172 axle riser retrofit |
Post Reply |
Author | |
HuronSailor
Senior Member Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Location: Owosso MI Status: Offline Points: 860 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: 17 Jul 2009 at 3:50am |
We bought our 172 off the lot, and it had every option EXCEPT the axle riser. After using our Pod for a while, I'm thinking it might be a good idea to add that riser. However, the selling dealer has not responded to my inquiries about retrofitting the riser to our Pod. Another dealer in the area did respond quickly, but unfortunately they responded with "that's not something we do here." They did suggest it could be done on the outside if I could find a reputable welder to make the risers for me. Well hmmm, not to sound immodest, but I do have the facilities and skills to do this job myself. Has anyone else ever attempted this? Did you run into any particularly dicey problems during the process?
|
|
cowboydan73
Newbie Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Status: Offline Points: 23 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Well, I am working on this very thing on a different trailer with torsion axles. As a dealer we are not certified to this type of welding work either. I actually just told the customer no and ordered him a new unit with the axle riser. Obviously that is not a choice for you. I would do 2 things. Take it to a certified welder it can not be more than a few hundred $$$ and second check to make sure cutting and welding into those axles does not void your warranty. That is if you care about the warranty.
|
|
HuronSailor
Senior Member Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Location: Owosso MI Status: Offline Points: 860 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Actually from looking at the photos of the riser in another post by the admin, and looking at my own Rpod, it looks like it's simply a matter of unbolting the axle from the frame, raising the trailer and sticking the risers in there, and bolting the whole thing back together. The risers look like they bolt to the axle with vertical bolts using the holes already provided, but unused, in the mounting plate that's already welded to the axle. Then the risers bolt to the trailer using horizonal bolts through the provided holes in the angle iron that's already welded to the frame.
Doesn't look to me like any cutting or welding on the trailer or axle is needed. This is a fairly simple retrofit that could be done quite easily and quickly in any decently equipped dealer shop if the risers were available.
Seems like there's a demand for this as I'm not the only one interested in this modification. Dealers, get on the stick here - check into this with Forest River and do what it takes to make this option available as a retrofit. It shouldn't be that hard to get the risers from FR already fabbed and you could make a few bucks installing them.
|
|
capringl
Senior Member Joined: 24 Feb 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Status: Offline Points: 115 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
HuronSailor...you should ask Terry (the guy with the most posts on this site). I believe he had the risers installed to lift his rpod...he likes to go offroading! He can probably fill you in.
|
|
Craig
R-Pod 172 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
|
yizit
Senior Member Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Location: Wis. Dells, WI Status: Offline Points: 984 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
We had our dealer add the risers and I believe it was just bolted in place. Don't have it in the yard to verify, but I'm pretty sure. You can order them and add them yourself if you are that handy. We aren't so it was worth it to us to have the dealer install...cost $140.
|
|
Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van |
|
HuronSailor
Senior Member Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Location: Owosso MI Status: Offline Points: 860 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Where did you order the risers from? Direct from FR or from your dealer? Thanks in advance ...
|
|
.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: My Albums :: OurPod Blog ::
|
|
yizit
Senior Member Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Location: Wis. Dells, WI Status: Offline Points: 984 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I'm sure you could order them from the dealer or contact FR to order them. I had contacted FR to inquire about them but our dealer ordered them and installed them for us.
|
|
Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van |
|
TerryM
Senior Member Joined: 05 Apr 2009 Status: Offline Points: 633 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Mine came from the factory with them. Ordered it that way. The one draw back is I can't reach the top when installing the R-Dome. But then, I'm only 5' 8" tall! The riser (lift kit to me) would also be easy to make yourself.
Terry |
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |