Chasis work on 5W

charlyhors · June 24, 2015

We've been fulltiming for almost a year in a 2005 32' Hitchhiker 5W. I would estimate the prior owner put between 30K to 50K miles on it in his 10 years, and we have put another 8K on it this year.

We mostly boondock, so we slowly go over dirt roads, some of which are a bit rutty. I've been wondering if I should replace the shocks on this unit? Any thoughts. Also, thinking of having the wheel bearings repacked and trailer brakes inspected, as the trailer brake adjustment has to be all the way to 10 for it to work well.

Could I get some opinions as to what chasis work makes sense, and where one might take a unit like this to have work done? I do all the routine maintenance, but don't have the equipment or inclination to do chasis work myself.

Thanks. Charlie

HamRad · June 24, 2015

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Ronbo · June 24, 2015

Don't just replace the brakes. Purchase the loaded backing plate. Cut the wire next to the old plate. Unbolt the old plate and bolt the new plate in place. Reconnect wires. You have now replaced your brakes.

MrSeas · June 24, 2015

If close to Chanute Kansas take It to the people who know Hitchhikers the best....the service center at Kansas RV. They are the former Nu-Wa factory folks.

Big Greg · June 24, 2015

I give the same recommendation as MrSeas above. NuWa in Chanute, KS has an excellent service reputation. If you do call to make an appointment as they are often booked. Depending on the chassis work they sometimes refer you to Young's Welding next door, Young's has made most of NuWa's frames. Greg http://www.nuwa.com/

Randyretired · June 24, 2015

Suspension, brakes and wheel bearings are a common area of failure on 5ers and it can get ugly quickly. Friends joined us last winter but just before they arrived a wheel bearing failed and a wheel fell off. It bent some of the slide metal, destroyed the lower metal in the back and nearly ripped the rear cap off. Tell us where you are and maybe someone can suggest a repair facility.

charlyhors · June 24, 2015

I'm in the Denver area now. I could make an appointment and travel to Chanute, but would prefer to get it done locally.

RickandJanice · June 24, 2015

If you want to check everything and replace what is needed, then I would highly recommend Robert's Quality RV in southern Indiana http://www.robertsqualityrv.com . Bob is fair and open with his recommended repairs and will also be fair with his prices. He really know what he is doing, especially when it comes to suspensions and running gear.

Due to the age of the axles and springs, it might also be a good time to consider an upgrade in the entire suspension before you get too far into repairing the old one. If that is the case you might want to consider adding a Mor/ryde Independent Suspension. The Mor/ryde I.S. also adds additional frame support and will cost about the same or slightly less than having someone replace the axles and springs. At the same time, Mor/ryde will also check and replace any of the bearing or brake parts. So you might want to check with them also. Mor/ryde can be contacted though their web site at http://www.morryde.com or you can contact their very knowledgeable sales person to discuss options and cost at Gary.Wheeler@morryde.com.

RV_ · June 24, 2015

I owned HitchHiker for my first rig and swung by the "Factory" repair every year. We had the bearings greased by Young's and in town back then w HiLo industries that made all the furniture, cabinets, wall treatments.

The factory repair station is not only the best, because they only allowed the longest employed, best qualified from their factory assembly crews into repairs, but as already said the most experienced with your HH. And their prices are better than dealers. As well you never get a kid just hired with no experience.

We full timed for seven years and were there for four of them. Love the city of Chanute too, and the people there.

Big Greg · June 24, 2015

Years ago we had our axles straightened while in Denver. I don't remember the name of the place that did the work but I called Dexter and asked for recommendations and they referred me. The company did good work but we upgraded to MOR/ryde IS a year later so threw the axles away. My comment.....MOR/ryde IS is great and NuWa does good work. You can call Dexter and ask for a recommendation is Denver area. Greg

NC Hauler · July 16, 2015

If you want to check everything and replace what is needed, then I would highly recommend Robert's Quality RV in southern Indiana http://www.robertsqualityrv.com . Bob is fair and open with his recommended repairs and will also be fair with his prices. He really know what he is doing, especially when it comes to suspensions and running gear.

Due to the age of the axles and springs, it might also be a good time to consider an upgrade in the entire suspension before you get too far into repairing the old one. If that is the case you might want to consider adding a Mor/ryde Independent Suspension. The Mor/ryde I.S. also adds additional frame support and will cost about the same or slightly less than having someone replace the axles and springs. At the same time, Mor/ryde will also check and replace any of the bearing or brake parts. So you might want to check with them also. Mor/ryde can be contacted though their web site at http://www.morryde.com or you can contact their very knowledgeable sales person to discuss options and cost at Gary.Wheeler@morryde.com.

Agree...We replaced all 4 springpacks on our 5er with 4500# spring packs (came with 3500# spring packs)...I have 7,000# rated axles but went with 4500 spring packs to make more robust...also added Mor/ryde suspension....along with replacement of the 4 shocks with monroe severe duty shocks...made a lot of difference with the way 5er handled while being towed.