Recommended Suspension Upgrade for Grand Design 17MKE Travel Trailer
Question:
What about the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension? What I'm trying to achieve is to make a regular travel trailer somewhat off road capable for boondock.
asked by: Alex R
Expert Reply:
Since your Grand Design 17MKE has a GVWR of 6,395 lbs, you more than likely have 3,500 lb axles. That being the case, the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit # RM-2460-2560 will not fit your travel trailer. Although Roadmaster does not have a kit like this for 3,500 lb axles, I do have another option.
I recommend the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers # RM-2450 which are designed for 3,500 lb axles. Your trailer will need to have the leaf springs on top of the axle for these shocks to fit. If they are currently below the axle, you can use the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00 to move them. Doing this will raise the trailer by the thickness of the leaf spring stack and diameter of the axle.
Along with the shock absorbers, I recommend the Road Armor Shock Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle - Qty 2 # LC696740. These cushioned equalizers, combined with the shock absorbers, will be the best upgrade you can make and the equivalent to the full Roadmaster kit.
I have attached some review and installation videos for you to check out, including one for a 2020 Grand Design Imagine where you can see the Road Armor equalizer working together with shock absorbers.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 15123
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.250 Inch I.D.
- Bearing 15123
- Race 15245
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 25580
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.750 Inch I.D.
- Bearing 25580
- Race 25520
- 10000 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 8000 lbs Axle
- 9000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Pre-Greased
- 25580
- 15123
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle - 4" Lift - 5 Bolt - 3.5K
- Trailer Axles
- Rubber Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- No Hubs
- 3500 lbs
- Spindles Only
- Universal Fit
- Lift - 4 Inch
- Timbren
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Road Armor Shock Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle - Qty 2
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Equalizer Upgrade Kit
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- 3500 lbs - 8000 lbs
- Double Eye Springs
- 6 Inch Long
- Tandem Axle
- Lippert
more information >
Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 3,500-lb Axle
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Shocks
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Tandem Axle
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shock Absorbers - Tandem 5K Trailer Axles
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Equalizer Upgrade Kit
- Leaf Spring Replacement System
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- 5000 lbs
- Round Axle - 3 Inch
- Tandem Axle
- Roadmaster
more information >
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Alex R.
11/15/2021
What about the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension? What I'm trying to achieve is to make a regular travel trailer somewhat off road capable for boondock.