Wide Axle Component Upgrade Options

[slow]

I am looking for insights on what options are available for upgrading our suspension components on a wide axle (approximately 42" if I recall) Passport 23RB.



So far what I have determined is that neither Dexter nor MorRyde offer a "cushioned" equalizer for a spread axle (only available for 33 and 35 inch). Have I missed any options or are there other manufacturers that have such a product for wide axles that is worthy of consideration?



If no "cushioned" equalizer kit is available for a wide axle, it seems another option is to install the MorRyde tandem axle heavy duty shackle and wet bolt kit, P/N UO12-016 which would reuse the solid OEM equalizer. Has anyone installed this kit and if so, are you happy with the outcome or were there any issues that needed to be addressed?



Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[TomHaycraft]

I faced same limitation with my Springdale. Nothing for the cushioned equalizer, so I did what I could and added the wet-bolt kit.

[slow]

Thanks Tom.
I will go the same route if no one has any other recommendations within the next month.


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[dcg9381]

I have a larger camper, but ordered the MorRyde tandem axle heavy duty shackle and wet bolt kit (different part number). Largely because I've seen the what the OEM bushings look like after 12 months of travel. I don't think you can go wrong with that kit.

I've read two recommendations on it (haven't installed it yet):
1) Re-position the the grease zerks
2) File (very lightly) a line on the bolt from the grease hole output all the way down the non-threaded part of the bolt. This helps the grease spread.

[slow]

Originally Posted by dcg9381

I have a larger camper, but ordered the MorRyde tandem axle heavy duty shackle and wet bolt kit (different part number). Largely because I've seen the what the OEM bushings look like after 12 months of travel. I don't think you can go wrong with that kit.

I've read two recommendations on it (haven't installed it yet):
1) Re-position the the grease zerks
2) File (very lightly) a line on the bolt from the grease hole output all the way down the non-threaded part of the bolt. This helps the grease spread.

Both seem logical. What is the part number for the kit you bought?

Please let me know what you learn when you do the install. I have to wait for the snow to go away.

[dcg9381]

I'd verify part number per application - had to be special ordered:
UO12-031

Ran about $110.

[slow]

Originally Posted by dcg9381

I'd verify part number per application - had to be special ordered:
UO12-031

Ran about $110.

Looks like you have the Correct Track hangers and 3 1/8 shackles which explains the P/N difference. Thanks for the info.

[slow]

Darn, I went looking for my sketch to confirm that my shackles are 2 1/4 inches hole to hole, but I miss placed the sketch with my measurements.

My TT is in storage, so if anyone has a passport at home, I would appreciate getting the measurement from you.

[SUnderwood]

I have a bullet 207 rbs with the wide track wheel spacing, I have measured the equalizer and if I use 3- 1/8 shackles ,it appears that the dexter ez flex equalizer for 35 inch axle spacing will work

[slow]

Originally Posted by SUnderwood

I have a bullet 207 rbs with the wide track wheel spacing, I have measured the equalizer and if I use 3- 1/8 shackles ,it appears that the dexter ez flex equalizer for 35 inch axle spacing will work

Please elaborate because I do not follow how two shackles that are 1 inch longer each can make up a 7 inch difference (42-35) in axle spacing.

[SUnderwood]

my equalizer is 10 inches center to center and is flat , the dexter Equalizer Assembly (013-144-03) is 7 3/4 inches center to center for a difference of 2 1/4 inches , divide that by 1/2 and you have a difference of 1-1/8 inches short on each side , the dexter equalizer has a 3 inch drop, to make up for the drop I need longer shackles , which when following the same angle the short shackles are. the longer ones will intersect the dexter equalizer

[slow]

Originally Posted by SUnderwood

my equalizer is 10 inches center to center and is flat , the dexter Equalizer Assembly (013-144-03) is 7 3/4 inches center to center for a difference of 2 1/4 inches , divide that by 1/2 and you have a difference of 1-1/8 inches short on each side , the dexter equalizer has a 3 inch drop, to make up for the drop I need longer shackles , which when following the same angle the short shackles are. the longer ones will intersect the dexter equalizer

I need to check, but I believe my equalizer is somewhere around 13 inches center to center and if so, that is why it would not work for me.

[SUnderwood]

if I happen to pass by the local dealer , I will measure it

[SUnderwood]

your equalizer is about 14 1/4 inches long. look at this and see if you think it will fit
LIPPERT Equa-Flex® Spread Equalizer Bar for 5.2k Axles (Pair) #314336
they are about 14 5/8 hole spacing

[slow]

Originally Posted by SUnderwood

your equalizer is about 14 1/4 inches long. look at this and see if you think it will fit
LIPPERT Equa-Flex® Spread Equalizer Bar for 5.2k Axles (Pair) #314336
they are about 14 5/8 hole spacing

Thanks SUnderwood, I will check into it.

[slow]

Originally Posted by SUnderwood

your equalizer is about 14 1/4 inches long. look at this and see if you think it will fit
LIPPERT Equa-Flex® Spread Equalizer Bar for 5.2k Axles (Pair) #314336
they are about 14 5/8 hole spacing

I have done some research on the Equa-flex 314336 and determined the following so far:

* I have not found any reviews of the product

* It is a relatively new product and two versions are available per Lippert. The early version is galvanized, whereas the newer version is yellow powder coated. No other changes were identified by Lippert.

http://www.easternmarine.com/media/c...5439025_xl.jpg

https://www.etrailer.com/static/imag...7486_8_500.jpg

* etrailer has the newer powder coat version but they are reviewing their pricing at my request since it is twice the cost of the galvanized version at eastern marine.

* Lippert and etrailer both confirmed that it is for the 42 inch wide axles but will require a hanger modification to maintain the same ride height. I have yet to determine the exact amount, but it looks like the equalizer mounting hole would need to be drilled higher up on the hanger. Will this change the suspension travel and performance or create any interference issues?

* it comes with nylon bushings in the galvanized version that are replaceable with bronze

[dcg9381]

I have the powdercoated version from the factory. It came with bronze bushings. (FYI)

[slow]

dcg, thanks for that.

Would you be able to post a picture?


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[dcg9381]

Of the mount or the bushings in the mount?

[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