Dear Gary,
I have a 2000 Fleetwood fifth wheel and I have to fit it into a very unique spot but can’t utilize my pop-outs because of the height. Someone told me that I can remove the tires, axle and leaf springs and set it down on blocks. I’m a single mom with no RV experience and am forced to trust stranger’s ideas. I found your site and would very much appreciate your time in providing me with the advantages and disadvantages of this idea. – Pamela Villa, (Northridge, CA)
Answer:
Pamela, though it’s certainly possible to remove the tires, wheels, suspension components and axles, I personally wouldn’t recommend it.
There are still plumbing components, holding tanks and LP piping that must be accessible for inspections and for periodic maintenance. And unless you store all the components removed, forget about it holding any resale value. For what little you’d gain in height, it would render the 5th wheel permanent and unable to be moved again.
I’d rather dig down if possible to gain the clearance you need or find a better spot. I’m curious what height restriction would there be on the slideouts and not on the main body of the unit? Perhaps something can be done regarding that? But it is doable, just not recommended.
(Please feel free to comment, however, please also note that due to the volume of communications I receive from multiple channels I cannot guarantee a personal response in every instance. However, questions of an overall general interest may be considered and published in an upcoming RV Doctor column.)
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Larry
Greg,
I think she knows that she won’t be able to use the trailer to travel if she removes those suspension items. That doesn’t take a genius to figure out. Why you used that as a reason not to remove them is strange.
About as strange as this “There are still plumbing components, holding tanks and LP piping that must be accessible for inspections and for periodic maintenance” Setting the frame on blocks will not block access to anything but the bottom of the trailer between the frame members and that’s sealed up anyway.
Even less thought when into: “I’d rather dig down if possible to gain the clearance you need or find a better spot”, unless you like to live in a wading pool. Obviously she didn’t have a better spot, that’s what she said.
Lots of folks do just what she has suggested.
There are vaild reasons for not taking off the wheels however; almost without exception all states with property tax will then require she pay property tax. And in my area, she would have to have a separate water/sewage connection for a permanent dwelling.
A little thought would be appreciated next time before you post your blog.
Larry