Raising a voltage for more ground clearance - Page 2 - Dutchmen Owners
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Dutchmen Owners > Dutchmen Brand RVs > General RV Related Discussions
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-17-2019, 04:04 PM   #21
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Glendora
Posts: 39
California
I have a 2016 Voltage 3605. First trip over 500 miles I noticed my springs flattening out. Installed new OEM 7 leaf springs.Took a trip to Colorado and snapped a spring which inturn demolished my correct track and Equflex systems. It also caused my frame to bend at the spring mount on the main frame. After deciding to keep the trailer versus a total loss, I contacted Lippert. Apparently Lippert manufactures various frames, hangers and springs that are stronger then the stock suspension Dutchman company was using to build the Voltages. Lippert came out to my house and installed steel cross members from on side of the frame to the other behind both axles. Also installed heavier and longer leaf spring supports for added height. Apparently due to the stock suspension being to light, the trailer main frame rails flex to point where eventually causes to much stress on the leaf springs, mounts, and frame. The system is called a suspension upfit kit. I also went to a 8 leaf higher rated springs. Between the suspension up fit and new springs it game 4 inches more of ground clearance. The trailer ride is more stiff, but I rather have a safe system under me than the piece of crap I purchased new from the dealer. Hope this long winded story helps.
__________________

dmcvey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-17-2019, 08:02 PM   #22
Senior Member
 
Its4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Longmont
Posts: 85
Colorado
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffro View Post
Yes very interested please.

I had a trailer shop straighten the frame and weld new fish plates above where the spring hangers were. They then created a 'sub-frame' out of steel square bar stock which was welded below the existing frame. The sub-frame extends forward and backwards from the front/rear axles about 2 feet for support. To the sub-frame they welded stronger spring hangers and then welded square bar cross members running side-to-side between the spring hangers.



I then replaced the OEM springs with new springs that matched the OEM specs along with a MORryde heavy duty wet-bolt kit with extra thick shackles.



Finally, I installed a disk brake kit which utilizes 9/16" wheel studs instead of the 1/2" studs that came with the OEM drum hubs.
__________________

__________________
2016 Voltage 3200
2015 Silverado 3500HD SRW CC
2014 Harley Davidson FLHTK
Its4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 11:46 AM   #23
Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Hays
Posts: 30
Kansas
Very nice
That is pretty close to what I am thinking about doing. I am still trying to decide if I am going to add the tubing under the frame or just do bigger hangers like maybe 12” or longer and attach the cross braces to those.
Had not thought about the disc brake kit, what kit did you use for that?
Also what size was the tubing added under the frame?
Thanks for sharing very helpful
Jeffro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 12:35 PM   #24
Senior Member
 
Its4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Longmont
Posts: 85
Colorado
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffro View Post
Very nice
That is pretty close to what I am thinking about doing. I am still trying to decide if I am going to add the tubing under the frame or just do bigger hangers like maybe 12” or longer and attach the cross braces to those.
Had not thought about the disc brake kit, what kit did you use for that?
Also what size was the tubing added under the frame?
Thanks for sharing very helpful
The brake kit is a performance trailer braking kit.

The square tubing appears to be 2” by 2”. The spring hangers are the same length as the original ones. I only wanted to raise it 2” at the axles, which brings the rear up almost 4”.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	AA064BBA-F1B5-48B3-9669-9F23B387D594.jpg
Views:	284
Size:	57.0 KB
ID:	5515   Click image for larger version

Name:	E18F67B9-BC26-4750-82B3-4B51752029DB.jpg
Views:	245
Size:	56.7 KB
ID:	5516   Click image for larger version

Name:	6CC120EC-14CC-424B-9CA3-27A3D38F9041.jpg
Views:	261
Size:	57.5 KB
ID:	5517   Click image for larger version

Name:	1702B2C2-497A-4234-B378-AD39E830D848.jpg
Views:	247
Size:	57.6 KB
ID:	5518  
__________________

__________________
2016 Voltage 3200
2015 Silverado 3500HD SRW CC
2014 Harley Davidson FLHTK
Its4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dutchmen RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT. The time now is 02:02 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2020 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.
×