A few have commented about the jack under the axle. The RV was being 100% supported by jacks on the frame. The floor jack on the axle was only to move it up/down to align the bolts with the leaf spring. The slight bend in the axle is the crown and all axles should have this. The angle of the shot made it look more exaggerated than it is. All is good is in the trailer hood.
oh thanks for enlightening us on that I thought it was bent too. After having some axle problems with my car recently, seeing that kinda alarmed me a bit
Great Video and essential upgrades. I have to have a spare spare. Most of the ALCAN will be smooth 65-70 MPH/110KPH but from Burwash landing to AK border and all roads in AK are rough (lots of frost heaves (think moguls)). When you installed the mattress I noticed you have the same blinds that came in our rig. I recommend you swap the blinds in your sleeping areas with MCD blackout blinds. 24 hours of daylight makes it hard to sleep without blackout blinds.
FYI I know this video is 2 years old, but if you purchase a mattress from MatressInsider and get the Luxury RV option, which is the top of the line one, it's $100 off right now, PLUS you can ALSO use the KYD10 code and get an additional 15% off the base price. So I saved $185 on an RV King just now! SWEET! Thank you KYD!!!!!
One of the most successful race teams describes "success" as 90% preparation and 10% execution. I love to see quality work being done these days ... it restores my faith in mankind. I've always been a firm believer in preventative maintenance. I can also vouch for the importance of a comfortable mattress and a 5 inch gel/memory foam is ideal for campers of all types. Looks like you'll be well prepared for this season's adventures and I'm looking forward to them :-)
That axle work looks like a great idea before Alaska. Paying the dump fee to get rid of the mattress that came with my trailer was so worth it. I went with the "Tulo" bed in box. Heavier than expected, but very nice. I also picked it up local on a "Holiday Sale" King for queen price Queen for the price of a twin. So Firm Queen for $375! I think the normal price was $650
That under-chassis GoPro view at 8:00 is fantastic. But wow...all that weight on the final leaf of those leaf springs. I would not think it was possible. Very interesting.
Although I usually find your videos interesting and funny, sometimes, I think someone’s been scaring you about the trip to Alaska. In 1992 I pulled an old (ie very heavy) fifth wheel from Arizona to Missouri to Washington state then up the Alcan to anchorage. Three years later I pulled it back down to Missouri! Sold it, bought a small cab over camper and drove it back to Alaska. With a 1991 Dodge Dakota 4x4 extended cab with my wife, three daughters and our 100 lb lab, 200 lbs of Sams favorite dog food, because beau liked it and Alaska didn’t have any Walmart’s yet, a case of oil, case of anti freeze, four 5 gallon cans of gas, and whatever the fresh water tank held. I never got a flat or even a window chip on those trips. Between 92 and 95 I drove up 3 times total and down twice. No problem with gas either! Although the dakota (318 ci, before the magnum) did drop down to 9 mpg thru the mountains, overall it was great. I bought it new in 91 in Phoenix. Drove it until 2002, had 237000 miles, is still driving around anchorage today. You will encounter a lot of road repairing going on fixing winter potholes where you will have stretches following pilot cars, so that will slow you down some in rough road areas, mostly the roads, 22 years after my last trip down, are good, the worst is when you get close to the border at Tok, seems to be a long running dispute on who is responsible to maintain the roads close to the border, and you will encounter some pretty awesome frost heaves you will have to slow way down for during the first half of the day drive from Tok to the anchorage area. My current Dodge Ram 2004 4x4 quad cab I bought new in 04 and it has 270000 miles with zero major repairs, fifth windshield tho, it’s worse around town. This truck has all Alaska miles. I do 3000 miles every two months, just do your regular maintenance and you should be fine. I took your advice and just bought a used motorhome, am retiring this month from self employment, and plan to put some miles on this motorhome. I hope I get to run into you guys if we get in the same AO, will watch your posts. I will probably leave Alaska around the end of June. My kids have all grown and moved to Washington, Texas and Oklahoma. Got me some visiting to do.! Lol! Enjoy your trip, the scenery is outstanding, my favorite drive was in August 95, from Calgary till about halfway to Saskatchewan I had northern lights on the horizon for hours....and don’t leave food unattended outside your camper! Lol!
Yeah, I get it. It's just like Mexico... everything is exaggerated. I still think good suspension, tires, solar and an extra large fuel tank are good for full-time travel. We hope to show what it's really like.
Keep Your Daydream can’t argue with any of those things, my generator won’t run if I have under a quarter tank of gas, safety feature so you don’t run out, although I don’t anticipate needing it often, solar is cool too. Have a great trip.
John I would consider you a very lucky man, not getting even a chip out of your windshield on the Alcan highway. I grew up in Fort Nelson which is mile 300 and everyone I knew had cracked or chipped windshields because of that highway. LOL
I really didn’t care about any of it...aka. Technical stuff. But I just couldn’t stop watching! And it turned out to be quite interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Great video and great upgrades, I also love the footage under Grand Ginger. Thank you for the mattress information. Our mattress is pretty horrible and we've been talking about changing it out. ☺
It feels like forever ago that you posted a video and I know you did one last Sunday. I really love watching your travels and experiences. Your entire family is very good in front of the camera!! Plus, whoever edits, Trish?, is doing a fantastic job as well. I will miss your daughter on your next trip, too. Maybe one day you could start doing two videos a week? Lol, that's my dream. I'll be waiting for your next video. Good luck.
You were in Phoenix for this because Bearing, Bolt, and Chain is one of my vendors. If you ever need custom leaf springs, check out Dunbar Springs (Washington/ 7th Ave)
*Bear* with me here, Marc: Good luck with the new *bearings* on your way to Alaska. Keep your *bearings* , so that you don't take a wrong turn while en-route. Remember to never get in between a Mama Brown *Bear* and her *bear* cubs while up in Alaska, because I can't *bear* the thought of something bad happening. Oh, and be sure to take some *bear* spray along, or you may have to fight off an angry *bear* with only your *bare* hands!! ;-)
Just a toss-in. I put the MORryde SRE 3000 on mine and it suddenly started loosing rubber on the inside edges of the rear set of tires. Not the front. Apparently it changed the toe angle to slightly toe-out on the rear. I then bought a set of Dexter wet equalizers to go back to the factory configuration with a little upgrade.. and all the odd wearing quit. To be fair, per the forums, only a very few have had this issue with any MORryde system. Wouldn't you know..lucky me..I would be one that did.
One thing you may notice in the rv with the MORyde is your items and drawers will be less likely to move or open up during your travels. We noticed this.
Great video Mark and Bearing Girl!!! I missed the leaf spring hanger upgrade on Ginger 1.0. Excellent idea, will have to go back and watch. Ever thought about an endless water heater? I know LJMJ had one installed. Looking forward to the next upgrade vid. Keep safe guys!!!!
We haven't had any issues with our water heater. We have more hot water than we need, but we'll it depends on how cold the water comes out of the ground. We'll see how much we get in BC and AK.
I have driven the Al Can 23 times over the last 38 years. First time I drove it, was all gravel. I was 16 and drove to Fairbanks from S. CA where my grandparents lived. My mother worried to death that I was on this 4000 mile trip at 16 but she got over it and even joined me for the return trip in the fall. I have driven it with VW campers, Pick ups, trailers, motor homes. People still prepare like they are going to the edge of the world in reality the road now days is good and the major towns have everything you find here in the states. I've had a few blow outs but bought a replacement tire at the next town. Never worried about if any thing would failed like bearings. The one thing that I have seen and had happen to me, is travel trailers broke down along the hwy because of broken leaf springs. I would carry a spare spring. I just carried some 6x6 blocks so if a spring broke on the trailer I would jack it up put a block between the axle and the frame and continue on to the next town. If it were the front of the spring I carried a cable come along to attach to the front of the frame and tie the axle from sliding back. The main thing even though the road is good and paved is not to drive over 45 mph as you will hit frost heaves and pot holes unexpectedly. Also the people who go faster never see the wild life along the hwy. You will have people pass you doing 60 mph and you run in to them at a look out or the next town and they will ask "did you see any wildlife?" Yes we saw bears, goats, moose. They say "well we didn't see any thing. That's because they were going to damn fast to see any thing! Even at 45 mph it is hard to get stopped quickly when you see bears and other animals. You also want to keep away from cars as they see something they'll just slam on the brakes with out seeing if a bigger rig that can't stop is behind them. It's a great drive that I have never gotten tired of. Just take your time and have a trip of a life time.
Did you consider adding shock absorbers to the trailer? It would take out most of the wheel hop on the rough sections of road up in AK. I've heard the shock mod does wonders to keep everything in its place while traveling as well . That said ,I'm sure it would go a long way to preserve the tightness factor of every part of the new rig.
Awesome video tonight! Any chance you can give a round about cost of your upgrades? Being newbies we didn't know these should be done. Love what you're doing!!
That's a good idea. I mentioned in the video that the mattress was $395. I paid $600 in labor and the SRE/4000 is roughly $400. The US bearings were around $125 I think.
so the labor for the work was $600 to do the bearing work, weld the new leaf spring brackets brackets, install morryde, and install the new spare tire holder? That seems like a good price - i'm sure it took most of the day. And part prices were SRE 4000 was $400, bearings $125. What about the new spare tire bracket, new leaf spring brackets, and new spare tire / rim ? Also, did the Morryde come with the cross suspension bar or was that an additional component ? Just trying to figure out how much these types of upgrades will cost me when I finally buy my first rig. This is the kind of stuff that people don't think about when purchasing a new rig. I'm guessing between your anti-sway hitch hookup and this work its prob around $3k+ worth of upgrades.
Marc, what Is your best source for learning about the mechanicals of a travel trailer? Do you just know these things given your background or can you suggest a “go to” for learning the ins and outs of trailer upkeep and upgrades?
I’m looking for advice with the morryde 3000 or 4000 with the crossbar. I have a Jayco JayFight 6,200 to 9,200 max load and want to do a better suspension but don’t wanna overkill it. How is ur 4000 and crossbar holding up and did you get the 4000 because of the trailer weight? Great video! Very helpful 👍🏻👍🏻
Just watching your under-trailer GoPro video is proof of why leaf springs are better for this use than torsions. Great video & I'll be living vicariously through you on your trip north.
Loved the suspension mods. On my boat I broke a single leaf spring after I exited the freeway doing 70. While doing about 40 is broke and almost flipped the boat. The right trailer wheel was sticking out of the boat transom if you can picture that. Totaled the trailer. The transom had a small burn spot in the gel coat where the tire rubbed and got hot. 🙈 I spontaneously filled my black tank 😬.
Love your videos. Especially liked the Florida trip and Devils Den Springs. I liked this part about the rv mattress upgrades. Were those mattresses a custom size as I didn't see the size for the bunk mattresses for my 5th wheel
The RV was supported on the frame. The jacks were only used to move the axle up and down to align the bolts. The curve u see in the axle is called a crown and al axles should have them.
Thanks for showing us your upgrades. You never know when you might need to enhance your RV for the future expeditions. I’ll have to definitely show hubby this video. Our fifth wheel master bedroom mattress is not the best I’ll have to look up the company you suggested. Great go pro shots of the new morydes. So that is how they work🧐. Happy and safe travels!!
Arizona foam in down town Phoenix will make custom size beds for your rv as well. That’s where we got our cool gel memory foam toppers for our pop up. It’s even cheaper if you don’t care about there being a cover on it.
Also just wanna say that I am totally jealous of you guys. Wish that I could do something like this. But it ain't happening. I could see my 01, 2500 Dodge with 311,000 miles pulling a camper lol. Your videos are enjoyable and I live vicariously through you! Keep it up!
Hi. How are you planning to go through Canada? I have lived in the area for many years (over 50 years). Let me know and I might be able to make some suggestions. Rob
Really enjoy your videos. I’m with you on the point of bearings. U S bearings only. You can get U S Timken bearings on Amazon cheaper than the made in China bearings at the auto parts stores. Looking forward to your Alaska videos.
The only things I don't like are minor things. -talking with hands. Drives me nuts. -calling a camper a rig like it's a semi or something. It's a camper.
Once again great information and great video. I can only give you two pieces of advice for your trip to Alaska, bug spray and bug spray!!! The mosquitoes are as big as hummingbirds and the fly's are as big as birds!! Keep the rubber on the road.
Keep Your Daydream long sleeve shirts help and no Short's. We went clothes shopping shortly after arrival. It is a beautiful place to see but some times the bugs make it hard to enjoy. Keep the rubber on the road.
Great update. Remember that old adage: "Every day spent in the repair shop before a trip is a day you won't be broken down on the Alaskan Highway. Maybe." I was in a Tractor Supply outlet yesterday and I thought of you guys when I saw some beefy tow straps. 30'X4" with loop ends. Looking forward to the Truck Updates.
I was in Tractor Supply yesterday too. I got the military style 5 gal water tanks. Plus a 5 gal diesel, even though we have 60gal on the truck now. Love TS.
One question - the BAL Hide-a-Spare, have you had any problems carrying 2 spares? Did you have to modify its strength? And just to add to this - I had the suspension on my 2012 Cedar Creek upgraded to the MORryde SRE4000 system at the beginning of February by Cliff's Welding in Mesa after watching this video. They did an amazing job, were very straight forward about everything, and got the unit in and out the same day. I had them box the shackles as well and use wet bolts on the suspension. Have put about 2K miles on the unit since then and things seem to be doing great - no issues. I can tell by the position of the contents inside the RV it's a better ride! Also, I upgraded to G-rated tires some time ago (hoping for better blowout protection) and was concerned about the extra plys roughening up the ride as well. While at Cliff's, I had the TireMinder TPMS system installed (mainly the extending transmitter) and this system is working very well too!
I forgot to input your promo code on my initial order last night. I called Mattress Insider this morning and they fixed it in less then a minute. I'm impressed already and haven't even received my mattress yet!
Kind of surprised that the original bearings were already starting to fail. Doesn't say much about the quality of the original ones, or they weren't properly lubricated when installed. We didn't have any tire failures on the RV on our trip last summer, but we did get several windshield dings and picked up a nail in a tire on the Jeep we tow that was a slow leak until the repair shop pulled it out. Cost all of $10 to get it fixed, although I gave him $20 because he put other work aside to fix mine.
We did have 15k miles on those bearings already. Jake said the manf. doesn't add enough grease. They have enough now. Thanks for input. I might confirm we have 100% glass insurance :)
Let us know what window latch you use. Kids broke ours over the weekend and I had to get a mobile repair. It is fixed but if i replace the mattress I'll have the same issue.
Awesome updates loved the footage you were able to get! And thank you for mattress info we have been talking about maybe just a mattress topper for now but with this knowledge maybe a new mattress!
good call on using US bearings. Not saying Chinese stuff doesn't work, but I've lost count of the amount of times people have driving 200 miles on chinese tires and pop. if the chinese stuff is made under license from a US company, generally it'll pass muster, if not, it's hit or miss.
Awesome upgrades!!! I installed the SRE-4000 and it makes a ton of difference inside the rig, plus about 1.5" higher ride height. I also upgrade to disk brakes about a 1yr ago, all I can is Wow, what an improvement on the drum brakes. Also the Timken bearings is all I have that has not been done yet. Thanks for sharing!!
Did you do yourself, or have done? I have access to the product and am debating if I should do or have done. Doesn't look too difficult, just time consuming?
kent fyfe. Took me a weekend to do leaf springs, heavy duty shackle straps and the MRE4000, then the next weekend took a 150 mile trip and rechecked torque settings a few times along the way.. Disk brakes took a other weekend.. Good luck!
Very good suspension upgrades. Also, a good mattress is a must to have a good night sleep. I have three different toppers on the RV mattress that adds almost 8 inches. It makes the world of difference. Never heard of Mattress Insider but looks good.
Thank you for the recommendation for the Mattress Insider mattresses! When we get our camper, I have a feeling, we will have to change the bed out. I'm 26, but I have a couple herniated discs and scoliosis, so I definitely need something supportive.
Great job! You guys have really been making some killer content! We did the same SRE4000 upgrade to our Fifth Wheel and still love it! Should consider Shocks next.
Keep Your Daydream: lol, you sure make installations look exciting my friend. I'm sure you'll enjoy all the truck and RV upgrades as they are the right ones! The only additional upgrade I would suggest would be to carry several additional spare tires with you. Preferably all steel rated tires. Alaska has roads that can be very unforgivable and last thing you need is to go through your spare and need another. I got is telling me that you need 3 total spare for the TT. safe travels.
What is that thing you are cooking with on the out side kitchen (black stone). Love these videos can hardly wait for the rest of the up grade. Every Sunday I am waiting to watch new video. Don't stop
We really look forward to your Sunday videos and this one was great. My wife and I have been in our Grand Design Reflection 5th wheel since March. We have not done the suspension upgrade yet but I'm thinking about it. We are really looking forward to your Alaska videos!
Hi! I see. Your outdoor kitchen is open, id's Tris going to do a video of her set up? Love the great info, have a new trailer and trying to figure out what to do about my beds! Thanks! Great timing!
Thx for the under axle video! That explains why right there! Also what kind of hitch do you all have? Big orange thing, I think? Thx, luv your video style!
Bought a mattress insider gel two years ago (full time, also) and love it. Did go with double instead of queen short to increase walk around room and it fit the frame perfectly. Their customer service follow up was amazing. I continue to recommend them. And, they are a Colorado company! Say, would love to know how, and with what, you change the emergency window latch so I can do the same. Not for a mattress, but I want to fill that space in my bunkhouse and still be able to open the window without shifting stuff around. Been following your family since the beginning of your journey - love to all!
YAY, Marc & Trish!! You have appeased the RVGods with beefier suspension and they will reward you on your way to, in and from Alaska!! Yes, I groaned over the "bearings gifts" pun so, consider me punned!! ;) Meanwhile: In your previous vid pitching the upgrades, at about 18:01... Did I see a set of Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries??? BRAVO!! It's so wonderful to have such smart friends!!! Watch your tail swing, keep th' greasy side down and keep it 'tweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen th' ditches, Y'All!! :)
you guys will love Alaska. a few years ago we took rv from Chicago . we were supposed to be gone for 10 days. we didn't come home til a month and a half later. eagle and chicken were very interesting little towns. the views in Seward and skagway were amazing. TAKE THE TRAIN RIDE. Be safe some roads a little rough
I'm a new subscriber to y'alls channel. Soon to be purchasing my 1st Travel Trailer! You guys are so helpful and informative. I have literally taken pages of notes from your videos about perfect organization, upgrades, what to look for in a 1st time RV. This video helps more than you know. I've always been concerned with how trailer suspension is made, but seeing this upgrade and the go pro underneath was incredibly helpful!! Keep doing what you do and have fun on your trip to Alaska.
Great stuff as always. The shot of the suspension flexing going over the speed bumps was excellent! When Ginger is all loaded up to the max it would make a good repeat shot to compare. One really begins to understand what those "junk" undercarriages and china bombs are going through on all these rigs flying down the roads. The turning and twisting and failing is a terrible way to learn just how unsafe they really are. Tip of the hat to those guys at the repair shop for the quality work and honest evaluations. Also you can feel good you'll be one of the few rigs traveling with American made bearings!!! Thanks for all you two do. Jim.
Great Recommendations to box the spring supports in. We had a failure last May in our Keystone Raptor RP3712. The mechanic thought we were nuts. NOW we're doing the TrailAir Center Point Air Ride Supension UPGRADE!
Good call on the U.S. made bearings. I have tractors and farm implements, and I use only high quality bearings. They are such a hassle to change, that I don't want to worry about them for a long time. Japanese bearings are also very well made. See you next week!!!
Wow high guys, i't been such a long time!! How the kiddies??? Wow college!.!!! Ok, we are the people you met like 4 years ago at Oatman, AZ. God Bless guys!!
Sailun tires! those are like semi grade 65lb tires. awesome choice! I'll be very curious if you can do Alaska without a blowout. I'm guessing you won't have a blowout with those tires. seriously.
Three trips up and down the ALCAN in two years with a triple axle 43' 5th wheel and no blow outs with the Sailun tires. We have broken two spring hangers and one leaf spring broke in April between Whitehorse and Destruction Bay. with both the spring hanger breaks and spring breaking it completely wore the tread off the tires each time but no blowouts.
Digging these random informative videos. If you haven't already, join the rest of the GD family on the owners forum. BTW, you need a trip to the REAL service academy...the Naval Academy
#SummertoRemember That suspension upgrade seems to really help soak up the bumps! We’re still looking for a trailer. I type this from Rondout Valley Campground in Accord, NY. Still tent camping but hopefully not for long. I received my Summer to Remember T-Shirt! Thank you! I’m waiting to wear it once we have our new trailer.😁
After watching your up grade I thought this would be great to do. Jacked up my 30 ft trailer, and cribbed it up with cross ties. The first thing I notices during the tear down that the bushings were plastic and egg shaped, after only 7,500 miles on a 2016 Aspen Trail (Dutchman) one of the springs had NO bushings (great quality control). Installed the Morride and the cross bracing. Now off to Alaska
