Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
A month or so ago I was asking for ideas on suspension upgrades for my HitchHiker 5th wheel. After reviewing the responses and getting some good ideas from the TDR Towing forum, I discussed my needs with a long time custom trailer maker in the Minneapolis area and brought it in for the work.
They installed 8K Dexter Torflex axles with disc brakes and Nev-R-Lube hubs. I also went with the Dexter hydraulic brake actuator so everything is Dexter. The Torflex are independent suspension and because of the self dampening, they need no shocks. I also had them raise the trailer 3 inches for more bed clearance and level ride.
I just got my trailer back today and am very happy with the results. I only towed it about 50 miles for testing but the upgrades made a big difference in ride over bumps and the brakes are really something else. No comparison to the old electrics. I set my integrated controller for Electric over Hydraulic and it worked perfect.
My previous suspension had 7K axles so this is an upgrade that will give me a little bit more capacity. My Goodyear G614 RST "G" rated tires were over 5 years old so I had them put on a new set of G614 RST tires while they had it in the shop.
It was fairly expensive but the way things cost today, not unreasonable. The suspension upgrades, axles, brakes, controller, 3 inch raise and labor was just over $7000, the tires with mounting and balancing added another $1563 so the whole thing came to $8618 before taxes.
They installed 8K Dexter Torflex axles with disc brakes and Nev-R-Lube hubs. I also went with the Dexter hydraulic brake actuator so everything is Dexter. The Torflex are independent suspension and because of the self dampening, they need no shocks. I also had them raise the trailer 3 inches for more bed clearance and level ride.
I just got my trailer back today and am very happy with the results. I only towed it about 50 miles for testing but the upgrades made a big difference in ride over bumps and the brakes are really something else. No comparison to the old electrics. I set my integrated controller for Electric over Hydraulic and it worked perfect.
My previous suspension had 7K axles so this is an upgrade that will give me a little bit more capacity. My Goodyear G614 RST "G" rated tires were over 5 years old so I had them put on a new set of G614 RST tires while they had it in the shop.
It was fairly expensive but the way things cost today, not unreasonable. The suspension upgrades, axles, brakes, controller, 3 inch raise and labor was just over $7000, the tires with mounting and balancing added another $1563 so the whole thing came to $8618 before taxes.
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