katanapilot

Just another data point for anyone curious - Recently installed 4 leaf Alcan springs and new Bulldog shocks. Drove 2000 miles to EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh) and back, most of it interstate roads. Lowered tire pressure from 50 psi to 45 psi. One window shade detached and hanging clothes in the closet fell off the hangar. Never had this happen previously even during our 12,000+ mile trek to Alaska and back (yes, on the Alcan and worse roads). I can only imagine the ride with the full 5 leaf springs.

My bad. These are the wrong hubs. Haven't had time to search to see if these are available with our 6 bolt pattern. I think 10" discs are more effective than 12" drums (more brake energy capability and higher torque), but I don't know for sure. Still not convinced that the 3500 pound axles are limiting - other than the springs and the OEM Chinese made bearings. I do get the appeal of larger brakes.

I think there are several options for disc brakes on 3500 pound axles with 5 on 4.5 hubs. Here is one I found with a very cursory search. https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brakes/Dexter/T2HRCM10DAC.html?feed=npn&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=203665937&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItvmapLaPjgMVE7daBR1a9BpIEAQYASABEgIsJ_D_BwE

I'm curious as to the motivation to upgrade to the 5200 pound axles. Is it simply for the bigger brakes? Do the larger axles have the same wheel bolt pattern? Why not upgrade to electric/hydraulic disc brakes instead? Have there been reported failures of the 3500 pound axles or just the stock leaf springs? I'm in the middle of the 4 leaf Alcan spring upgrade right now, so I was just wondering. For those wondering, it has taken me about 1-2 hours per side, working slowly in a well-equipped shop. Overall, pretty straightforward.

We stayed there 20+ years ago in a rental RV. It was beautiful (as was the entire Oregon coast). Please provide a trip report on Cape Lookout, as we are planning to visit again next year in the Ollie.

Thanks for the chart. That is the info I was looking for. As to the SeeLevel - I did purchase the new panel with the Cerbo connector. The panel did not work when connected to the existing Molex connector. Do you know if this panel gets its power from the Cerbo connector or the standard connector?

I was going to ask the same thing. I’m pretty comfortable with a 4 leaf full length spring made with US steel and a 2000 lb rating.

Probably a bit unusual of a question, but - What configuration settings are used with 30lb propane tanks and Mopeka sensors for the Cerbo? Specifically, the tank capacity (7 or 8 gallons) and empty and full sensor reading height? I had guessed about 20 inches (50.8cm) for full height, but not sure that is correct. And did you have to rewire the connector to the SeeLevel when you replaced it with the newer panel? I tried the connector removed from the original SeeLevel and it did not work with the new panel. I'm not referring to the RJ-45 connector that goes to the Cerbo, but the original one that gets power and data from the fluid level sensors.

I am ordering the 4 spring version of the ALCAN springs. Lew continues to recommend the 5 leaf (2700 pound rating) spring, but like GJ and others - I believe that is too stiff a spring for our Oliver. I plan to replace the shocks as well during the upgrade.

Uh, maybe? My house is surrounded by a moat filled with hungry crocodiles and piranha plus a security system of flesh burning lasers with motion sensors. Inside is a herd of trained attack bunnies (ala Monty Python and the Holy Grail). Good catch, I didn’t even notice.

Anyone have an update on how many burners have been replaced? Sure has been quiet. I never heard back from Truma on replacing the entire unit at my cost, nor have I heard anything from Oliver on parts availability. Disappointing on both fronts.

Finally had time to get the replacement burner ends TIG welded and installed in the trailer. The welds are not pretty. It’s tough to weld thin, galvanized steel. The original burner was pristine looking and I crimped the ends of it without issue. I have no idea how long it will take for Oliver to get to me in the recall queue, but I’m very comfortable with the security of the burners.

Has anyone been able to get leaf springs (like the ALCAN) in a slightly lower weight rating? I would like to do this modification, but like GJ, I am a little concerned about the additional stiffness of the ALCAN springs and the long term effects on the Oliver. I would prefer to do the ALCAN mod versus the PR4 Dexters, but I need to resolve my concerns first.

Agreed. Even the hybrids (which were excluded from the current recall) are failing. Same engine, so it's not really a surprise. Really disappointing, as I was hoping this would be my next truck. Fortunately, the 5.7 V8 is hard to kill.

I have not, but it sounds like I need to add this to the periodic maintenance inspection checklist!