Travel Trailer Lift Blocks: Can You Put Lift Blocks On RVs?
The danger of towing a trailer into a campground is that the access road is not one of the best. There are usually bumps, holes, and other obstacles that can damage low-lying components. One solution is to lift the trailer so it does not bottom out on you when you drive those roads.
First off, there are different names for lift blocks. They are called spacers, lift kits and more names but they all do the same thing. They lift your trailer a few inches to give you more clearance. Second, yes, you can do this but be careful about ruining your trailer’s center of gravity.
To learn more about this topic just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can make the right decision for your camping travels. There are differing opinions on this topic as well, some people do and others do not favor this method.
How do You Raise The Suspension on a Camper Trailer?
There are different methods to do this project. the first one, which many RVers use is flipping the axle. This will provide you with that couple of extra inches you may need without buying expensive parts.
The drawback to this option is that you can do it wrong and cause damage to your tires and decrease your handling ability. The next method will be to use new suspension spring hangers. Get them in a longer size to get the clearance you want.
However, it is possible that by using this method you will add more stress to the frame if you do not include some extra support. Then you can go to lift blocks or lift kits. One owner had the dealer install them, then weld them to the gusset for that additional support that is needed
So far, according to that owner, there has been no problem despite what others say. The drawback to using lift blocks is that the trailer may become more bouncy and ride rougher. This will put more stress on your suspension and wear out the trailer faster.
If you already own a Winnebago, some of their models already have an adjustable lift system installed. The company put about 3 to 4 vertical bolt holes that allow you to make adjustments without having to go to blocks or use lift kits.
Can You Put a Lift Kit on a Travel Trailer?
Yes, you should be able to. Another name for them is over/under kits and they have been successfully on different trailer models and years. These kits do come in a variety of sizes to make sure they fit your particular axle diameter on your specific trailer model.
The biggest benefit you will get by installing a lift kit on your trailer is a more worry-free life. You do not have to be as concerned about those lower-down components when traveling over rough and bumpy roads. You will get more clearance.
These kits are also good on those off-road trailer models trucks. You can go further into the wilderness than you could without one of these installed on your vehicles. Keep in mind that there are risks involved when using lift blocks or kits.
One risk is that you will push your center of gravity higher and you may and will lose some handling control. You should talk to experienced mechanics that you trust before installing these kits to make sure you are aware of all the risks that come with this installation.
But those drawbacks and risks may be acceptable when you have a steep driveway at your traditional home. Think it through before buying to make sure you will reap the most benefits from this upgrade.
Are Lift Blocks Safe?
For the most part, there is very little that is unsafe about these lift blocks. There are minor drawbacks that we have talked about but under normal conditions and good driving habits, there should not be a problem.
With that said. some owners and parts companies are against lift blocks. The main reason for their opposition is that they do not like the bouncier or rougher ride that comes with their installation.
You do have to be careful about adding extra stress to that part of your trailer. Yet, we have read many owners who have reported that they have had no issues when they installed their lift blocks.
It is going to be a subjective issue as some people with bad experiences will say one thing and tell you to avoid using them and other people will say the exact opposite.
The best thing to do is talk to actual mechanics and get the full story on these lift blocks. They will know more about them and how to install them in such a way that they will be safe to use.
Travel Trailer Lift Blocks
There is a wide array of retailers who will sell you a lift kit. That is the name you should use when making your own search for this product. If you say lift blocks, you will get the standard blocks that your RV or trailer drives over to get off the ground and secure the wheel in place.
The kits come with the U-bolts and hardware you need for installation. They are also priced between $50 and $100 on Amazon. There are other retailers that are more expensive and their blocks do not come with the U-bolts.
Plus, you should be able to find these kits at different outlets including RV parts and supplies, big box stores and hardware outlets. Their prices will vary depending on if you get the kit or just the blocks.
The blocks are designed to fit into the axle and suspension mechanism and lock into place so you do not have to worry about movement or losing one. It would be best to get the kits as they will have the U-bolts you need to compensate for the additional height.
Your old U-Bolts may not have the length to handle that addition. That would mean that you would have to run back to the store to buy new and longer U-bolts if you did not buy the kit.
5th Wheel Trailer Lift Blocks
You can get these blocks but one of the first things you need to check before you buy is the axle rating. The weight rating will determine which lift block option you should buy. There are companies out there that sell lift blocks that are designed to work with axles with a 1000 to 7000-pound weight rating.
The other thing you should be cautious about is your warranty. Some RV brands may state that they will void the warranty if you install lift blocks. On older trailers, this may not be an issue but on newer ones, it can be.
RV makers are good at pointing to any modification you make to your trailer and claiming it was responsible for the accident or other issues that arise over your use of the trailer.
Check your warranty first or call your dealer to see if that will be a problem for you. If it is, you may have to plan on staying at those campgrounds that have ideal access roads.
When To Use Lift Blocks And When To Use Leaf Springs
Knowing when to use them is essential as you do not always need lift blocks to get the clearance you want. Here are some tips on when to use these little devices and when to turn to leaf springs for clearance help:
Lift Blocks
- when you do not have a lot of money to spend. They are affordable and easy to install
- when you want to install larger wheels. Adding larger wheels and rims is the safest way to get clearance but adding both is not always an option. The lift blocks should save you a little money here and achieve your clearance goals.
- when you need more clearance- steep driveways, bumpy terrain or roads, other problematic parking lots, etc are ideal situations to add your lift blocks.
Leaf Springs
- increase your weight limits- leaf springs let you add more weight to your trailer. They provide good support for the extra weight
- tire alignment- leaf springs are great at doing this task. This alignment will provide greater handling and protect your tires
- smoother ride- leaf springs even out those bumps and make sure you are not bounced around as much
Some Final Words
This is going to be a judgment call on your part. Get all the facts, talk to people on both sides of the issue and make your own decision. That is the best way to go about this topic.
If you need them then there is nothing really stopping you from using them. Don’t get them if you do not need them.
