Help Reduce RV Frame Flex and Strengthen Your Fifth-Wheel or Travel Trailer Suspension
Are you concerned about RV frame cracking, suspension hanger movement, or excessive stress on your fifth-wheel or travel trailer frame?
At California RV Specialists in Lodi, California, we regularly inspect RV frames and suspension systems and have seen firsthand how suspension-related stress can contribute to damaged spring hangers, cracked welds, and structural problems.
One upgrade we frequently recommend is the MORryde X-Factor Crossmember, a bolt-on reinforcement system designed to provide additional lateral support between the suspension hanger locations on compatible trailers.
Whether you own a Grand Design, Alliance, Brinkley, Keystone, Jayco, Forest River, or another towable RV, understanding your suspension and frame condition is an important part of preventative maintenance.
What Is the MORryde X-Factor Crossmember?
The MORryde X-Factor is a heavy-duty steel reinforcement assembly designed to connect suspension hanger locations across the trailer frame.
Unlike the suspension equalizers, shackles, and leaf springs that support and articulate the trailer’s suspension, the X-Factor is designed to reinforce the structure around the spring hanger attachment points.
Potential benefits include:
- Additional lateral reinforcement between spring hangers
- Reduced side-to-side movement at supported hanger locations
- Improved structural support in high-stress suspension areas
- A bolt-on reinforcement option for compatible RV frames
- Additional support when combined with other suspension upgrades
The X-Factor is not a substitute for repairing existing frame damage or maintaining worn suspension components.
Why RV Frames and Suspension Hangers Experience Stress
Fifth wheels and travel trailers experience significant forces while traveling.
Potholes, uneven roads, sharp turns, driveway transitions, and repeated suspension movement can place stress on spring hangers, welds, and adjacent frame components.
During RV inspections at California RV Specialists, we look for:
- Cracks near spring hanger welds
- Damaged or distorted suspension hangers
- Worn spring bushings and shackle components
- Equalizer wear or damage
- Signs of frame movement or fatigue
- Corrosion or previous structural repairs
Finding these conditions early allows RV owners to evaluate repairs and preventative upgrades before additional damage develops.
How Long Does It Take to Install a MORryde X-Factor Crossmember?
One of the most common questions we receive is how much labor is involved in installing the MORryde X-Factor system.
At California RV Specialists, we typically allow approximately 1.5 labor hours per crossmember installation.
For planning purposes:
| Number of Crossmembers | Estimated Labor |
|---|---|
| One crossmember | 1.5 hours |
| Two crossmembers | 3.0 hours |
| Three crossmembers | 4.5 hours |
These estimates are based on typical installations with compatible components and reasonable access.
Actual labor may vary depending on suspension design, existing hardware, frame configuration, clearance restrictions, corrosion, and additional repairs.
Parts and any additional work are separate.
Our installations are scheduled as drop-off appointments rather than while-you-wait services.
Should You Install One, Two, or Three Crossmembers?
The number of crossmembers depends on your RV’s axle configuration, suspension design, manufacturer requirements, and reinforcement goals.
A tandem-axle trailer typically has front, center, and rear spring hanger locations.
Some owners choose reinforcement at the center equalizer hangers, while others may benefit from reinforcement at additional compatible hanger locations.
A three-axle trailer has a different suspension arrangement and may require a different installation configuration.
Not every crossmember kit fits every hanger position, and additional clearance considerations may affect the installation.
At California RV Specialists, we recommend inspecting the suspension and frame before determining the appropriate number and type of crossmembers.
MORryde X-Factor Standard and Drop-Down Crossmember Kits
MORryde offers different crossmember configurations for specific suspension and clearance requirements.
Standard X-Factor Crossmember
Drop-Down Crossmember
Important: The correct kit must be selected based on the RV’s suspension, hanger dimensions, clearance, and MORryde’s application instructions.
Watch Our MORryde X-Factor Installation Videos
Want to see how these crossmembers are installed in a professional RV repair facility?
Our YouTube channel, Your RV Specialists – In the RV Shop with Dustin, features actual RV suspension inspections, repairs, upgrades, and frame reinforcement work.
These videos help RV owners understand the installation process, component placement, and why inspecting the surrounding suspension components matters.
MORryde X-Factor Crossmember – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to install a MORryde X-Factor Crossmember?
At California RV Specialists, our typical labor allowance is approximately 1.5 hours per crossmember. The actual time depends on the trailer’s configuration, condition, and installation requirements.
2. How much does MORryde X-Factor installation cost?
Installation cost depends on the number of crossmembers, required kits, and labor involved. Contact California RV Specialists for current parts pricing and an estimate based on your RV.
3. Do I need one, two, or three X-Factor crossmembers?
That depends on your axle configuration, suspension system, frame design, and reinforcement requirements. MORryde permits reinforcement at individual or multiple compatible hanger locations, subject to its installation instructions.
4. Will the MORryde X-Factor prevent my RV frame from cracking?
The X-Factor is designed to provide additional reinforcement and reduce certain lateral stresses at suspension hanger locations. However, no crossmember can guarantee that frame cracks will never develop.
5. Can I install an X-Factor if my RV frame is already cracked?
Existing cracks, damaged welds, or distorted hangers should be professionally inspected before installing reinforcement. The X-Factor is not a repair for damaged structural components.
6. Can MORryde X-Factor crossmembers be installed on a travel trailer?
Yes, many compatible travel trailers can use the system. Fitment depends on the suspension, spring hangers, and frame configuration.
7. Can they be installed on fifth wheels?
Yes. The X-Factor is a common reinforcement option for compatible fifth-wheel suspension systems.
8. Will the X-Factor improve my RV’s ride quality?
The X-Factor primarily provides structural reinforcement. It is not a shock absorber or ride-comfort suspension system. Ride improvements are better evaluated through suspension components such as equalizers, shocks, and other appropriate upgrades.
9. Can the X-Factor be installed with MORryde CRE3000 or SRE4000 suspension?
MORryde offers installation configurations for various suspension systems, including CRE3000 and SRE4000 applications. Correct parts and installation instructions are essential. Certain SRE4000 installations require crossmember reinforcement.
10. Can the X-Factor be installed with stock suspension equalizers?
Some stock equalizer and leaf spring configurations are compatible with the standard X-Factor system. Confirm fitment before purchasing.
11. Does installing crossmembers require welding?
The X-Factor is designed as a bolt-on system for compatible applications. However, existing frame damage, hanger modifications, or other structural issues may require separate repair work.
12. Should I inspect my suspension before installation?
Absolutely. We recommend inspecting spring hangers, welds, shackles, bushings, equalizers, leaf springs, and surrounding frame components before installing reinforcement.
13. Can I install the X-Factor myself?
Experienced owners with appropriate equipment and mechanical knowledge may be able to complete compatible installations. The trailer must be safely supported, and all hardware must be installed and torqued according to the correct MORryde instructions.
14. Does the installation require removing suspension bolts?
Depending on the kit and suspension configuration, installation may involve removing or replacing spring hanger or equalizer mounting hardware. Follow the specific kit instructions.
15. Can California RV Specialists install the crossmembers while I wait?
Our repair and installation services are performed by drop-off appointment. This allows us to coordinate technician availability, parts, inspections, and any additional work discovered during installation.
Why Choose California RV Specialists?
California RV Specialists has been helping RV owners with repairs, maintenance, and upgrades since 2003.
We specialize in:
- RV suspension inspections and repairs
- MORryde X-Factor crossmember installations
- MORryde CRE3000 and other suspension upgrades
- Roadmaster Comfort Ride suspension systems
- Heavy-duty shackles and wet bolt upgrades
- Leaf spring and hanger inspections
- RV frame inspections and structural repairs
- Wheel bearing and brake maintenance
- Disc brake upgrades
Our experience with real-world RV suspension problems helps us recommend upgrades based on the condition of the trailer rather than simply installing parts.
Schedule Your MORryde X-Factor Installation
Considering MORryde X-Factor reinforcement for your fifth wheel or travel trailer?
Contact California RV Specialists to discuss your RV’s suspension, crossmember options, installation labor, and available appointments.
California RV Specialists, LLC
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: (209) 263-7040
Email: service@calrvspecialists.com
Website: https://www.calrvspecialists.com
Helping RV Owners Since 2003
Disclaimer: Installation times are estimates based on typical shop conditions. Actual labor, compatibility, parts requirements, and repair needs may vary. MORryde crossmembers provide supplemental reinforcement and do not guarantee prevention of structural damage. Follow the applicable manufacturer’s installation instructions and inspect existing frame damage before installation.
