Recommended Timbren Axle-Less Suspension System for 2017 Forest River Surveyor  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Installing the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System on your trailer is a great idea. I recommend sticking with a 3,500 pound system to match what you currently have. While the axle is typically the primary factor when it comes to determining a trailer's overall capacity, it is not the only component that contributes to its limit. The hubs, wheels, frame itself, etc will all work to establish the trailer's listed limits. This simply means that replacing the 3,500 pound axles on your trailer with higher rated 5,200 pound units will not necessarily raise the trailer's capacity to this new limit. The higher rated system might end up just giving the trailer a rougher ride, since they will be a bit over-rated. You also won't be able to use your existing hub and drum assemblies, as they will not fit the spindles on the new system.

I recommend going with the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System - 3,500 Pounds # ASR3500S05. This system features straight, EZ Lube spindles that should not alter the height of your Forest River Surveyor, but you can take a quick measurement to be sure. Simply measure from the center of the hub on your current axle to the bottom of the frame. You can then compare that measurement to this system, which will feature a 3-13/16 inch measurement from the center of the spindle to the bottom of the frame.The spindles are compatible with 3,500 pound hubs that use the # L68149 inner bearing and # L44649 outer bearing. As long as this matches your current hubs, you will be able to transfer those over to the new spindles without issue. This Axle-Less system will provide a smooth, quiet, and safe ride. The AEON progressive-rate main springs absorb road shock and will do a great job of supporting the trailer's load.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations, including a sample installation, that you can also take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

Richard

3/26/2018

Thank you for your reply. I will take your advice and stay with the 3500 lb axles. But I do not want to transfer over the bearings, brakes and drums, I would rather get the axles complete with brake drums +, just in case I run into some problems I could go back to the original set up and I think I could sell my existing axles better if they were complete with brake drums and bearings. So which part # should I get?

Chris R.

3/26/2018

For the Timbren System that includes the electric brake hubs, I recommend the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System # A35RS545E. This is the same 3,500 pound system with straight spindles, except that it includes the two electric brake hubs and assemblies. The hubs feature a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern, so you will just want to make sure this matches the bolt pattern on your existing wheels. I have attached a short video demonstration on this system as well that you can check out.