I towed the 5er about 300 miles today over to the coast just to get some break-in miles on her before heading out to Oregon on Wednesday. The owners manual recommends staying uner 50 mph for the first 500 miles of towing. I managed to stay close to 50 most of the time.

My new"600" has more power that my '02 did, for sure. I can even feel it when I wasn't towing. I rides very nice too...quiet. Actually, I prefer the 2 gen noisy Cummins. My wife agreed! That's surpising!

My 5er sits a little nose-high but not that bad. I don't think it's worth the trouble of having the springs flipped or anything like that. Anyway, I'm one happy camper...uh, Rver! As soon as I buy a new digital camera, I'll post some pics of my new baby!

 

Glad it worked out well for you.. sounds like a nice truck judging from your sig.. How do you like the prodigy brake controller? Thats what Im thinking of buying for mine.
Scott

 

I had the Prodigy on my other truck. I think they work great and are pretty reliable.

 

My fiver was riding pretty nose high itself. I probably wouldn't have done anything except for having read all the posts about extra stress on the fiver's rear axle (potential for blowouts) and I was worried about the fridge not working while on the road. So, I took it to a local RV service guy and he only charged me $250 to flip the axles (everything included). Now it rides perfectly level. The only downside is that the first step is now a "doozey" and I had to make blocks to put under the landing gear and stabilizer jacks. On the plus side (besides the obvious ride height), everything underneath is easier to get to including the dump valves and hose hookup. Bottom line - it was no big deal. I wouldn't hesitate to flip if you are at all worried about the unlevel fiver.

AND, I have the Prodigy and it works great!!!

Neil

 

Hey Buzz,
Don't blame you getting out of Bakersfield in the summer. Hate those shimmers coming up off the road - - not a fun place about this time of the year. Have a great trip. I will think of you while playing on an iceberg off the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland.
Bob

 

I was looking at my 5er axles and noticed that the springs are mounted on top of the tubes. Is this the same as getting them "flipped"? I bought my 5er brand new so this is the way it was built. Also, on a recent trip I took along my infrared digital thermometer to monitor the tire temps on the 5er. Each time I checked the front and rear tire temps they only varied by 6 degrees.

 

Buzz, yes it is the same as getting them "flipped" and what were youre tire temps?

thanks

 

The temps were very close. I think the front tire was like 140 and the rear 146. I don't think it's much concern. I may lower the hitch on the 5er up to the next (last) set of holes. That may drop it about an inch or so.

 

Buzz,

Thank-you I was wondering because I check mine the real hi tech way - by hand.

 

Buzz,
If you only want to lower your truck a little you can remove the plates between your springs and rear axle. Easy to do and all I had to buy is 4 #8 bolts. Make a search on this and you will find all kinds of info. Pictures too!