Will Heavy Duty Shocks Fit Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer 66" Trailer

Question:

I am typically loading 200+ LBS of gear, cargo, equipment, etc. on my Yakima Rack and Roll 66inch trailer and I think it is time for me to replace the shocks. I feel that getting the standard shocks is not cutting it and I would like to use the heavy-duty shocks instead, esp. when the difference between the 66inch and 78inch is just the length of the cross bars. Can you please answer the following questions: - What can go wrong with using the heavy-duty shocks on the 66inch trailer? - Have you had customers use them with no issues on the 66inch trailer? I personally would like to try the heavy-duty shocks given the weight of my trailer load and it is also cheaper to get the heavy-duty shocks. If I purchase the 78 Crossmember Kit Item # Y08111, will the kit come with wiring for the lights inside the crossmembers or do I need to purchase them separately? Anything else I would need to consider purchasing with the kit?

asked by: Johnny G

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to Yakima, the Heavy Duty Shocks for Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer # Y08110 should only be used if you add the 78" crossmember kit # Y08111. They didn't have an exact reason for this, but it sounds like the concern is people will attempt to overload the trailer if they only add the heavy duty shocks.

The shocks alone won't increase the capacity of the # Y08106 which is 250 lbs with the standard or heavy duty shocks. We don't have any direct reports of customers using these on the 66" trailer. Ultimately, we have to stick with what the manufacturer says so I don't recommend it without the 78" crossmembers.

Adding the crossmember kit will take you up to a 350 lb capacity giving you an additional buffer. It will also increase the usable space on the trailer. The kit comes with the wiring you need in the crossbars so you don't have to worry about purchasing anything else.

expert reply by: Robin H