Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Fleet | Keystone RV Models > Lite Weight Trailers
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-07-2019, 01:46 PM   #1
Ccrew
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Winchester
Posts: 113
Suspension options with spread axles?

We have a Bullet 220 RBI which means that it has the 42” on center axle spread. Looking for an option like Mor-Ryde but in talking to them they have no option for this configuration although they do have one in testing with no ETA. Anyone know another manufacturer that makes a similar setup? Thanks.
Ccrew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2019, 04:56 PM   #2
slow
Senior Member
 
slow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Posts: 1,196
Suspension options with spread axles?

eTrailer sells the only available cushioned equalizer for the spread axle.

Here are additional details: http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums...ad.php?t=25868
__________________
2018 Jayco Eagle HT 265BHS (previous: 2015 23RB Passport Elite, ProPride)
2015 F250 XLT SB Crew, 6.2l gas
PullRite 16K SuperGlide w/SuperRail
Reese 5th Airborne (bagged) Pin Box
RoadMaster Shock Kit
X-Factor Cross Bracing
slow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2019, 05:02 PM   #3
roadglide
Senior Member
 
roadglide's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: nm
Posts: 1,833
I'm using EZ flex Dexter product. There are a lot of u tube videos. I'm 12 k on my axles still holding up as expected
__________________
2018 1 ton 4x4 c.c standard bed GMC Denali
Anderson ultimate hitch
2015 311 Impact Fusion toy hauler
2018 Milwaukee 8 FLRTU roadglide glide ultra
2018 800 Z force spot BUGGY.
500 watts of solar enough power for boon docking.
roadglide is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2019, 06:15 PM   #4
Ccrew
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Winchester
Posts: 113
Quote:
Originally Posted by slow View Post
eTrailer sells the only available cushioned equalizer for the spread axle.

Here are additional details: http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums...ad.php?t=25868
Thanks! Bought and on their way. They're not a direct replacement dimensionally, but they should work. Looks like I may have to live with 1" of additional lift which is concerning, as I'm also looking to switch out the 205/75-14's for a 15" if I go 225/75-15 I pick up another 1" there also. May end up redrilling the center equalizer bracket holes higher to compensate for a little of it.

I'm not looking to pick up weight capacity, we travel *extensively* with it and just want something engineered a bit better. Just got back from a 3k mile trip. So far the parts on the way are: Equalizers, shock kits for both axles, Mor-Ryde wet bolt kit, and the Mor-Ryde XFactor brace for the equalizer mounts. The XFactors are cheap enough that I may put the other two on the spring mounts also. From there it's wheels and tires. 14k miles on a 10 month old trailer It's only $ right?
Ccrew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2019, 06:47 PM   #5
busterbrown
Senior Member
 
busterbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 1,659
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ccrew View Post
Thanks! Bought and on their way. They're not a direct replacement dimensionally, but they should work. Looks like I may have to live with 1" of additional lift which is concerning, as I'm also looking to switch out the 205/75-14's for a 15" if I go 225/75-15 I pick up another 1" there also. May end up redrilling the center equalizer bracket holes higher to compensate for a little of it.

I'm not looking to pick up weight capacity, we travel *extensively* with it and just want something engineered a bit better. Just got back from a 3k mile trip. So far the parts on the way are: Equalizers, shock kits for both axles, Mor-Ryde wet bolt kit, and the Mor-Ryde XFactor brace for the equalizer mounts. The XFactors are cheap enough that I may put the other two on the spring mounts also. From there it's wheels and tires. 14k miles on a 10 month old trailer It's only $ right?
I didn't upgrade the equalizer last year on my trailer but did "upfit" new 5200 lb axles, spring packs, wet bolts, and 15 inch wheels (225/75 tires). The chassis sits about 3-4 inches higher now and I appreciate all the new height considering how low these Bullets sit from the factory. I did have to replace the 4 stabilizer jacks to 30" (from the factory 24") so the arms wouldn't be fully extended. With the addition of welded and reinforced cross members on the spring and equalizer hangers/mounts, I'm hopeful I won't have to worry about the undercarriage components for 3 years.

Our upcoming 4,500 mile trip to the southwest will really test these upgrades. Can't wait.
__________________
2017 Keystone Bullet 308BHS in Saddle.
2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4x4 Hemi 6.4L
2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali (SOLD)
Hensley SwiftArrow Control Hitch with 1000 lb Spring Bars
Me, DW, (3) little DS's, and 1 rambunctious Boston Terrier

busterbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2019, 07:18 PM   #6
Ccrew
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Winchester
Posts: 113
Yeah, we did VA to Alabama, the tornado came over our heads and hit just east of us, then hit Gulf Shores @ Pensacola which fortunately was uneventful. Hit Texas which was incredible, then just missed another tornado in Little Rock AR staying there. I think we had enough excitement for one trip. There's a certain unnerving feeling to phone alerts and tornado sirens telling you to take cover, and you're in an RV :-(
Ccrew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2019, 05:57 AM   #7
librty02
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Pittsburgh Pa
Posts: 12
I'm installing the Equaflex on my trailer tomorrow after the install I'll let you know how I feel about it
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea.../LC314336.html
__________________
2018 Ford F-150 SCREW 3.5 Eco Max Tow 157" WB
4 Point Equal-i-zer
2013 Passport 2650BH
librty02 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2019, 05:23 PM   #8
Just chillin
Member
 
Just chillin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Lubbock
Posts: 55
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ccrew View Post
Thanks! Bought and on their way. They're not a direct replacement dimensionally, but they should work. Looks like I may have to live with 1" of additional lift which is concerning, as I'm also looking to switch out the 205/75-14's for a 15" if I go 225/75-15 I pick up another 1" there also. May end up redrilling the center equalizer bracket holes higher to compensate for a little of it.

I'm not looking to pick up weight capacity, we travel *extensively* with it and just want something engineered a bit better. Just got back from a 3k mile trip. So far the parts on the way are: Equalizers, shock kits for both axles, Mor-Ryde wet bolt kit, and the Mor-Ryde XFactor brace for the equalizer mounts. The XFactors are cheap enough that I may put the other two on the spring mounts also. From there it's wheels and tires. 14k miles on a 10 month old trailer It's only $ right?
You’ll have to post pics. My measurements don’t show it will work. I would love to install this too.
Just chillin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2019, 07:12 PM   #9
slow
Senior Member
 
slow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Posts: 1,196
Suspension options with spread axles?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Just chillin View Post
You’ll have to post pics. My measurements don’t show it will work. I would love to install this too.
How much do they differ?

The vast majority of current TTs have either 35" or 42" axle spacings. There are many options for the 35" axle spacings when it comes to cushioned equalizers. The only 42" axle spacing cushioned equalizer available to my knowledge at this time is the Equaflex for which a number of us provided links to in previous posts in this thread.

As for dimensional differences, when I was researching prior to install, I noticed minor differences between the OEM non-cushioned equalizer and the cushioned equalizer for the 42" axle spacing from Equaflex. Those differences did not prevent their use. Rather, the effect of the minor dimensional differences (14.75" vs. 14.625" and 2" vs. 3.25") was that the expected 1 1/4" of lift was actually only ~1/2" of lift. Keep in mind that the dimensions noted in the Lippert picture below are for when the rubber cushions are not loaded. Also note that my short 23' box TT is on the light side so the 1/2" lift I gained may be even less for longer and heavier TTs.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_9213.jpg
Views:	349
Size:	180.3 KB
ID:	21449

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_9212.jpg
Views:	379
Size:	24.1 KB
ID:	21450

If you have a 42" axle spacing and your only concern are these minor dimensional differences in the current and cushioned equalizer I noted above, I would proceed with the install.
__________________
2018 Jayco Eagle HT 265BHS (previous: 2015 23RB Passport Elite, ProPride)
2015 F250 XLT SB Crew, 6.2l gas
PullRite 16K SuperGlide w/SuperRail
Reese 5th Airborne (bagged) Pin Box
RoadMaster Shock Kit
X-Factor Cross Bracing
slow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2019, 10:38 AM   #10
Just chillin
Member
 
Just chillin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Lubbock
Posts: 55
Quote:
Originally Posted by slow View Post
How much do they differ?

The vast majority of current TTs have either 35" or 42" axle spacings. There are many options for the 35" axle spacings when it comes to cushioned equalizers. The only 42" axle spacing cushioned equalizer available to my knowledge at this time is the Equaflex for which a number of us provided links to in previous posts in this thread.

As for dimensional differences, when I was researching prior to install, I noticed minor differences between the OEM non-cushioned equalizer and the cushioned equalizer for the 42" axle spacing from Equaflex. Those differences did not prevent their use. Rather, the effect of the minor dimensional differences (14.75" vs. 14.625" and 2" vs. 3.25") was that the expected 1 1/4" of lift was actually only ~1/2" of lift. Keep in mind that the dimensions noted in the Lippert picture below are for when the rubber cushions are not loaded. Also note that my short 23' box TT is on the light side so the 1/2" lift I gained may be even less for longer and heavier TTs.

Attachment 21449

Attachment 21450

If you have a 42" axle spacing and your only concern are these minor dimensional differences in the current and cushioned equalizer I noted above, I would proceed with the install.
Thanks for the reply, slow. I have a 2019 26RBPR. It does have the 42” axle spacing. The springs are single leaf not multi leaf. It has the BAL frame. My equalizer is only 10” c to c. So that puts me 4-5/8 shorter than the pictured unit that I would love to have.
Just chillin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2019, 10:42 AM   #11
slow
Senior Member
 
slow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Posts: 1,196
This is the first I heard of the 10” c to c equalizer. Thanks for posting that insight.

Some have posted issues with their single leaf springs. If you ever upgrade to multi-leaf springs, it would be an opportunity to also add the cushioned equalizer.
__________________
2018 Jayco Eagle HT 265BHS (previous: 2015 23RB Passport Elite, ProPride)
2015 F250 XLT SB Crew, 6.2l gas
PullRite 16K SuperGlide w/SuperRail
Reese 5th Airborne (bagged) Pin Box
RoadMaster Shock Kit
X-Factor Cross Bracing
slow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2019, 10:55 AM   #12
busterbrown
Senior Member
 
busterbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 1,659
Quote:
Originally Posted by Just chillin View Post
Thanks for the reply, slow. I have a 2019 26RBPR. It does have the 42” axle spacing. The springs are single leaf not multi leaf. It has the BAL frame. My equalizer is only 10” c to c. So that puts me 4-5/8 shorter than the pictured unit that I would love to have.
My trailer has the 42" wide space alxes too and options are pretty much non-existent for this suspension setup. That's why I didn't upgrade. Did do the wet bolts and shackles though.

If you're planning on some extensive, long distant trips with your coach, the bigger worry may be those mono leaf springs Keystone equips these Bullets with. If they fail, good luck trying to find a replacement locally. Two failed on my trailer within 2 weeks of each other. Had to contact Dexter directly to have them mail me new ones. Took about a week. Sourcing through Keystone would have taken 2 weeks.

Decided after both repairs to just upgrade to a multi leaf pack. These can be easily acquired almost anywhere in a day. The trailer rides higher and pulls much better.
__________________
2017 Keystone Bullet 308BHS in Saddle.
2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4x4 Hemi 6.4L
2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali (SOLD)
Hensley SwiftArrow Control Hitch with 1000 lb Spring Bars
Me, DW, (3) little DS's, and 1 rambunctious Boston Terrier

busterbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-19-2019, 11:03 AM   #13
Just chillin
Member
 
Just chillin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Lubbock
Posts: 55
Sounds like it wouldn’t be a bad idea to swap out or at least carry a spare.
Just chillin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 07:22 AM   #14
Charby
Member
 
Charby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Just chillin View Post
Sounds like it wouldn’t be a bad idea to swap out or at least carry a spare.
Excellent idea, now what size are they, or same for every 42" spaced set-up?
What happens when it fails, wheel up through the floor ?
__________________
2014 Bullet Premier 19fbpr
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Charby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 08:29 AM   #15
Ccrew
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Winchester
Posts: 113
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charby View Post
Excellent idea, now what size are they, or same for every 42" spaced set-up?
What happens when it fails, wheel up through the floor ?
Essentially the axle is only attached at one point on that side. Certainly not good. Springs aren't the same size, that's going to be driven by the mounting points on the frame - distance between points and the proper angle on the shackles.
Ccrew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2019, 08:32 AM   #16
Ccrew
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Winchester
Posts: 113
Quote:
Originally Posted by Just chillin View Post
Thanks for the reply, slow. I have a 2019 26RBPR. It does have the 42” axle spacing. The springs are single leaf not multi leaf. It has the BAL frame. My equalizer is only 10” c to c. So that puts me 4-5/8 shorter than the pictured unit that I would love to have.
Mine also. I ultimately installed the wet bolts and the MorRyde XFactor crossmembers (x3) and swapped the 14" "Rainier ST" china tires for 15" Endurance with new wheels.
Ccrew is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
axle

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:57 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.