Posted 2012-01-26 6:33 PM (#140322) Subject: to block or not to block.......
Member
Posts: 10
Location: utah
I was wondering if those of you who do a lot of hauling on dirt/mtn roads with your LQ trailers have blocked axles? Or are most brands of LQ trailers high enough that the tanks underneath are not apt to get busted.
Any pros...cons to blocking axles?
I appreciate any input you may have!
Thanks!
Posted 2012-01-26 11:23 PM (#140326 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Sumas Washington
I blocked my New Platinum 3" more and have NO regrets at all. We do a fair amount of back country travel and the stock level was not adequate. You just have to find a shop that is capable of doing the job correctly..
Posted 2012-01-27 12:45 PM (#140339 - in reply to #140338) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: La Cygne, KS
We had to block our Elite LQ 2 inches in order to make it ride level with new Dodge Dually. Horses load and back-out quietly just like they did before the blocking. If you have plumbing or grey/black water tanks sitting low, then might be a good idea if you are taking through rough, unlevel terrain.
Posted 2012-01-27 1:20 PM (#140340 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Expert
Posts: 2615
We blocked our Exiss for the same reason and there have been a couple of instances that we have really been glad that we did,or,we'd come home sans tanks facing a big repair bill.
Posted 2012-01-27 5:55 PM (#140348 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Member
Posts: 10
Location: utah
Thanks! Yes, it's those rough roads and the underneath tanks that concerned me.
I am sure I will be happy with the block....horses will just have to learn to pick their feet up a few more inches!
Posted 2012-01-29 8:48 PM (#140392 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
One of the top LQ companies recommends putting a skid plate under tanks instead of blocking axles if the only reason is to protect tanks. Due to that added floor height after blocking, they say this works better. Price is about that same either way.
But I am sure, everyone's motivations are different.
Posted 2012-01-29 9:51 PM (#140395 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Member
Posts: 10
Location: utah
Thank you for that info. I did consider the skid plates, but really didn't know which might be better and thought the extra height might not be a bad idea considering our mtn roads here.
Any real negatives to blocking the axles besides a higher step for the horses?
Posted 2012-01-30 4:13 PM (#140422 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
Horses are an issue as mentioned. But, also, please take in account the number of times you jump in and out of the trailer also. We talked about blocking ours, but that top saddle rack is already a pain to get a roping saddle on. Another 2", and the wife would not unsaddle my horses.... Just stayed with a flatbed on our new puller so life is good!
Posted 2012-01-30 10:15 PM (#140431 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
What about wind resistance ( MPG ) and cross winds? Would this be a concern?
The MPG doesn't usually change. Mostly the rear of the trailer is being elevated, the frontal area has not been altered. The center of gravity will be slightly raised, which if you were racing, might be a problem. The side's sail area remains the same, side winds and oncoming trucks' vortices, will effect little change.
You shouldn't have any concerns about the blocking. It has been accomplished by many owners who have pulled safetly many miles. The largest concern with higher lifts is perhaps a ramp to ease loading, or as mentioned, limited access to the rear tack areas. The handling of the trailer is minimally changed.
Posted 2012-01-30 11:17 PM (#140434 - in reply to #140395) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Expert
Posts: 2615
Anything that can drag tanks off could do some damage to a skid plate,too,I would think.I don't want anything near mine.Our horses are trail horses,anyway,stepping up in the trailer isn't that big a deal to them.Backing out the first couple of times was,unless you have a pony,it'll be OK after they get used to it and it doesn't take long.Just had to take it slow.
Posted 2012-01-31 9:14 AM (#140437 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Elite Veteran
Posts: 801 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Most of the "skid plates" we have seen can be handy to protect against road debris, etc. tearing up a tank or valves.
But to protect one from a true high center or grounding, the plate will have to be strong enough to fully support the weight of the trailer while it is acting as a sled. I don't believe most people are going to tolerate the weight/expense penalty that such a structure would require.
A lot of the damage we see is where the driver drops one side of the trailer's wheels off of the road, and it settles down on the belly. The next step usually involves literally dragging it back up on the road with the truck. The tanks, valves, and slide out steps are all casualties. I'm not sure that a plate would be practical solution for this.
Posted 2012-01-31 3:44 PM (#140452 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
Good thread and good discussion.
When you all blocked your axles, did you just leave the tire/wheel size the same? How about the fenders? I know function comes before form, but my tires and fenders would look silly with 3-inch blocks.
Posted 2012-01-31 4:13 PM (#140454 - in reply to #140322) Subject: RE: to block or not to block.......
New User
Posts: 1
Location: tomball, tx
The problem is that the trailer manf. people have dropped the nose of the trl, in order to allow more head room in the bed area, which closes the gap between the Bed on the truck and the bottom of the Trailier. Then on top of that the Truck maker extended the height of the rails up and or more off road equipment that closed the gap as well. If the Trailer people would go back to the regular height, that would save the expensive blocking needed on the trailers! It's not cheap...
to block or not to block.......
. Just stayed with a flatbed on our new puller so life is good!
