Freewheeler Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 Hi all, Just a new face checking in. I've read a few of the posts before, but I figured I'd throw myself in. Last summer I bought a funky little motorhome, and after only a few trips, I totally fell in love with it. It's a 1981 Freewheeler. I didn't get to enjoy it much this season, I just finished fully rebuilding the overcab which was quite rotten and leaky. Man, that was a task! Next year it will be back in use, but I'm sure I will still be tinkering whenever I get the time. Dason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_M Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 Nice! I'd love to have a shorty in my driveway. Are those 6 lug duallies wheels you have there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freewheeler Posted October 21, 2020 Author Share Posted October 21, 2020 Thanks! No Sir, it's the 5 bolt. I think I understand all the axle talk, and I know people don't like the 5 bolt, but I think mine is small enough and never fully loaded down, so I should be okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_M Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 No worries, your rig sits high in the rear and looks beefed up is why I asked. My rig's rear end sags and I do the occasional scrape coming out of gas stations. That having the 21 footer and the 6 lug axle, you have mine beat by a mile. 😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott iv Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 Cool looking camper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 It is very cute but size doesn't save you from axle failures. Have seen failures on 18 ft Sunraders and an even smaller Mirage. Helps a little to inflate inner tires 5 lbs higher than outside. Takes a little of the stress off the bearings. Linda S Gary buy yourself some spring helpers. Cheapest way to get some lift and easy to do by yourself. https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1353&zenid=cf8b9b8e13b5a30e2d8f7f991fdb50d5 Bottoming out means you have less control on the road too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_M Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 Oh thanks for the link Linda, yes it's been on my radar for quite some time. I was thinking of cutting the old airbags in half and putting coil springs over them but these look much better and easier to install. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 Linda, How much lift do the spring helpers give? Do they provide lift in front and back? My 1987 Escaper is 21' long and sits way low. Like Gary, it's very easy to scrape the bottom of the hitch, and going "off road" seems like it would be nearly impossible. I'd love to lift it up some. Thanks, Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royal Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 On my 21ft Sunrader I get a 6" lift from no air to 90#. Measured at the back bumper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 Rear axle lift choices. 1. ZUK mod 2. New spring set, Old Man Emu seems to be very popular. 3. Timbren springs 4. Air Bags Google is your friend Least desirable is having your springs re arched, if you are budget constrained and have to have your springs re arched then have the shop add a new leaf to the pack. P.S. There a few spring shops that can do a proper re arch, but it involves using a furnace to re temper the springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted October 24, 2020 Share Posted October 24, 2020 7 hours ago, Murph said: Linda, How much lift do the spring helpers give? Do they provide lift in front and back? My 1987 Escaper is 21' long and sits way low. Like Gary, it's very easy to scrape the bottom of the hitch, and going "off road" seems like it would be nearly impossible. I'd love to lift it up some. Thanks, Ryan I have no idea. I only know it will help but does nothing for the front. This obviously isn't the best repair. It's a quick fix for a serious situation. Gary should probably replace his air bags. Replacement for the bag part only is available and cheaper than buying a new set. I don't know the condition of your springs. Are they completely flat? Are your shocks in good shape? The things that WME mentions are always the best option. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred heath Posted October 24, 2020 Share Posted October 24, 2020 Shackle extensions are relatively inexpensive and will provide some decent lift as long as your leaf springs are in good shape. I made mine custom, but I’m sure you can find some commercially made with a little search on the internet. Attached are some photos of my modifications. I gained about 4” of lift with my shackles. Photo with 2 images are factory next to custom. Single image is new extension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_M Posted October 25, 2020 Share Posted October 25, 2020 22 hours ago, linda s said: Gary should probably replace his air bags. Replacement for the bag part only is available and cheaper than buying a new set. I don't know the condition of your springs. Are they completely flat? Are your shocks in good shape? The things that WME mentions are always the best option. Linda S Thanks Linda, yes my t3 airbags are old and need replacing. Though I can get them up to 90 PSI but that puts some sway into the it when an 18 wheeler passes by, make me super nervous, 50 PSI though seems just fine. Springs are semi-flat if you ask me. That said I talked with Les Schwab awhile back for repacking my rear bearing and seals. My tires are also due for replacement and those Hanooks were the best but 8 years is the time. The shocks are 8 years old too, not Bilstein but the next best. I might just get Les to do it all, tires, shocks and bags along with the bearings/seals. Apologies to the originator for hijacking this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Krueger Posted October 25, 2020 Share Posted October 25, 2020 Your Freewheeler is awesome! I love the simplicity of a rock solid engine, manual transmission, short length, etc. The best motorhome is one that lets you get out and GO without too much maintenance hassle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.