BT Cruiser Bottoming Out

[PerryJoeJimBob]

Hi All,

I have a BT Cruiser 5255 class B+/C. I keep bottoming out some driveways, etc. I have knocked off my snap pads, and needed to replace one black tank valve that scrapped something and began leaking. I see skid wheels out there, but I wish I could find bolt-on types larger than 4 inches.

Can anyone give me any suggestions?

 

[PerryJoeJimBob]

My main concern is in back of motorhome.

 

[Nancy]

I was having that problem with my BT Cruiser 5210. I purchased a 12 ft 2x8 at Home Depot had them cut it into 4, 3 ft pieces. I double them up in the deepest part of the driveway so my back tires are raised up enough that the motorhome bottom guards don’t hit the pavement. I actually bought the boards to level up the motorhome when I had to park on the city street in Denver and discovered they now had two uses. My BT is only 22 ft long so perhaps it won’t work for you but it worked great for me!

 

[PerryJoeJimBob]

Thanks Nancy. Funny, I was thinking the same thing. Glad to hear it worked for you. So should maybe work for me at home.

But still also have issue away from the homestead.

 

[BobClearyJr]

I have a 32-foot 2011 Yellowstone Class-C.

I tail drag going in and out of gas stations. The owner's manual says don't alter the suspension (airbags, etc.)

Bob Cleary

 

[Eid712340]

Hi All,

I have a BT Cruiser 5255 class B+/C. I keep bottoming out some driveways, etc. I have knocked off my snap pads, and needed to replace one black tank valve that scrapped something and began leaking. I see skid wheels out there, but I wish I could find bolt-on types larger than 4 inches.

Can anyone give me any suggestions?

I posted a reply yesterday concerning BT Cruiser bottoming out. Without repeating the entire thread, look at the WeldTec Design solution installed on our BT 5240. The lift kit solved our issue with bottoming out.
Cheers

 

[Gulf Santa]

I wonder if it is an older unit maybe the leaf springs have become weak, and it isn't sitting as high as it was when it was new.

 

[PerryJoeJimBob]

I wonder if it is an older unit maybe the leaf springs have become weak, and it isn't sitting as high as it was when it was new.

Oh, I hope not already. My rig is a 2025. But thanks for the comment.

 

[PerryJoeJimBob]

I posted a reply yesterday concerning BT Cruiser bottoming out. Without repeating the entire thread, look at the WeldTec Design solution installed on our BT 5240. The lift kit solved our issue with bottoming out.
Cheers

Thanks, I saw your post yesterday. I am trying less drastic (read pricey) measures first. But I appreciate your suggestion and may adopt it. But it looks good higher.

 

[Ronald1955]

Hi All,

I have a BT Cruiser 5255 class B+/C. I keep bottoming out some driveways, etc. I have knocked off my snap pads, and needed to replace one black tank valve that scrapped something and began leaking. I see skid wheels out there, but I wish I could find bolt-on types larger than 4 inches.

Can anyone give me any suggestions?

Use 4 inch wheels with a spacer plate cut out of 1 inch steel then use long grade 8 bolts , nuts and washers.

 

[[email protected]]

For the time being, just installed some Heavy-Duty (11 lbs. each) rollers right next to drag bars on tow hitch. They hang about 1/2 below the factory installed bars and work and sound a whole lot better. Have not decided whether to go with an air or mechanical lifting system in the future.

 

[Just two]

Hi All,

I have a BT Cruiser 5255 class B+/C. I keep bottoming out some driveways, etc. I have knocked off my snap pads, and needed to replace one black tank valve that scrapped something and began leaking. I see skid wheels out there, but I wish I could find bolt-on types larger than 4 inches.

Can anyone give me any suggestions?

You should replace your leaf springs. I had the same issues with my 2021 5210. I added air bags, they worked for awhile. They helped the bottoming out but made the ride very stiff. Unbearable.

Then we bought a Weldtech kit and had it installed locally. Very expensive, but worth it. It is so nice. The ride is great, handling is awesome. Best upgrade we have made.

If you want to stop the bottoming out and not buy the expensive kit, just replace the leaf spring. That should solve the issue. Then later replace the shocks, steering stablizer. Find a truck shop near you. Or order springs from Eaton Springs Detroit. And install them or have a shop install them. You will have fixed the problem and not put a band aid on it. Enjoy camping and the journey to the camp site.

Hi All,

I have a BT Cruiser 5255 class B+/C. I keep bottoming out some driveways, etc. I have knocked off my snap pads, and needed to replace one black tank valve that scrapped something and began leaking. I see skid wheels out there, but I wish I could find bolt-on types larger than 4 inches.

Can anyone give me any suggestions?

 

[wildtoad]

New to this forum, been on the iRV2 site for lots of years. I have a 2025 5255 and it, like all, is a low rider in the rear. Seems GS thought it a great idea to put a great deal of weight at or behind the rear wheels. I know it's just a matter of time before I bottom out somewhere. One thing I did was install Sumo springs front and rear. Not too expensive, fairly easy to install. May not prevent bottoming, but the ride improved.

 

[Ronald1955]

Hi All,

I have a BT Cruiser 5255 class B+/C. I keep bottoming out some driveways, etc. I have knocked off my snap pads, and needed to replace one black tank valve that scrapped something and began leaking. I see skid wheels out there, but I wish I could find bolt-on types larger than 4 inches.

Can anyone give me any suggestions?

I did a google search and found the following skid wheels;

Ultra-Fab Swivel Skid Wheel – 5", Heavy-Duty RV Frame Protection (48-979012)​

Contact Ultra - Fab for further information. Or your local supplier.
Our 5230 is out having a custom dinette installed in the slide-out, we had the jack knife sofa removed. I will have photos of new dinette when it is completed.

 

[bakerboat]

You should replace your leaf springs. I had the same issues with my 2021 5210. I added air bags, they worked for awhile. They helped the bottoming out but made the ride very stiff. Unbearable.

Then we bought a Weldtech kit and had it installed locally. Very expensive, but worth it. It is so nice. The ride is great, handling is awesome. Best upgrade we have made.

If you want to stop the bottoming out and not buy the expensive kit, just replace the leaf spring. That should solve the issue. Then later replace the shocks, steering stablizer. Find a truck shop near you. Or order springs from Eaton Springs Detroit. And install them or have a shop install them. You will have fixed the problem and not put a band aid on it. Enjoy camping and the journey to the camp site.

We have a 2024 5255 and went the Weldtech route as well. Excellent mod. Improved handling, ride and ground clearance made it well worth the expense.