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Old 02-16-2019, 03:45 PM   #1
markjamestx
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Wet Bolt Question

Read some posts on wet bolts versus factory bolts this forum and FR's. We have a 2017 31' Bullet Premier with Keystone factory bolts. Want to change them out, and in the post I read they discussed 9/16" diameter bolts. So, I started surfing the web on where to get these, and that is not a problem. The problem is mine are not 9/16" but 3/8" x 3" long. Sent a message to etrailer.com but have not heard back yet. I do know how to use a tape measure, been doing it for 50 years so I know I am right. Anyone out there experience this and if so, were you able to find the 3/8" diameter bolts?
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Old 02-16-2019, 08:36 PM   #2
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When you get the correct bolts for YOUR trailer they will include Bronze bushings to replace the paper thin plastic ones used by manufacturer. Just replacing the bolts will do nothing since it is the stock bushings that wear out quickly. Measure what you have and rely on a reputable supply house to give you the correct replacement kit. JM2¢, Hank
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Old 02-17-2019, 05:51 AM   #3
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Thank you I was planning on doing that as well
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Old 02-17-2019, 06:04 AM   #4
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Look at pictures online

If you look at pictures online you will see the threads are narrower than the shaft - are you looking at the nut and threads and assuming they are 3/8 all the way through?
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Old 02-17-2019, 06:25 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjeronimo View Post
If you look at pictures online you will see the threads are narrower than the shaft - are you looking at the nut and threads and assuming they are 3/8 all the way through?
Agree with this^^^^^. The threaded end of the bolt is smaller in diameter than the shank of the bolt. On our 4400# axles, the suspension bolts are 9/16". If you have standard, iron equalizers you will need a total of 14 bolts. I would take this opportunity to replace the equalizers with some brand of rubber cushioned equalizer. Good luck.
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Old 02-17-2019, 09:46 AM   #6
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This is what you will be replacing. #1 is the bronze bushing pushing out the worn nylon. #2 shows the difference in thickness of the shackles and longer bolts.




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Old 02-17-2019, 04:48 PM   #7
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Wet Bolt Reply

Thanks all for chiming in. Did some more checking online and there are two types of bolts. One that is a full 9/16" diameter and the other that has smaller diameter (7/16") on the threaded end. I am sure that is what I have and thanks for steering me that direction. eTrailer.com has both and of course the ones I need are almost 2X more $ at $7.55 each. Oh well, camping is greater, but not as expensive as having big boats. I will be replacing the bolts with new bushings.
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Old 02-19-2019, 05:25 AM   #8
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I bought a kit to do mine. Might have paid more that way, didn't research individually. But I got everything that fit and it all went together well. I bought zerk caps off ebay as well. Like 50 for $10?

My Premier 29rkpr had ~15k miles on it when I installed and most of the original bushings were worn through.
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Old 02-22-2019, 03:59 PM   #9
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Don't replace just the bolts. Invest in the Equa-flex suspension kit. The components are twice as heavy duty than the OEM shackles. After I installed mine I did the test drive and was impressed at how much quieter and stable the trailer felt. It truly makes a big difference and worth the money.
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Old 02-28-2019, 12:50 PM   #10
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Make sure your wet bolts stay wet. About 18,000 miles ago I installed wet volts with equa-flex. Greased them before our last trip of 9,000 miles. When we got home, I greased again and right rear wouldn't take grease. Finally jacked up rig and removed rear spring shackle. Bronze bushing was worn away on the outside and remainder of bushing was fused to wet bolt. When I installed new bushing and wet bolt, splines did not hold bolt to frame shackle. Further investigation discovered that the bolt holes in the frame shackle were worn, thus nothing for splines to engage to. Also, bolt was loose on other side. Apparently the old bolt turned in the shackle until hole was worn.

Had to grind off old frame shackle and weld new one in. Fortunately, friend has portable welder, so all it cost was new frame shackle for $6.00.
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Old 02-28-2019, 06:54 PM   #11
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when ever I instal new bushings and bolts, I tack weld the bolt and the nut to the hanger. Even with new brackets. Easy cheap insurance and easy to grid off for service. If the bracket is worn so the bolt is loose a new bracket is installed.

Also keep them well greased
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Old 02-28-2019, 08:04 PM   #12
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Proper maintenance for the wet bolts, per the Dexter manual, is greasing them every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Link to the manual- https://www.dexteraxle.com/docs/defa....pdf?sfvrsn=42
and the maintenance schedule is on page 84.
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Old 03-01-2019, 11:57 AM   #13
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Last time I looked they didn’t make a equiflex for the spread axle equalizer beam.
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Old 03-01-2019, 12:10 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Just chillin View Post
Last time I looked they didn’t make a equiflex for the spread axle equalizer beam.
This is the spread axle version I installed a few years back:
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea.../LC314336.html

My review: http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums...ad.php?t=25868
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Old 03-02-2019, 10:42 AM   #15
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Hi all, We have a 2017 keystone 2200mb. Great RV so far, been doing regular maintenance (I hope) repacked the axle bearings, sealed the roof ect. Still trying to learn all I need to know to keep it in shape. Question : how often do you need to service the springs, suspension, shackles ect. and what should I be looking for? Thanks for any and all help B&T
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Old 03-02-2019, 12:42 PM   #16
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Your rig probably does not have the wet bolt package installed, which means the bushings for the suspension are just plastic sleeves. This might be something you would want to upgrade to. This is the link to the Dexter manual, that has service suggestions and torques for the various bolts and u-bolts on the suspension. The nuts on the u-bolts have been a problem, not being fully torqued from the factory. https://www.dexteraxle.com/docs/defa....pdf?sfvrsn=42
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Old 03-03-2019, 04:53 AM   #17
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Thanks for your help, this is something I will definitely check out
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Old 03-03-2019, 05:33 AM   #18
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Did anyone try a good Spring Shop for the bronze bushings and the pins? Also coat bushing and pin with never seize Then use regular grease after install.You would be surprised later the never seize will be under the grease inbeded in the bronze. Yeah I know where do you find a Spring Shop??
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