Adding lift kit to 21BHS

[tbrady]

I saw a little bit of info on this in the old forum and am curious if there are any downsides to it?  We do a lot of camping on natl forest land and a little bit of extra clearance could help.

Does anyone know what else was included in the "off-road" package LivinLite used to offer?

thanks
tim

[Scout]

Not sure what was specific for the larger models, however the smaller models had the 13" bias ply tires switched to a larger 14" wheel, and BFG tires with the upgraded heavier axle with the different down angle. There are a few owners on here that might have the specs around. I have put an after market kit on a smaller 13 RDB. It's a bit less complicated due to the fact that it is a single axle. Your double axle would require tighter tolerances for alignment etc. Dexter now makes specific lift kits for some axles which can be found on their website.

In terms of positives - the BFG tires are much better in the gravel, they track a lot better. The added height allows the sewer pipe assembly to clear the tight downhill corners a bit easier.

Downsides are - increased frontal area of the trailer is exposed above the tow vehicle which means more drag. Shear wind (sideways) has more access underneath the trailer so you might see more sway in a cross wind. The increase height (in my case) required longer jacks (however I needed to switch them out anyway).

There was also a member on the old forum that saw some cracking on his axle hangers after a lift kit install. Some attributed this to increased torsion on the front and/or rear axle and the lever effect of the lift kit on the welded aluminum hangers. I can't remember which model he had though which is important as some hangers fit differently with the lift kits and wouldn't have that problem.

Hope this is a start for you. I'm sure others can chime in with their experiences/info.

[tbrady]

That's great information, thanks Scout!

[pjcd]

I installed the lift kit with no ill effects, (so far). I would venture a guess that any cracking of the welds would have more to do with the quality of the welds, LL does or did have some problems in that aspect.

[tt2retire]

Check with Dexter Axle on your axle types before adding a lift kit. Dexter recommended against the lift kit for my 2016 21BHS. Instead they recommended a steeper starting angle. Mine came stock with 10 degrees down, but the tires were rubbing on the fender wells. Replaced both axles with 22.5 degrees starting angle and I'm very pleased with approximately 2.5 inches of added clearance.

See "2016 21BHS riding too low, tires rubbing" topics in old and new forums.

BR,
Ed...

[pjcd]

tt2retire, I curious about Dexter not recommending a lift kit for your rig, when I contacted them they actually recommended a lift kit that they sell. I installed it and haven't had any issues as of yet. Now you have me wondering.

[Merlin]

As a relevant aside to any lifting or suspension change in the trailer, keep in mind it will also likely require hitch-height adjustments. That can add to the expense and set-up time if the lift ends up forcing purchase of new drawbar/WDH parts.

[pjcd]

This is true, some adjustment was necessary. I have a adjustable draw bar, so it wasn't much of an issue.

[tt2retire]

Dexter recommended :
Unfortunately, looking at this axle, you will not be able to use our lift kits as this has the 3" HP bracket.

You would have to buy an axle with a different start angle on it.

I also had to readjust my WDH for the added height, but luckily I had plenty of options on my setup to make it work.

[Icstrz]

I purchased a 2018 21 BHS with a factory off road package. 

[gbpack]

I purchased a 2018 21 BHS with a factory off road package.

Very nice! That's what we have too. We love ours. Enjoy!

[tbrady]

I purchased a 2018 21 BHS with a factory off road package.

Oh wow, the factory offered this??? Can you post some pictures of your axles?  Do you know if there is any other difference besides the lift and tires?  I really want to do this to mine...

[Icstrz]

They do, though this is the first off road package on a 21 BHS that Ive seen.  It uses Dexter axles with leaf springs and 15 inch tires.  I'll try to grab some photos tomorrow.

[tbrady]

They do, though this is the first off road package on a 21 BHS that Ive seen.  It uses Dexter axles with leaf springs and 15 inch tires.  I'll try to grab some photos tomorrow.

Hi Icstrz!  Can you take a look to see if they just did the axle flip (putting the leaf springs on top of the axles) to get the lift?  I just spoke to Dexter and fortunately they sell the flip kit for our trailer (also a 2018 21BHS).  Also, can you tell me the brand and size of the tires they put on it?  Oh, and do you know how long the leveler jacks are?  I assume they are longer than stock...

thanks again!!
tim

[Icstrz]

Here is the underbelly of the beast.  Hope it answers your questions.