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Old 09-16-2021, 03:10 PM   #1
GliderSr
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Shakey Shackles

Put new tires on my 2017 Bullet today. While in the process ,the mechanic noticed a space between the shackle bolt and the shackle, on the right side. We checked the rest and found they were all badly worn. While this is no big deal , I was surprised because the trailer doesn’t have more than about 20k miles on it. I wouldn’t think that they would wear so aggressively so quickly. I think this is a safety issue and felt compelled to write this thread. I have an extended warranty on the unit but don’t feel comfortable letting a dealer fix it. I have made arrangements with a mechanic I trust.
Bottom line , this is just another thing to check if you haven’t thought of it.
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Old 09-16-2021, 03:35 PM   #2
sourdough
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Those bolts wear through those bushing VERY quickly. Replace them with heavy duty shackles and wet bolts.
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Old 09-16-2021, 04:45 PM   #3
GliderSr
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Shakey Shackles

Sir,
Thanks for the tip I will install the wet bolts.
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Old 09-16-2021, 04:52 PM   #4
chuckster57
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Factory uses plastic bushings, JUNK. Wet bolts come with bronze bushings and the ability to grease them.

One of the best things you could do. Very easy if you have fairly level grind and a decent floor jack.
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Old 09-16-2021, 05:02 PM   #5
Javi
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While you're at it check the spring arch measurements. While replacing the shackles and installing wet bolts it is a good time to replace worn springs and equalizers.
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Old 09-17-2021, 08:44 AM   #6
Northofu1
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I Had a bullet premier that was 4 yrs old and they were in brutal shape, also snapped a mono leaf in half that had no previous cracking. Replaced all springs and added the heavy duty shackle and wet bolt system.
Once I got the Cougar I replaced the shackles and added wet bolts before my first trip.
The Bullet premier's are a base unit, the suspension parts are at bare essential capacity.
That is why I no longer own one. The floorplan was good.

P.S. Anyone that has a Bullet Premier/ or other travel trailer model with the mono leaf spring and the wide stance axle. * Those leaf springs are very difficult to find on the road when one breaks.* From personal experience they are long and spring shops don't have them, they are special order from a dealer. For the price of them it is worthwhile keeping a full set in stock.
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Old 09-17-2021, 09:30 AM   #7
travelin texans
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My last 5er had the OEM shackle holes elongated in about 5k miles.
While replacing all 4 brake backing plates due to filled with grease I decided it was a good time to upgrade to the heavy shackles & wet bolts that's when I found all of the bushings were shredded plastic & all the shackles already worn considerably.
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Old 09-17-2021, 11:35 AM   #8
ChuckS
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I must be lucky.. My Dexter OEM wet bolts, bushing and shackles are 8 years old with 36K miles on them.. Dexter Bronze OEM bushings ... no evidence of need to replace anything yet... But I grease before every trip make
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