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Old 08-19-2020, 08:26 PM   #1
Josh_713
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Trailer Lift Kit

Has anybody installed the lift blocks from www.trailerblocks.com ??

I’ve seen them mentioned in a few threads but looking for feedback if anyone has installed them?

With my current setup I’m thinking I could benefit from a 1.5 inch lift on the trailer axles.

Thanks
 
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Old 08-20-2020, 05:12 AM   #2
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If memory serves, Rohrmann said he had to raise his using these or something similar. I can't find the post right now. I had asked about them because we put on the Snap Pads. I ended up just raising the rear jacks one hole.
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Old 08-20-2020, 05:57 AM   #3
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I used those on my truck to lower it, they cost around 20 - 40 bucks depending where you get them at. They're aluminum blocks, their prices are way too high for those. You can order them offline as well. These are often used in lift kits or even some leveling kits on the rear. Most are built using Billet or aluminum, I'd shop around because you can find the entire kit cheaper.
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Old 08-20-2020, 07:23 AM   #4
432bartman
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I was about to do the block route, but was able to level my trailer out by raising the king pin up. Not sure if this is your issue or not. The trailer blocks are like $350.00 an axle, which is a ripoff.
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Old 08-20-2020, 10:09 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
I was about to do the block route, but was able to level my trailer out by raising the king pin up. Not sure if this is your issue or not. The trailer blocks are like $350.00 an axle, which is a ripoff.
I did this to raise the camper 2 Inches. Went to metal dealer bought enough length of 2 inch by spring with aluminum to make 4 blocks drilled and tapped an alignment bolt in the center good to go at $45 dollars in materials, easy peasey. This you can do on the cheap or pay $350 per axle? Yikes... 9/16" longer ubolts on ebay cheap to.
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Old 08-20-2020, 12:52 PM   #6
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We have the 1 1/2" lift and it raised the rear 2 1/4". Leveled it out perfectly. You don't need their tie plates as the originals are heavier than what they make. The U bolts are high quality, the blocks are well, aluminum and fit well. They do not cost $350 per axle. And, the prices are in Canadian so that helps. You can do it for less but I went with convenience and known quality parts.
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Old 08-21-2020, 06:34 PM   #7
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Risks?

My rig is out of level by ~ 2" front to back. What are the risks or downside of adding the blocks?
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Old 08-21-2020, 08:29 PM   #8
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Thanks for all the input.

Glad I didn’t order those kits from trailerblocks.com. I shopped around locally and was able to buy the blocks and u-bolts for $120 (both axles) today. Went with 1 inch blocks as I’m darn close to level but just wanted that extra clearance so that I can sleep soundly at night. Haha

I’ll be sure to post an update once installed.

Attached picture is the before... this is with my hitch at its lowest setting and the kingpin at its highest.
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Old 08-22-2020, 08:37 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh_713 View Post
Thanks for all the input.

Glad I didn’t order those kits from trailerblocks.com. I shopped around locally and was able to buy the blocks and u-bolts for $120 (both axles) today. Went with 1 inch blocks as I’m darn close to level but just wanted that extra clearance so that I can sleep soundly at night. Haha

I’ll be sure to post an update once installed.

Attached picture is the before... this is with my hitch at its lowest setting and the kingpin at its highest.
That looks very much like our rig and how it sits now. A few questions:

1. How much cap to truck bed clearance do you have?
2. Who did the work installing the blocks?
3. Are you experiencing any downside? Does the rig sway more? Do the stairs reach the ground etc?
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Old 08-22-2020, 08:59 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 214skier View Post
That looks very much like our rig and how it sits now. A few questions:

1. How much cap to truck bed clearance do you have?
2. Who did the work installing the blocks?
3. Are you experiencing any downside? Does the rig sway more? Do the stairs reach the ground etc?

That picture is a “before” shot. I picked up the blocks and u-bolts yesterday so hopefully the project will be tackled this coming week. Standby for updates...
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Old 08-22-2020, 09:00 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh_713 View Post
Thanks for all the input.

Glad I didn’t order those kits from trailerblocks.com. I shopped around locally and was able to buy the blocks and u-bolts for $120 (both axles) today. Went with 1 inch blocks as I’m darn close to level but just wanted that extra clearance so that I can sleep soundly at night. Haha

I’ll be sure to post an update once installed.

Attached picture is the before... this is with my hitch at its lowest setting and the kingpin at its highest.
That looks very much like our rig and how it sits now. A few questions:

1. How much cap to truck bed clearance do you have?
2. Who did the work installing the blocks?
3. Are you experiencing any downside? Does the rig sway more? Do the stairs reach the ground etc?
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Old 08-22-2020, 10:37 AM   #12
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By the way Josh, that's a gorgeous rig. Good luck on the project
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Old 08-22-2020, 10:48 AM   #13
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I’m a little high at the front so I’m interested to hear how these blocks work. I’m as low as I can go at the pin so only remedy is raise the RV. I don't have the tools or experience to do it myself so will have to take it to a shop. If it gets ridiculous on price I’ll just have to live with it.
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Old 10-05-2020, 03:46 PM   #14
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Anybody that has added these lifting blocks, Is there a downside to adding them? Do your stairs still touch the ground?
Thanks,
Igoo65
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Old 10-05-2020, 04:08 PM   #15
432bartman
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Josh, you get those blocks installed yet?
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Old 10-05-2020, 05:12 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Igoo65 View Post
Anybody that has added these lifting blocks, Is there a downside to adding them? Do your stairs still touch the ground?
Thanks,
Igoo65
I've had no negative side affects.
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Old 10-05-2020, 05:26 PM   #17
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if I did the lift system, I'd also install the items below and re-enforce the spring mounts to frame.
X-Factor Crossmember for RV | MORryde

IMHO - I did it the expensive way and had IS installed.
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Old 10-05-2020, 07:26 PM   #18
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A little over a year ago, I installed 2" trailer blocks and now the rig is riding level and actually handles much better. The cost for two kits that included four blocks, eight 9/16" U-bolts, and the tie plates, which are needed because your existing tie plates only have 1/2" holes, was 635 CAD, which translated to about $483 US dollars, which yes is a bit high if you have your machine shop set up where you can make them yourself. Having the hydraulic leveling made the job pretty easy and I had no issues doing the install. Below is a photo prior to cutting off the excess bolts. Raising the trailer at the axles did not increase the overall height of the trailer because my highest point is at the front A/C which is very close to the hitch compared to the axles.
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Old 10-05-2020, 08:43 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
A little over a year ago, I installed 2" trailer blocks and now the rig is riding level and actually handles much better. The cost for two kits that included four blocks, eight 9/16" U-bolts, and the tie plates, which are needed because your existing tie plates only have 1/2" holes, was 635 CAD, which translated to about $483 US dollars, which yes is a bit high if you have your machine shop set up where you can make them yourself. Having the hydraulic leveling made the job pretty easy and I had no issues doing the install. Below is a photo prior to cutting off the excess bolts. Raising the trailer at the axles did not increase the overall height of the trailer because my highest point is at the front A/C which is very close to the hitch compared to the axles.
We used the same vendor for our lift blocks. It seems we had a different experience with the tie plates. I ordered their plates and didn't use them. The new plates were thinner than my originals yet the holes in the originals fit the new U bolts. I asked them about this and they said they were in development for making thicker tie plates. They offered to refund the cost of their plates but it would have cost more to return them than the cost of the plates. I think the lesson here is to inquire about the tie plates they offer and compare to the existing plates. IMO the new tie plates are an unnecessary expense.
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Old 10-06-2020, 05:34 AM   #20
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I made my own lift blocks from some 1.75 x 1 inch aluminum stock from Metals Supermarket, four 3/8x1/2 socket head cap screws along with a set of new, 9/16" (instead of Keystone's 1/2") U-bolts from "somewhere". I used the original spring plate after bending the new ones well before reaching the final torque figures



1" thick stock worked with our 5er though if I wanted 2" would have stacked and bolted or welded two pieces together. With material and U-bolts, probably only about 50-60 bucks, a couple hours cutting and minor machining and a possibly couple more hours to install though I did ours when installing wet bolts.
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