Adding adjustable ride height to older Fontaine RGN

Discussion in 'Heavy Haul Trucking Forum' started by Pilotdriver, Apr 8, 2020.

  1. Pilotdriver

    Pilotdriver Bobtail Member

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    Oct 16, 2011
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    We have an '02 55-ton Fontaine RGN, 3 axle +1 (flip down). This trailer obviously has some heavy duty airbags due to its weight carrying capability but along with that comes a nominal ride height that is higher than we would prefer! I was trying to find someone that has done or knows someone that has successfully fabricated the ability to adjust the ride height on these older trailers? It only has one leveling valve on the middle axle of the three, so I figured it may be easier than you think to accomplish. It would be nice to have the ability to drop the ride height down a couple of inches at most which would help tremendously with the height of most loads we haul with it.
     
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  3. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    I would imagine the rod on the leveling valve is adjustable. If not they make rods that are two pieces with a line of punched holes that bolt together.
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  4. Pilotdriver

    Pilotdriver Bobtail Member

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    I agree with all that you suggest, but probably wasn’t clear on exactly what I have in mind. I want to fabricate a mechanism that allows us to select multiple different ride height detents. We also have a ‘17 Jet ag trailer that allows this with a handle that moves the leveling valve and allows you to select 5 different ride height detents.
     
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2020
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  5. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    Set it on the lowest setting and go? That’s what I would do, especially if you are constantly hauling tall freight where 2” matter.

    go look at an XL trailer. They can be ordered with an easily adjusted ride height, it moves the HCV back and forth.
     
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  6. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    Very simple. Look at a newer Fontaine. Or trailking. They have an outside lever that adjust the position of leveler valve to adjust ride height. A little fabrication and you will be set. It better than the old way of adjusting the regulator to obtain height.
     
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  7. Pilotdriver

    Pilotdriver Bobtail Member

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    Yeah, I have seen online that the new trailers have it. I’m planning on trying to go look in person at how they do it to get some ideas. Just looking for advice if anyone has done it.
     
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  8. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    Pretty sure you can buy a (kit) from Fontaine to update it with an adjustable manual lever.
     
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  9. Pilotdriver

    Pilotdriver Bobtail Member

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    I thought that as well, but dealer said nothing like that exists!
     
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  10. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    Call fontaine direct.
     
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  11. Landincoldfire

    Landincoldfire Heavy Load Member

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    We have the Fontaine 55ton Magnitude. It has the auto setting as well a the manual dump/over-air valve. If the valve is set up, it can actually work as a ride height. While I don't recommend this for every situation it has worked for me.

    @kylefitzy had a rather cheap straight forward solution. Add a quick disconnect retaining pin and you're all set.
     
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