Recommended Suspension Upgrade for Grand Design 17MKE Travel Trailer

Published 11/15/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shock Absorbers - Tandem 5K Trailer Axles

(146)

$1875.00

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 15123

(2074)

$9.82

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs

(266)

$112.08

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs

(286)

$117.63

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 25580

(2074)

$21.85

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre Greased

(1075)

$287.45

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle - 4" Lift - 5 Bolt - 3.5K

(164)

$1305.78

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(778)

$72.79

Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 3,500-lb Axle

(184)

$725.00

Question:

What about the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension? What I'm trying to achieve is to make a regular travel trailer somewhat off road capable for boondock.

asked by: Alex R

Expert Reply:

Since your Grand Design 17MKE has a GVWR of 6,395 lbs, you more than likely have 3,500 lb axles. That being the case, the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit # RM-2460-2560 will not fit your travel trailer. Although Roadmaster does not have a kit like this for 3,500 lb axles, I do have another option.

I recommend the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers # RM-2450 which are designed for 3,500 lb axles. Your trailer will need to have the leaf springs on top of the axle for these shocks to fit. If they are currently below the axle, you can use the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00 to move them. Doing this will raise the trailer by the thickness of the leaf spring stack and diameter of the axle.

Along with the shock absorbers, I recommend the Road Armor Shock Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle - Qty 2 # LC696740. These cushioned equalizers, combined with the shock absorbers, will be the best upgrade you can make and the equivalent to the full Roadmaster kit.

I have attached some review and installation videos for you to check out, including one for a 2020 Grand Design Imagine where you can see the Road Armor equalizer working together with shock absorbers.

expert reply by: Robin H

Alex R.

11/15/2021

What about the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension? What I'm trying to achieve is to make a regular travel trailer somewhat off road capable for boondock.

Robin H.

11/15/2021

For something that will give you more off-road capability, the Timbren would be your best choice. I recommend the Timbren Heavy-Duty Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - 4" Lift Spindle - Off-Road Tires - 3,500 lbs. # ASR35HDS02. Two of these (four total units) will be able to replace your existing 3,500 lb axles. The units work independently which will be ideal for off-road conditions. The 4" lift will give you additional clearance, and they are compatible with low-pressure, off-road tires. These have a 5 bolt brake flange pattern, and use inner bearing # 25580 and outer bearing # 15123. The inner grease seal diameter is 2.125". If you need a new hub and drum assembly, I recommend the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 # 8-201-9UC3-EZ. For brakes, check out the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # 23-459 for the right and # 23-458 for the left. I have attached a review of the Timbren system for your reference.