MAX Burner

Absolutely correct, Steve. We did the same procedure by drilling-out our spring plates for the 9/16" U-bolts. Not only are the U-bolts beefier, but the Alcan-provided nuts are 50% longer than those on the standard Dexter axle made with sub-standard Chinese spring steel leafs. More thread contact between bolt and nut = mo betta. This was one of the main decision points in going with Alcan versus Dexter spring packs for our application. Dexter's 5-pack springs are designed in the same fashion as the 1750# 4-packs - with the 4th longest leaf extending to only about 3.5" from either eyelet. This is the traditional break failure point that Steve's referring to in his description above. With the Alcan design, that 4th spring fills the gap by extending to the point where the 5th leaf starts curving for the eyelet. Another feature of the Alcans, previously discussed but adding here for clarity, is the larger walled bronze bushing - 3/16" versus 1/16" for the Dexters that had bronze bushings. This thicker walled bushing creates an even larger diameter eyelet = mo betta. Please note that the current Dexter 1750# 4-spring packs w/D52 axles are fixed with plastic bushings. I observed this first-hand last week when replacing our D35s for the D52s. Serious NOTE: Owners with the newer Dexters should determine if their axles are equipped with either bronze or plastic/nylon bushings. Why, you ask? If a rig's running gear is fixed with an axle kit using spring packs with plastic bushings and using Dexter EZ-flex wet bolts, the bushings will likely not last a season. The petroleum-based grease used for the wet bolts can decompose plastic bushings. Not good, IMO. The pic below shows Alcan's extended 4th leaf right to the curvature point of the 5th spring's eyelet - a robust design feature not found in either the 4- or 5-pack Dexter Chinese-made spring kits (FYI, the traditional breaking point with the Dexter 4-packs is about where the end of the 3rd spring is located, see below pic): Comment on Shocks: If one assumes that OTTs are "under sprung" - i.e., not heavy enough leaf springs, then the constant expansion/contraction rate that the Monroe's experience is very high. IMO, this wears out the shocks much sooner - and which were never designed for an "under sprung" suspension to begin with. Using heavier-duty shocks on the same running gear may last a bit longer but shock failure will occur sooner than if they were mounted on running gear of heavier design. The Alcan option may just allow our shocks to last their designed lifespan... who knows? Let's get some miles on these babies and find out! 'nuf said.

It came up some, Ranger Rick made us clear out and go to higher ground in the trees to spend our last night there... No biggie - up'n moved in 10 mikes.

...but at least we try to! HA!

Absolutely, makes total sense, JD! Had we not planned to attend the owner's rally, we probably would have lived with the 3.5k#-ers for a while. But here's a consideration - the D52 Dexters (or the older D44's and D35s for that matter) are custom cut to OTT width specifications (they're only approx. 62.5" flange-to-flange). I suppose one could order an OTT spec'd set of axles from Dexter in Sparta, TN but that could be costly for a single run off. We have not contacted Dexter to learn what the one-off cost/time schedule/shipping costs would be - maybe another owner could do that. Since headed eastbound from NM anyway, we decided to contact OTT directly, and coordinated with Jason Essary to acquire our axle kit. Timing was just right with the rally scheduled for next week. Our approach to the running gear upgrade became a phased approach instead of "all at one time in our shop" primarily due to logistics and cost. Alcan springs first, 5.2k# axles, then shocks (only by happenstance, not planning) - & the Cooper Discoverers only have about 15-16k on them. As far as labor costs, my time is free for me... We ate the cost of travel to Hohenwald because we planned on attending the owner's rally anyway - the entire running gear upgrade worked out well for us. HA!

The height of the trailer after new spring pack installed was approx 5/8" higher. The hull and frame assy doesn't squat down as much with the heavier springs. The length of the 3/4" longer shocks wouldn't make any difference regardless of what spring packs are installed. They need to be fully compressed to get into the mountings anyway - just adjust the nose up/down to get the correct clearance. JFTR: Finished up with the "in situ" shock R&R drill at Primitive Campsite #8 at the Mousetail SP on the TN River just now -- and Casablanca is back to that "yellow" looking running gear. The only mod to the drill was using fresh nylocs instead of the nuts provided (a bit of overkill, but D's idea - "happy wife....): New axles, springs, fresh shocks, newer Cooper tires - isn't it a good feeling? Or an obsession??? Thoughts?

Same here, Steve - looking forward to the rally and putting faces to the names! TKX again for the time consuming effort with the roster... Keep your head on a swivel and travel safe! Cheers! A

Right?

Apologies in advance for those who already read our post on the subject, but here's a "Reader's Digest" version of what our conversion finally ended up like... 1. We mounted the POE injector (converts 12vDC to 44vDC for dishy), DC-to-DC converter, 3rd party mini travel router, and wiring in the closet (the second DC-DC converter is for the Camera): 2. Power Switch for SL kit and Security Camera located on bulkhead above closet door: 3. Communication (Ethernet) Cable penetrates closet bulkhead (adjacent to bathroom), drops down under vanity, exits hull via a Blue Seas Clam along with DC-DC charger cables and OEM 12vDC cable (pls. ignore the knucklehead in the pic): 4. The SL Cable is routed forward into the "dog house" and exits via a "weather proof" (term use lightly) 4-pair connector: NOTE: Normally, we would mount the dishy on top of the flag pole which you'll see the mount for above, but today we've been informed by Ranger Rick that flood warnings exist on the TN River and we may need to "Exit Stage Right (like Yogi would say)" rather quickly, so dishy is mounted in it's travel box and placed on a picnic table for a rapid departure, if needed: This post is coming to you via our 12vDC Dishy kit, FYI... Good luck with your's! Feel free to PM us anytime regarding details not covered in this or our previous posting on the project. Cheers!

And a ""Good "Starlink" Morning"" from Casablanca at Primitive Site # 8 in Mousetail Landing SP along the TN River... Happy feet enjoying mid-60's temps this AM with a couple Knuckleheads and some Blackbeard's Delight Black Rifle in the mug: Headed to Nashville tomorrow to collect my bride and VFR-direct to Guntersville on Tuesday... Safe travels, All!

As mentioned in an earlier rant, we did the "ride-along" test before and after replacing the spring packs... Over a 3+mile course over improved but rutty country roads, there was no "felt" difference at speeds up to 25mph, before/after. Higher speeds may show different results. Riding back there wasn't anything like the difference riding in our 2016 (stock) RAM 3500 and our 2022 (almost stock) TUNDRA. Huge difference between the two. Although the RAM rode like a "buckboard" (I don't think it would scramble eggs) but the TUNDRA rides like a car, soft yet sure footed. Actually, I was somewhat impressed how stiff the ride felt before changing spring packs. DBo (Dusten Bowden, an 18-yr OTT Veteran) has concluded that OTTs are way under sprung for their construction. JFTR: He was very impressed with the Alcan upgrade and would recommend them for any owner, especially for those that have experienced 4-pack spring failure - as its a perfect time for upgrading. Someone correct me if I'm mistaken, but I believe Mr. Oliver insisted on 5-packs and 5.2k# axles on both his rigs... FYI and as it may be known, OTT is no longer installing 3.5k# axles on their new LE2 rigs (LE1's have alway had 5.2k# Dexters) - so, like Steve mentioned above, perhaps 5-packs may come in the future. We believe that will be an overall improvement to what we consider an already well engineered product. At the end of the day, the "spring-pack/axle" discussion boils down to individual camping style and personal preference, IMO. The probability of us breaking one or more of our previous 4-pack leaf springs, I'm sure, is a low one. However, I know how we roll - I'm the guy that would break a Chinese 4-pack halfway out on the 14-mile washboard road to Chaco Canyon or on the way to "Moving Rocks" near Furnace Springs, Death Valley. I'd have a spare 4-pack with me, of course - but another one would break on me on the way back after swapping! The discussion does not have a "go/no-go" solution set - it's an "it depends" solution, IMO. Like @Patriot sez, "Roll-ON", regardless... Cheers, All!

...and another one's down, another one's down, another one bites the dust! Hey, hey, hey" Lyrics from some random song from the '70's?

Well, this one probably doesn't count then:

Excellent point, brother! I'm thinking why not turn the OEM crossbar upside down so the receiver is on the bottom - that way one could access the spare w/o taking apart the rear assy. But then the bumper may not clear the receiver - need to look into this.

Actually, I'd consider a Honda Trail 90 or 110 for that rack.... How cool would that be on the dirt with that insanely low gear? It's probably about the same weight as a couple Ebikes, right?

Guys, what about going with a 12vDC unit? Gulp! Check out the price point... https://www.heatso.com/nomadic-cooling-x2-12v-air-conditioner/?sku=NOMADIC-X2-AC&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwi_exBhA8EiwA_kU1MidS24vXj3sqyB_IbNvdypAT2fzLkCpHBNhGwt8ncayck4fxVxYXZxoCV7sQAvD_BwE Nomadic is located in AZ - they've got some great YouTube vids of side-by-side comparison their db levels to other brands powered by AC... just a thought.

... @Half Fast Hugo - I'm thinking I could get my '85 Beemer on that bad boy and nary a wobble going down the roadway!

Ouch! Concur...100%

Can you send some pix of your challenging issue - it's not quite clear what the fix might be without more information/photo to ponder. Thanks! Art

For SL users and potential users - there's literally a dozen or so ways to convert SL to a 12vDC kit. Pick one that meets your camping style and you're comfortable with - you'll never look back. We converted ours earlier this year and still have the capability of using the original SL router and cable should we need to use it at home or elsewhere on 120vAC - just left us with another option. We didn't have to take any OEM equipment apart, except for cutting the ethernet cable and installing CAT V plugs on either end (piece of cake, BTW). There's definitely a power saving advantage by converting over to DC - we figured 20 - 25% less power than running it on AC. FYI: this message is coming to you via our kit running directly off our Battle Borns from the middle of TN somewhere! Roll-On, regardless...

Yeah, the one's I got from DBo are the older yellow ones. But hey, I'm checking those bad boys every 2,500 miles just to see how they're behaving. Looking forward to hearing from @rideandfly about the Bulldogs... Good point, JD, about the heavier springs taking more load off the shocks - these may work OK after all, we'll see when the jury comes back...

...and maybe a Pulaski or two?

Dusten mentioned that he'd removed several FWTs and it usually required a forklift to pull it out after the bumper assembly is removed - that operation.... is way outside of my wheelhouse! A 1" or greater (if possible) drain tube would be a great mod - gets more plastic shavings and debris from the tank when performing the annual flushing.

Casablanca found "akeside Wild", too! We're at Mouse Tail Landing SP just north of Linden, TN and about 10 miles south of I-40 right on the beautiful TN River: ...all for strength, honor, and freedom! Travel safe, rally go-ers! Cheers!

So, here's an interesting data point... While installing the 5.2k# Dexter Nev-R-Lubes yesterday, we discovered all but one of the Monroe 550001 Shocks (installed new 11APR23) were INOP. What a bummer. Fortunately, "DBo" had 4 new-in-the-box Monroe's which he gave me after buttoning everything up on the axle job... I'll be installing them today at Mouse Tail Landing SP on the TN River in middle TN. The point being, for those owners that R&R'd shocks last APR/MAY timeframe, strongly suggest removing that upper nut and testing each one. Doesn't take long, and just for the peace of mind - well worth the effort. We may have bought a bad lot of Monroe's last year, but I'm thinking they should have lasted more than the 14,000+ miles we've logged since installing them! Roll-On, regardless...

Good morning, Steve; Just downloaded your rally roster - excellent idea, this will be very handy to remember "who's who"... If it's not too awful late for updates, a couple missing data fields on our line for Site A-06 are: State: NM, and Trailer Name: Casablanca Many thanks for all your time compiling the info for this list - with everything else we do, your effort has not gone by un-noticed! Looking forward to meeting you next week and comparing notes. Safe travels, brother! Art ...and a couple Knuckleheads - WOOF!, somewhere in "middle TN":