Opinions on switching my GN trailer from 7000# torflex axles to 8000# with air ride.

[Gonzo 1066]

My loads on my Platinum GN trailer have been starting to grow a bit in weight. I have 7000# torflex axles on it now with 16" wheels. I am thinking of updating to 8000# axles on a Kelderman air ride suspension and 17.5 wheels.. I know that this conversion will cost upwards of $5000 but as much as we travel heavy I think it will be worth it.. Anyone out there have air ride suspension on a GN trailer.??

 

[6speed]

Don't even think about it, DO IT!!!!!! I have the Kelderman Air Ride on my 46" Continetal Cargo GN, and would not be without. I haul a golf cart and a HD. Golf cart goes in the back. The trailer would bounce up and down and jeck the truck back and forth, beating us and what ever was in the trailer. Things would be on the floor that I thought should't be. Broke my golf cart 3 times. I had to go Keldermans shop in Iowa to have mine installed. I talked to Jeff Kelderman and he explained why I needed to come there because I had ALCO Axles. If you talk to him he will explain. Basically ALCO axles are not all the same. It rides so much better, things do not move, and I left a open beer (bottle) on one of the shelfs and it was still standing upright. If I ever buy another GN race car trailer it WILL HAVE air ride.

 

[jhenderson]

I can't speak to air ride but the move to 8k axles will be great. Much larger and better brakes and heavy wheels and tires that you will trust make towing a pleasure.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I have a Kelderman setup on my 04 3500 and am very happy with it.. I will have to do the install in my own shop as Kelderman is almost 2000 miles away from me..

 

[Powder Extreme]

Never pulled a "small" trailer with air ride, but I've been unfortunate enough to pull a semi trailer once that DIDN'T have air ride. I absolutely couldn't believe how crappy the trailer made the truck ride. Couldn't wait to get back under our usual trailer which obviously had air ride.

A lot of companies require the trailer to be air ride before they will ship freight. There really is a big difference.

 

[6speed]

When and if you do the air, I would consider an air dryer. I didn't in the beginning and later installed it after I found out how much moisture the compressor made. Since I installed the dryer, no more water. Its amazing the water they make here in GA.

 

[AH64ID]

Sounds like a good upgrade.

You will have to check the brakes. Some 8K lb axles use the same brakes as the 5200-7000lb axles, and some use a bigger brake.. At least for Al-Ko.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I am thinking of Hydraulic Disc,, Maybe.

 

[AH64ID]

We need a drool smiley.....

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I do have to figure out if my little business can afford this upgrade, My opinion is that I cant afford not to make the change.

 

[Okie-Go]

Another option to consider is sell your trailer and buy a new one exactly as you want. My next trailer will have air ride, 32+5 ramps and a deck over the neck. Prolly have either 12k or 15k tandem dual axle with 17.5 radials. Would really like to have alcoa aluminum rims as well. Of course it would have led lights and disc brakes. On most air ride trailers the front axle can be lifted when empty or carrying light loads to save wear on tires and help with the scrubbing of tires in tight turns. Would make a good business expense so it can be claimed as expenses when you file taxes fo the year. Not telling you how to run your show but just a thought to consider.