Axle Risers
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2125
Printed Date: 05 May 2024 at 3:36pm
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Topic: Axle Risers
Posted By: psaman
Subject: Axle Risers
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 1:30pm
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I am thinking again of installing axle risers on our 177; which had me wondering, just how many of you out there actually have them? I am aware of most of the pros and cons and for me it comes down to getting a better tank flush at some of the parks we stay at. ------------- 2011 R-177 "Sponge-Pod" 2011 F-150 XLT "Texas Edition" |
Replies:
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 2:32pm
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We waited 2 years before we added them. We have had no regret, the positives are greater than what ever negatives there may be in our opinion. I would recommend getting them. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 2:49pm
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I ordered my from the factory with it installed. Actually I was the first one to get the riser at Couches RV. Love it! One way to get a better flush when you empty your tanks is to stop just short of where you need to be to empty. Put a small wedge in front of the door side tire then pull up onto the wedge. That will get you a better "empty". Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: Cay
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 6:01pm
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We had the risers put on our 171 before towing it off of the RV dealer's lot. It cost us another 2 weeks of waiting to take the camper home and a missed opportunity to camp, but it was the best decision we made. As I followed behind my husband in our car, and watched him tow the camper out of the driveway, there's not doubt in my mind that the camper would have bottomed out...and badly had we not had the risers on. Same thing would have happened when we backed it into our driveway at home. |
Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 8:06pm
Personally I don't think it really helps with the flush..we are (the-pods) still low to the ground in relation to dump "hole". Your only 2" higher than before with risers...one of the tricks to better flushing is use more water, and don't dump unless your about 3/4 full...If your going to leave and want to dump...just fill the tank a little more and gravity will assist. Lee  ------------- Still a work in progress, lots of pictures. http://podterfly.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 10:19pm
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I'm not getting them for three reasons, and they are my own reasons and opinion so don't come down hard on me.  The first reason is that the height of my Pod with the antenna and low profile A/C on my roof is 9 foot 1 inch and any higher than that and I am afraid of some of the low-lying U shaped bridges around my house. In most cases, you have to be right in the center of those underpasses just to fit. One of them is 10 foot 4 inches, and the other one is 9 foot 4 inches. That is cutting it really close, especially if you hit a bump and bounce just a tad while inside the bridge's underpass. The second reason is that I feel there is enough drag and wind resistance both front to back and side to side on both my truck and my pod slowing my speed as it is. I can only imagine what adding 2 more inches in height would do to both my accelerator foot as well as my gas milage. The third reason is that I like the look of my Pod just the way it is and if the stabilizer jacks on the back scrap ground once in a while I'm ok with that. ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: iamsmonk
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 10:23pm
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I too am seriously considering the risers on our 177. My biggest reason for wanting them is the uneveness of some of the sites we frequent. Our favorite state park isn't real fond of scraping the gravel road and sites. Lots of rain this summer has created ruts which put my stabilizers and the waste plumbing VERY close to the ground on numerous occasions. The last site we were at was kinda sloped and when I leveled the pod, the storage tube for our sewer hose was seriously about an inch off the ground. I also think it would help with our step as well. I would love to raise the pod and then install a 2 step assembly. As it is now, you have a real short step onto the step then one giant step into the pod. I really think I've already made up my mind to get them, just waiting til I have some extra cash laying around. I plan to order them directly from FR and I have a trailer place literally 1 mile from my house who will install them for me. Don't know yet what they will charge, but other work they have done for me has been very reasonable.
Lee: Can you tell my why 4" risers will only raise the pod 2"? ------------- Sherrie & Carol, Henri, Jay & Tanner 2004 Dodge Dakota w/4.7 V8 2011 r-pod 177 Let's go camping! |
Posted By: psaman
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 10:24pm
------------- 2011 R-177 "Sponge-Pod" 2011 F-150 XLT "Texas Edition" |
Posted By: psaman
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 10:26pm
------------- 2011 R-177 "Sponge-Pod" 2011 F-150 XLT "Texas Edition" |
Posted By: psaman
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2011 at 10:33pm
All valid reasons. Actually one of the reasons I didn't have them put on at first, was because of a low tree limb across my driveway. But as it turned out, we decided to keep it at a nearby storage lot, so height is not an issue anymore. Like you I love the way our pod looks now, but we will love it even after a growth spurt!!  ------------- 2011 R-177 "Sponge-Pod" 2011 F-150 XLT "Texas Edition" |
Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 12:43am
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My bad...Just went out and measure 3.3/4".... Don't get me wrong...I am happy I got them...Podterfly is more level when she is being towed instead of a backward slat (which is why the back stabilizer get scraped). Lee ------------- Still a work in progress, lots of pictures. http://podterfly.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 3:30am
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As can be seen it comes down to the individuals own wants and needs. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 8:14am
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We will not install them at this point. Our 13y.o. golden can/will just barley do the single step now, and that is only since I made a step cover that makes the step about double what it was size wise. He won't even attempt to climb into our 'stream, it's two steps. We have to lift him in and out of the Ex, not easy with a 95lb dog..
------------- |
Posted By: psaman
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 11:02am
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It would seem that the overwhelming majority have them and are glad about it. Those that don't have them are for good reasons too. I think I will probably order them soon and thanks to an earlier post by FISHTAIL, will install them myself. Thanks to everyone that voted and replied! ------------- 2011 R-177 "Sponge-Pod" 2011 F-150 XLT "Texas Edition" |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 8:03pm
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Gotta say: I just spent two hours replacing the black water valve on the 171...somehow the handle got broken off the valve blade itself. Fortunately there is a clean out near a basement window and I could drain the tank using the hose thru the window. Replacing the valve was another story. The clearances are minimal, but having the extra 3.75 inches off the ground was a real advantage.
Not only that, but we don't need to worry about bottoming out on every coming and going.... ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 8:13pm
Great idea, Terry! Can't wait to try that.
About the risers, I debated with myself about them off and on all summer. Okay - I scraped the pavement a time or two and dug up a little dirt parking in the driveway. No big deal, right? But at the end of the summer, I had them installed and I'm glad I did. It has given me peace of mind, and yeah, it does help a little bit at the dump station.
Diane ------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 8:30pm
I have this problem as well. My black lab is getting older and just can't jump in and out of the truck like he used to. The argument about leveling out the Pod just a bit more is compelling. I do notice that there is a slight dip in the back due to the fact that the hitch is slightly higher than it should be by about 3 inches. Maybe someday I will consider it, but not right now. ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: Leaflin
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 8:36pm
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We installed ours this year and are pleased with the
result. I like the fact that the step is a bit higher. They make dumping easier where we camp. One thing we did was lower the fenders to compensate
for the difference so the appearance remains the same. ------------- Leaf-Pod 173 97 Ford Explorer http://www.leaflin.net - http://www.leaflin.net |
Posted By: Bridge707
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 9:10pm
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I currently tow with a 2 inch drop on my hitch. Those of you who have installed the risers did you have to change you hitch? I do not use a Weight Distribution unit. Any input would be appreciated we have had them installed while dealer was doing warranty work. Thanks ------------- Greg Bridgeman Honesty is telling the truth Integrity is telling the thruth when it hurts |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 9:21am
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Thanks, I might try something like that with my Bal leveler. I bought it a few months ago, but have not actually needed to use it since. [/QUOTE] =============== Just included a Bal leveler with the sale of our old teardrop trailer. Worked great ...but be certain you are willing (and able) to kneelmon the ground and crank that ratchet wrench - - it gets OLD fast ! Consider a set of those yellow leveling blocks. Just sayin' .... MJ ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 2:23pm
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Ours came with stabilizers, but otherwise I would have added them myself. The only thing I don't like about them is that it makes the end of the Rdome that attaches to the camper not able to be staked to the ground as it raises that side of it up as well. Nothing some bungee cords can't fix but I wish there were Rdomes made for units with risers.  ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Tri-Pod
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 2:54pm
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We have talked about adding them and so far no problems. It seems to make sense to add them before you have a problem and break something. I will probably add them this fall. Clark
------------- 2010 PR 176 sold 2012 replaced with 2013 SP 240 w outside kitchen 2012 Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4x2 5.7L V8 Me, My Honey, and Max our GSP |
Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 6:07pm
Yes, my hitch had to be changed. The dealer did that for me after installing the risers. ------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 6:30pm
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Our risers actually pitched the pod to just the right angle behind the Dakota, so no hitch change was needed. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: psaman
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 6:50pm
 ------------- 2011 R-177 "Sponge-Pod" 2011 F-150 XLT "Texas Edition" |
Posted By: Bridge707
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 9:25pm
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We picked up Goofy today with the risers installed. We simply flipped the 2 inch drop giving it a 2 inch rise and it all worked out perfectly. My only regret on the risers is that I waited this long to put them on. ------------- Greg Bridgeman Honesty is telling the truth Integrity is telling the thruth when it hurts |
Posted By: Leaflin
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 9:44pm
We flipped ours also. ------------- Leaf-Pod 173 97 Ford Explorer http://www.leaflin.net - http://www.leaflin.net |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2011 at 7:32pm
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I was concerned that the jacks would scrape but that hasn't been a problem. I had planned on having them installed when I had the spring maintenance done, but until I scrape I don't see the need. I had to lift the hose last time I dumped, but a couple of inches wouldn't have done it. The park was made for the whales, and a guppy like an r-pod was just undersized. The dumps were plumbed 8 inches above the ground! ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2011 at 7:36am
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I've run into that multiple times, even with my risers. I see now why so many campers have 6" less headroom but 6" more ground clearance than the pod. I've considered getting a macerator which should solve this problem, but then I'm trading a big hose for a little hose and a pump, and I couldn't leave my gray tank open all the time unless I also took the big hose. So lots more fiddle factor. http://www.cleandump.com/ - http://www.cleandump.com/
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: pmjensen
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2011 at 9:54am
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I had risers installed before we picked ours up over a year ago. As to dumping, with the risers I have never had a problem at any of the locations where we have camped. I think I would have without risers. (Sorry to disagree with you Lee). As for the dome, I use bungee cords to connect the closest 2 connection points and wrap them around the foot of the stabilizer. Then use a long tent spike for the next ones. I have found this to be a very good solution. In short I would get them again. ------------- 2011 R-176 Nuestro Pod 2014 Silverado |
Posted By: harleyguy1
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2011 at 6:20pm
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This sewer solution works well and will pump uphill. Sold by Camping World. http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/sewer-solution/16617 - http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/sewer-solution/16617 ------------- Marshal 2011 R-177 Longview, Tx |
Posted By: Rabbit
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2011 at 11:36pm
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What are axle risers and what are they used for? Rabbit |
Posted By: Rabbit
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2011 at 11:38pm
| Does Forest River sell full covers for the different R Pods? |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2011 at 8:09am
Axle risers are spacers that go between the axle and the frame, lifting the BODY of the camper about 4" higher. If you search for pictures of a "Hood River Edition", they all have them.. I think in the west, any place with Pods will have HRE's , or heck maybe that is all you have out there...? Forest River does sell covers, most think them a bit expensive and get one from Northern Tool or Cabela's, among other places that carry them. If you get or have an 18 series.. right now the only source is F.R. ------------- |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2012 at 9:31pm
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I think you guys may have convinced me to get the risers. If I am correct in your assessments, they will help me level out the Pod to where the hitch hooks up. Right now, I have a 3 1/4 inch drop on my hitch and the Pod is nose up... enough that it is not level when I am hanging out in the Pod while still hooked up to the Trailblazer. I was doing some measuring and even after getting the risers, I may still have to get a different hitch or a 5 1/4 inch drop hitch in order for the Pod to be more level when hitched. Why the hell is my Trailblazer so high? Anyone else have or have had a Trailblazer in the past encounter this conundrum? As I mentioned before, when my Pod is hitched the Pod is a bit low on the back which does bother me some and I did scrape the back stabilizers a couple of times on the drive down the bumpy backroads in VA last year. I know I mentioned before about the increase in height, but I guess I will have to deal with the increase in 4 inches and avoid those bridge underpasses that are lower. Questions. Am I to believe that the height will increase 4 inches? How high will the whole Pod be with the risers (with the A/C)? I am not crazy about installing my risers myself, but the nearest Pod service center is quite a distance away from me. I figure that if I can grease my own bearings, I should be able to do the axle risers. What is the torque pounds one has to have on the bolts that hold the risers in place? I have a torque driver that will go as high as 180 pounds of torque. Another reason I am considering the axle risers is that there are a few places (namely a Duncan Donuts in Marshalls Creek, PA) where the dip in the parking lot entrance is so deep that I can see scrape marks in the macadam that were made by many other vehicles passing over that spot. I just know that I would bottom out there and in a few other spots. Thanks again to those on this forum who have posted information on this and are willing to answer my questions. I love you guys.  ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2012 at 9:47pm
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I am actually thinking about keeping the same hitch which is a 3 1/4 inch drop because it may actually work with the 4 inch axle risers. In other words, I'll see what the difference is after installing the axle risers. It might just level out without the lower ball hitch. In addition to the other questions in the above post, can anyone point me to the post with the picture of the different Pods side-by-side (one with the risers and one without). I know there is a thread here that shows the step-by-step with pictures of how to install the risers. Can you guys point me to that thread. Thanks. Edit: I just remeasured and it looks like with the 4" axle risers, my Pod will level up almost to within one inch of my Trailblazer hooked up with the 3 1/4" drop on my hitch that I have now.
------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2012 at 8:46pm
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I would wait to see how it levels out in the real world. In the end you want the tongue either level or slightly nose-down. I think the instructions say how much to torque everything down, but its been a while so I don't remember off the top of my head.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2012 at 8:22pm
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Determine if you have a Dexter or Lippert Axle before ordering risers from Forest River. Your manual should be able to tell you which you have. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2012 at 11:04pm
So, I couldn't find anything in the manual that indicated whether it is a Dexter or Lippert axle. Which is it? When I called Forest River, the nice lady took down the last four numbers of my VIN number, so I assume she gave me the right ones. The riser they sent me is the Lippert. Doesn't anyone have any insight as to if I received the right one. I briefly looked under my pod and it looks to be about right. Thanks for the info. ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2012 at 6:00pm
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It's supposed to be warm tomorrow (53 degrees), so I plan on doing the axle risers and greasing the bearings in the morning. Unfortunately, I won't be able to dewinterize the pod as the temperature is still going to be in the 20s for the next couple of weeks. I peered under the Pod to look at the configuration of the axle and bolts and it seems to match up to the Lippert one they sent me and the picture of the DIY thread. I'll let you know if I have any problems. I'm hoping that this will be pretty straight-forward and not too time-consuming. ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2012 at 9:43pm
As you might have seen from an earlier post, FR sent me the wrong riser kit, they billed it as a dexter, but sent me a lippert, brandy in fr parts got it fixed super fast, look on the right side of the axle there should be a label, also where the factory frame bolts to the axle the dexter bolt holes are 8 iches on center the lippert are 8 and 3/4. good luck, make sure the frame is supported well, make sure someone is near, dont get under the pod with the tire offwith less than two types of support, also lay the tire flat and push it under the middle of the axle, if all else fails it will drop and hit the rim possibly saving you. good luck and report back.  ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Snowbound
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2012 at 11:19pm
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We camped from Alberta to Ontario and then down to Arizona and back then Tom had the risers installed at our RV dealer. There were just too many gas stations and parking lot entrances where our stabilizers dragged or even dug in. We had no trouble in campgrounds or dumping but getting stuck halfway out of a parking lot with traffic heading towards us convinced him he was not willing to drag the pod around all next summer having the same fears. I believe they switched the hitch height by truning it upside down. ------------- Tom and Bette in our 177 "The Gastropod" |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2012 at 11:04am
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I mis-spoke...please read 'dsmiths' thread further on. There is a label on the right side of the axle which gives the manufacturers name. It has been awhile since I installed my risers. I rechecked my manual...nothing said about the axle. FR may install either axle so no use in printing the axle in the manual. So if your Pod is new...the label should be quite easy to read.
------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: UPWILD
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2012 at 6:30pm
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The comments on axle risers are very interesting. Never gave it thought before. Anyone put them on 151? UPWILD ------------- UPWILD |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2012 at 6:34pm
Well guys, I installed my axle risers and what a difference it makes. I did have a scary moment on installing the second axle riser. When I took the nuts and bolts out of the last one, it slid sideways and I had to pull it to one side so that the holes would match up. In doing so, the axle slipped off the jack and hit the ground. Hopefully that didn't screw anything up, and luckily my leg wasn't under there when it happened. After getting the holes matched up, I finished the job while also greasing the bearings after each one done. It looks really good and really raises the pod off the ground. An even more amazing thing... when I hooked up the pod to the hitch, after the back of the truck dipped about 2 inches, I put a level on the pod and it was perfectly level. No more having the pod dip in the back. Now I can leave the pod hooked up if I'm on the road and want to take a nap in a parking lot. Oh, and I know I won't have any problem now with any of the dips in the entrance to many parking lots and the dips in the dirt roads in the VA campsites. So I am very happy to say the least.  It was quite a job though... took me a little longer than it probably should have. I would like to know though, how high is my pod with the axle risers (I have the air conditioner on the roof)? Have any of you guys considered getting larger tires? How large can you go with your tires? I will probably go to the 15" tires or larger when these 14" tires wear out. A final note: I love this forum. I would have never attempted this had it not been for the DIY thread. ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: Rabbit
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2012 at 9:18pm
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If the axle risers add four inches your total height now is 9' 10" for a R Pod 172. Enjoy! |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2012 at 10:55pm
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Rabbit is right, think 10, when driving under bridges, overpasses etc, if you got a pod, on a 1 to 10 scale with 1 being no fun and 10 being we are really having a good time, think 10, when approaching bridges, going into gas stations with that ugly flat roof, fast food joints (of which I try to avoid at all costs) I sometimes forget they have thoses pesty little awnings that stick out. 10 feet of pod altitude can make a mess of a Arby's awning, I have to change modes when towing the pod, its kind of like taxing an airplane, they are not very long but really wide, my old 1946 taylorcraft wss 34 feet wide wing tip to wing tip and when on the ground you had to think when you were taxiing. My wife Donna has a friend at work that got a pull behind and guess what, they forgot about the height, went under an overpass and sheared off the roof a.c. Ouch, Have fun, Be safe. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 7:29am
I had the dealer put the risers on my 2010 RP-151. Cost $150 for parts an labor and a few hours. Best thing I ever did to that trailer.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: jdsanders
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2014 at 1:33pm
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I am bottomed out on my rear stabilizer jacks a time or two and am thinking about installing axle risers on my RP174. Thanks above for all the pros and cons of adding the risers. I would prefer to raise my 174 only 2". Rather than installing axle risers, I am considering changing the 14" wheels and tires for 15" in order to raise the axle and camper 2" or more. Has anyone on this forum done that or do you know anyone who has? I assume I would also have to raise my fenders. What are the pluses and minuses of doing this? ------------- Jerry |
Posted By: GingerPod
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2014 at 7:06pm
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Axle risers are a must have in my opinion,so much so the dealer I bought my 178 from has all their Pods equipped with risers that they sell. They just ride too low without them.Raising the fenders to accommodate 15" tires is not necessary. In fact when I swapped to 15" tires I lowered them almost 2" so they don't look so high and out of proportion.Keep in mind though I have 4" risers. I couldn't comment on the fit of 15" wheel to fender clearance without risers.There is not but about 1" of compression wheel travel,so fenders could be fairly tight to the tires with no ill effects. Here is how Pods look with 15" tires,4" axle risers and lowered fenders. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5162&title=wheeltire-fender-upgrade-mod - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5162&title=wheeltire-fender-upgrade-mod ------------- FOUND OUR NEW-RETRO TEARDROP!!! |
Posted By: jdsanders
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2014 at 5:51pm
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------------- Jerry |
Posted By: jdsanders
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2014 at 5:58pm
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Thanks for the info on 15" tires and pics. That is great info that switching from 14" to 15" tires will only raise my 2010 RP-174 only one inch. I guess that would help but I prefer to raise it 2"-3". I understand the risers raise it 4". What about switching to 16" tires and raising the fenders? You do understand I am trying to raise the axle too? ------------- Jerry |
Posted By: GingerPod
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2014 at 9:28pm
Not quite sure why you are trying to raise the axle as well.There is plenty of clearance given the fact that there is no differential pumpkin hanging down in the center as with a rear axle of a typical Truck.As the wheels traverse a bump,the axle rises with it. Unless of course one where to straddle a 8" boulder in the middle of the road,that would be a problem.But even the worst of roads that is unlikely and speeds traversing would be very slow. The 4" axle risers,better to be called "body" risers" work well on steep inclines keeping the rear stabilizer jacks from leaving their mark in the asphalt. The 205/75/15 tires are 1" larger in diameter then the stock 205/75/14 tires effectively gaining 1/2" of axle clearance to the ground (half the diameter gain) Raising the Pod 4" with the available risers is fine.The extra 2 to 3 inches that you would like would require custom fabricated riser blocks and unlikely to have R&D or any engineering or testing. In my opinion not worth the extra effort,money or risk for an inch or so difference. A 16" tire for an additional 1/2" axle clearance ,over a 15",is certainly doable.Quite a large and heavy tire though.The added weight and rolling inertia may work the brakes a little harder. ------------- FOUND OUR NEW-RETRO TEARDROP!!! |
Posted By: jdsanders
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2014 at 10:12pm
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The way you described it, switching to 16" tires is not worth the effort to raise axle 1". My axle is only 7" off ground to bottom of axle pipe which seems mighty low. I guess I will order the risers. Thanks for all your help.
------------- Jerry |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2014 at 11:01pm
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Jerry, you might consider this, travel trailers have been running on the tires and axel config for years and I personally have not heard of very many axel related problems related to clearance . Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |