BoAndRach wrote:
Schweitzers on the Road, Bill, Red and Paul,
Bill and Paul, we had always intended to order with the IS, but I admit the prospect of possibly not needing it and not waiting 12-15 weeks for a factory order has been a bit alluring! But suspension discussions are way above my pay grade. I want to be sure we do the right thing.
The research continues!
Thanks, Rachael
-- Edited by BoAndRach on Sunday 18th of October 2015 09:54:56 AM
Rachael:
Are you saying DRV or the dealer is saying there is a 12-15 week delivery because of ordering an IS suspension?I don’t think you are but if they are telling you the IS suspension is the reason for the 12-15 weeks that is – well – ridiculous.It does not take 12-15 weeks for MOR/ryde to deliver an IS to DRV. (I really do know this.)They do “milk runs” between Elkhart and Howe all the time taking rigs and product between the two plants.It is only a 30 minute drive.
BTW, if you order an IS on a DRV the good news is MOR/ryde will do the laser alignment on the axles – an extremely good thing.DRV ferries trailers to the MOR/ryde service facility all the time to have alignment done on the axles.We see DRV rigs all the time when we visit MOR/ryde.
Speak with Rob about all this.He will give you a straight answers.
Bill
BoAndRach said
12:21 PM Oct 18, 2015
Hi Bill,
No, earlier this summer Kyle Adams from DRV said that lead time on a factory-ordered Full House is 12-15 weeks in general (not due to IS). I just found a DRV on order though, so perhaps I can jump in on that one and have IS added??? I don't know - maybe just wishful thinking.
This weekend I used the "contact us" feature on MOR/ryde's website to ask the question. I'm sure someone will respond, but I will call Rob tomorrow.
Thanks for the help and the advice. I really do appreciate it.
Rachael
Bill and Linda said
01:19 PM Oct 18, 2015
BoAndRach wrote:
Hi Bill,
No, earlier this summer Kyle Adams from DRV said that lead time on a factory-ordered Full House is 12-15 weeks in general (not due to IS). I just found a DRV on order though, so perhaps I can jump in on that one and have IS added??? I don't know - maybe just wishful thinking.
This weekend I used the "contact us" feature on MOR/ryde's website to ask the question. I'm sure someone will respond, but I will call Rob tomorrow.
Thanks for the help and the advice. I really do appreciate it.
Rachael
Rachael:
Indeed, 12-15 weeks for a rig doesn’t surprise me for any rig.Glad they are not blaming MOR/ryde.
If you haven’t seen Howard’s post, they are / were just at MOR/ryde.The “Rob” they referred to the same one I mentioned.Very helpful.
This post has a number of links in it concerning H & L’s upgrade to the IS.(Glad they did this for many reasons.)You might want to read those posts via those links.
If you look closely at this first picture in this post, beside H & L’s rig you will see two white DRV’s (they’re called “snowballs” in the biz – unpainted trailers) waiting for alignment / pickup to be taken back to the DRV plant.
Bill
el Rojo and Pam said
06:20 PM Oct 18, 2015
BoAndRach wrote:
Schweitzers on the Road, Bill, Red and Paul,
Red, do you think your experience is because your Momentum is tri-axle, or because you're currently below your GVW? (BTW, the Full House comes standard with disc brakes and Goodyear G114 17.5 H rated tires.)
Thanks, Rachael
-- Edited by BoAndRach on Sunday 18th of October 2015 09:54:56 AM
I think both the tri-axle and being under the gross weight adds to the smother ride. This is a gray area with dollars on the table. You will have measure the cost difference to see if you want to sit in first class or see of coach will do. For me I didn't have a choice since we bought off the lot and I would have to upgrade later.
I will say when you get loaded you need to measure all heights on your AC's. We gain an inch in the back when we don't have the Rhino on board.
Hi All,
It's been a long summer and a long while since I posted, but we are making great progress towards hitting the road. In fact on track to finally purchase that DRV Full House next month (yep, finally decided she's the one!). However, I have a question about suspension that came up in a recent conversation, so I thought I'd ask about it here. The Full House comes with standard with triple 8,000 lb axles with the option to upgrade to MorRyde Independent suspension. We had always planned to order w/IS but one of the dealers we're talking to made the following comment:
"MorRyde IS is not standard on the Full House. DRV will install if wanted, however our experience is that tri-axle trailer ride much smoother than do tandem axle trailer, thus we typically do not put MorRyde on our triaxle models whereas we do on our tandem axle models."
Since we had never heard this before, we are now curious and not sure what to do. Anyone out there have any thoughts on his statement and/or any ideas where I can research more? (Incidentally, there are not many Full Houses out there and all that I have found do not have the upgraded IS.)
As always, thanks for your help!
Rachael
(Incidentally, there are not many Full Houses out there and all that I have found do not have the upgraded IS.)
You might have just answered your own question then
Hey CJSX2fromCT,
You may be right, but in speaking with the guys from DRV earlier this summer they had only built 25 units between last September (when they re-released the Full Houses) and this July, so thought possibly they might be refraining from including more upgrades until they were more entrenched in the toy hauler market. Anyhow, thanks for your comment. I'll keep searching!
Rachael
-- Edited by BoAndRach on Saturday 17th of October 2015 01:45:05 PM
-- Edited by BoAndRach on Saturday 17th of October 2015 01:46:25 PM
Why don't you call MOR/Ryde and ask them what they would recommend?
Rachael:
Linda and I have 1,000s of miles with a heavy tri-axle trailer with the MOR/ryde IS. I would strongly recommend it over any system with “springs.”
Call Rob Kolen at MOR/ryde as suggested - (574) 293-1581
Based on many years and many miles of towing experience with the MOR/ryde IS I have no idea where this dealer is coming from other than the person thinking “springs are good enough.” Not so based on my experience. Get the IS. You won’t regret it.
Bill
We have had two 5th wheels by Grand Design;
The first, a two axle 16000# GVW that came with (2) 7000 axles and drum brakes. We were loaded (FT use) to the max. After meeting Bill of Bill and Linda at our first rally we had the Moryde IS 8000# axles and disc brakes installed. It made a lot of difference on how the trailer pulled just like Howard said in his daily journal. I was glad I had them installed.
The second, we purchased a 43' toy hauler (Momentum 380). It came with 3 axles (7000# ea) and drum brakes. I was dreading the expense of the Mor/ryde IS but have found it already pulls smooth and stops good. This 5th wheel has a 19500# GVW and we are below that weight. There is no doubt that disc brakes would help it stop faster but I don't feel pushed by the trailer when stopping. I'm not sure I would be able to tell the difference in the suspension if we install the IS system and have no plans to upgrade to Mor/ryde IS.
So the first trailer was loaded to the max of the axles and upgrading made a huge difference. The second we have room (weight) to spare along with 3 axles. I do have Goodyear G114 17.5" H rated tires.
Now I guess my decision would be based on the additional cost of the axles, I would get a quote to add the axles but my guess is $8k to $10k, maybe a little more because of the weight rating. So if you could add them for $2k to $3k I would do it but I think they already install the OEM/standard axles which are cut off and thrown away so you will be paying for them anyway. If that's the case you can always add them later if you feel they're needed.
Hope this helps Red.
When I added a third axle it cost more than that for just the one. I would have only paid about $4200 total if DRV would have installed it at the factory, which they would not do. I highly recommend getting the IS and I consider it money well spent.
Schweitzers on the Road, Bill, Red and Paul,
Thank you all for your comments and thoughts.
I do have a call into MorRyde, I was just looking for some opinions/thoughts outside of folks who sell/install independent suspension for a living (absolutely not intending to imply that anyone has ever been anything other than forthright and honest). Just want to cover my bases.
Red, do you think your experience is because your Momentum is tri-axle, or because you're currently below your GVW? (BTW, the Full House comes standard with disc brakes and Goodyear G114 17.5 H rated tires.)
Bill and Paul, we had always intended to order with the IS, but I admit the prospect of possibly not needing it and not waiting 12-15 weeks for a factory order has been a bit alluring! But suspension discussions are way above my pay grade. I want to be sure we do the right thing.
The research continues!
Thanks,
Rachael
-- Edited by BoAndRach on Sunday 18th of October 2015 09:54:56 AM
Rachael:
Are you saying DRV or the dealer is saying there is a 12-15 week delivery because of ordering an IS suspension? I don’t think you are but if they are telling you the IS suspension is the reason for the 12-15 weeks that is – well – ridiculous. It does not take 12-15 weeks for MOR/ryde to deliver an IS to DRV. (I really do know this.) They do “milk runs” between Elkhart and Howe all the time taking rigs and product between the two plants. It is only a 30 minute drive.
BTW, if you order an IS on a DRV the good news is MOR/ryde will do the laser alignment on the axles – an extremely good thing. DRV ferries trailers to the MOR/ryde service facility all the time to have alignment done on the axles. We see DRV rigs all the time when we visit MOR/ryde.
Speak with Rob about all this. He will give you a straight answers.
Bill
No, earlier this summer Kyle Adams from DRV said that lead time on a factory-ordered Full House is 12-15 weeks in general (not due to IS). I just found a DRV on order though, so perhaps I can jump in on that one and have IS added??? I don't know - maybe just wishful thinking.
This weekend I used the "contact us" feature on MOR/ryde's website to ask the question. I'm sure someone will respond, but I will call Rob tomorrow.
Thanks for the help and the advice. I really do appreciate it.
Rachael
Rachael:
Indeed, 12-15 weeks for a rig doesn’t surprise me for any rig. Glad they are not blaming MOR/ryde.
If you haven’t seen Howard’s post, they are / were just at MOR/ryde. The “Rob” they referred to the same one I mentioned. Very helpful.
This post has a number of links in it concerning H & L’s upgrade to the IS. (Glad they did this for many reasons.) You might want to read those posts via those links.
http://www.rv-dreams-journal.com/2015/10/morryde-elkhart-in.html
If you look closely at this first picture in this post, beside H & L’s rig you will see two white DRV’s (they’re called “snowballs” in the biz – unpainted trailers) waiting for alignment / pickup to be taken back to the DRV plant.
Bill
I think both the tri-axle and being under the gross weight adds to the smother ride. This is a gray area with dollars on the table. You will have measure the cost difference to see if you want to sit in first class or see of coach will do. For me I didn't have a choice since we bought off the lot and I would have to upgrade later.
I will say when you get loaded you need to measure all heights on your AC's. We gain an inch in the back when we don't have the Rhino on board.
BTW glad you're getting the brakes and tires.
Red