FAULTY ALCO Shakle link

[KTMkerr]

I have a 2008 Keystone Cougar SRX 5th Wheel. I recently noticed I had 2 broken shakle links on my trailer. When I purchased the trailer new, I also purchased the 5 year extended warranty. I took the trailer where I purcased back in 1/11/08 Mike Thompson RV in Fountain Valley, CA and wanted the brokrn shakle hanger replaced. Rick Lacy from Mike Thompson service cantacted Keyston, ALCO, and Western General (Extended Warranty) and Rick was denied any claim regarding the shakle links. Mike Thompson replaced the broken shakle links with after market heavey duty shakle links with lubable brass bushings at no installation cost. The after market kit was $495.

I called Chris ALCO's service dept and he said that it was not there fault and that the bolt were not tightened properly. I am shipping him all of the now oval shakle links to prove to him that this was faulty equipment. I have enclosed picture of the links so anyone eles could be aware of any issue they may have.

[Festus2]

We have an '08 Cougar 27RKS 5th and I have not yet noticed any problems with cracked or broken shackles or hangers. A friend of our who has a different make but the same year and the same axles and most likely the same hangers and shackes had them all replaced as they were showing signs of excessive wear - especially the bushings. The axles were not aligned and the "flimsy" shackles and bushings all contributed to uneven and excessive tire wear.
The kit and the replaced parts all were vastly heavier and had brass bushings with grease nipples instead of nylon or whatever material they use. I am not sure whether you could say that the factory ones were "faulty" but probably made as thin as possible as a cost-saving to them. Not surprised that they would wear out quickly. The ones on my old 5th wheel were much heavier and sturdier.
I dont think these would be covered by extended warranty in any case.
I will be watching mine very carefully and thanks for the heads up. Richard.