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Old 08-03-2013, 07:31 AM   #1
TxBryant
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Default Explain Lift Kit

I see the term "lift kit" being used. What does that mean and what does a lift kit do? What are advantages of having one and problems if you don't have one?
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Old 08-03-2013, 07:59 AM   #2
rvcycleguy
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The primary benefit for a lift kit is to allow 15" wheels/ tires which offer more load rating than the stock 14"s. Many owners overload their units. It also lifts the chassis to give the TM more road clearance. It's been mentioned that the 14s develop more heat due to the diameter and RPMs then a 15. More heat is one of the reasons tires blow out. When tires blow out on RVs, it's not a pretty sight or cheap repair.
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Old 08-03-2013, 09:51 AM   #3
Brittany Dogs
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To my knowledge, if the unit already has 15" wheels on it, you don't have to worry about the lift kit. It either already has one or it is one of the newer units that was manufactured that way to already accommodate the 15" wheels.
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Old 08-03-2013, 05:58 PM   #4
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To go back to the originaql question - "what is a lift kit?"

When a TM is built, the frame (the body) of the trailer rests on the axle assembly. A "lift kit" is simply a spacer that goes between the two, and lifts the body of the trailer a couple inches further off the axle, and hence a couple inches further off the ground.

As noted in previous responses, there are a couple reasons to do this. One is to lessen the likelihood that the body of the TM will drag on the ground when exiting a gas station or travelling over rough ground,. Another is to increase the clearance above the tire so that a larger tire can be used.

When a lift kit is used to raise the trailer further off the ground, it also raises the center of gravity of the trailer, which is not always a good thing. As usual, there are tradeoffs.

I seem to recall that Bill Miller from Houston posted a good description and some good pictures. Try here

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=12132

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Old 08-03-2013, 05:59 PM   #5
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To go back to the original question - "what is a lift kit?"

When a TM is built, the frame (the body) of the trailer rests on the axle assembly. A "lift kit" is simply a spacer that goes between the two, and lifts the body of the trailer a couple inches further off the axle, and hence a couple inches further off the ground.

As noted in previous responses, there are a couple reasons to do this. One is to lessen the likelihood that the body of the TM will drag on the ground when exiting a gas station or travelling over rough ground. Another is to increase the clearance above the tire (the tire is mounted on the axle assembly) so that a larger tire can be used.

When a lift kit is used to raise the trailer further off the ground, it also raises the center of gravity of the trailer, which is not always a good thing. As usual, there are tradeoffs.

I seem to recall that Bill Miller from Houston posted a good description and some good pictures. Try here

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=12132

Bill
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