Wide Axle Component Upgrade Options

[slow]

Originally Posted by dcg9381

Of the mount or the bushings in the mount?

The equalizer please.

[slow]

Originally Posted by SUnderwood

if what you describe about drilling the center hanger hole higher up to maintain the height , if you use the original hole it will raise the trailer slightly

I need to take a few measurements and lay it out to estimate if it is worth raising the equalizer mount hole and if not doing so results in a negligible rise of the trailer (less than~.75").

Thanks for everyone's input.

[dcg9381]

Originally Posted by slow

The equalizer please.

[slow]

Thanks.

It confirms that under load of the stationary trailer, the rubber collapses and the vertical distance from the mount hole to the "lever" holes reduces from the specified vertical dimension in the free state.


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[slow]

An update on the 314336 Lippert Equa-Flex Spread Equalizer Bar for 5.2K Axles (42 inch wide axle spacing):

etrailer corrected their pricing to $190 for the pair: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Sus...C257486-2.html

BUT: it turns out that there are three versions out in the market at this time:
* galv body with never fail bushings - eastern marine
* yellow powder coat with never fail bushings - etrailer current stock
* yellow powder coat with brass bushings (latest version) - future stock

[Chillaxin' III]

Okay, I'm lost...what do these do again?

[slow]

Originally Posted by Chillaxin' III

Okay, I'm lost...what do these do again?

They claim that the shock from rough roads is reduced. I will find out this weekend as we depart on a 2,000 mile round trip to the Canadian Rockies (Banff National Park).

They took 3 hours to install including hooking up, getting tools out, lifting TT one side at a time and then packing them away when done. Did not remove wheels so that saved time. Only issue is that I had to ream the ID of one of the top bushings so the wet bolt would fit.

Also found that the flanged lock nuts on the wet bolts are not reusable. Replaced those I had to remove with new.

TT gained 1/2 inch if height.


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[slow]

Originally Posted by Chillaxin' III

Okay, I'm lost...what do these do again?

They claim that the shock from rough roads is reduced.

https://youtu.be/TynFO1P7l6E

I will find out this weekend as we depart on a 2,000 mile round trip to the Canadian Rockies (Banff National Park).


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[rhagfo]

Did you think about putting shocks on your trailer???

[slow]

Yes!
That is the next step since the cushioned equalizer lifts the TT and I was not sure by how much, I did not want to install the shocks and have to reposition them.

We just made our first 250 miles on the cushioned equalizer. Do not feel as much harshness going over rail road tracks, bridge joints and concrete joints. Incremental improvement and only part of the upgrade to make it ride right. Shocks are on order.

BTW: DW felt the cushioned equalizer improved the ride and she gave the green light to order shocks.

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[slow]

Originally Posted by slow

.................. Shocks are on order.

I received the Lippert 281281 shock kits from Camping World about a week ago.

A few observations for those contemplating installing the Lippert shock kits:
* the kit components are in rough shape due to poor workmanship (weld spatter, deformed due to welding, mis-positioned component on the upper bracket weldment)and packaging
* shocks have a 2012 date on them and seem to have different rebound rates
* the kits are set up for an I-beam frame (I have a "Z" shaped frame from BAL)
* the instructions indicate that 2 1/2" clearance is required between the I-beam flange and the inside of the tire. With a 2 inch diameter shock that would only provide 1/4" clearance between the frame and shock / shock and tire. That would explain some posts where the shock has contacted the tire on owner's installs. The criteria in the instructions are most certainly wrong so be aware. IMO, at least 4 inches of clearance is required between the frame and tire for the kit to have a chance of working. Even with 4 inches of clearance and an I-beam frame, a spacer would be required under the upper shock mount plate.
* None of the brackets provided will work on my TT even though I have 4" of clearance between the frame and the inside of the tire.
* I am still checking to see if I can make it work if I were to make my own brackets. My preliminary layout looks promising with the potential of achieving a 52 1/2 degree shock angle vs the 45 degree minimum required. I had hoped for 60 degrees, but that will not be possible.

BTW:
* Lippert customer service was oblivious to the clearance criteria in their instructions and would not accept that there is a problem with the criteria as supported by simple math.
* If considering the kit, be very cautious. It should be viewed as a high fabrication skill set type of DIY project. Or another way to look at it, if you have the skills to do this project, the kit may not be of much value.

My current plan is to keep the shock kits and install them (if it is possible) at the end of our camping season in about a month, since it is cost prohibitive to return them from Canada.

[Laredo291OH]

Hi slow,

I installed 2 sets of these https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Axle-K.../dp/B003VAX7C4 on my Laredo291TG. This is not a plug and play type of install. My shocks are mounted on the inside of the frame, there wasn't enough clearance between the frame and the tire for mounting. I did not use the new plates, I made brackets that bolted on under the plate. I will have to say, I'm not so sure it was worth all of the work for the small gain that I got from the shocks. I can't say that I noticed a whole lot of difference.

[slow]

It is disappointing to hear that you did not witness much benefit. I may have to rethink the effort I thought I was going to put into this project.