Suspension upgrades

bono · 05-09-2018, 01:23 PM

Hello,

Today I have a question about suspension upgrades. Only recently I came across some discussions about upgrading the trailer suspension with e.g. EquaFlex Equalizers, Lippert's "Never Fail" bushings, shocks, etc. I will have the trailer at dealer for wheel bearings repack, so I thought that I would do some other stuff around upgrading the suspension. I spent some time reading about those upgrades, but still I am not sure, if I understand the benefits.

Currently, I do not have any problems with handling, stuff being thrown around in the trailer, etc. What is the real benefit of making those upgrades?

Thanks!

bdreinv · 05-09-2018, 01:45 PM

I would get rid of those nylon bushings as fast as you can!Mine are all trashed after 2 1/2 years.

troutslayer · 05-09-2018, 05:50 PM

You probably read about my Lippert "neverfail" bushing failure (If not, I'll post it again but it was just a couple days ago). You may want to look into the MORryde suspension system cuz it has bronze bushings that can be lubricated through zerk fittings and the shackle straps are easily twice the thickness of the Lippert brand. And the entire MORryde set up is only about 10 bucks more. I'm not pushing the MORryde only because I have them but rather, I had the Lipperts and they failed. Let me tell you that when you are sitting by the campfire 1000 miles from home and see elongated shackle straps and wonder if your trip should continue, it's a big deal.
FYI, I was also going to install the MORryde CRE3000 suspension in addition to the new bushings/shackles but it raised my tires up 1" and that was too close to the underside of the wheel well. You may want to check that when adding suspension equipment.
I wish you luck!

bono · 05-09-2018, 06:00 PM

Thanks!

RE MORryde bushings - are you referring to this product?

https://www.amazon.com/MORryde-UO12-.../dp/B007HRICH2

Also, how did you find out that MORryde CRE3000 would raise your tires 1''?

Thanks!

ifallsguy · 05-09-2018, 06:34 PM

If you are up to it, changing out the MORyde system isn't real tough to change out. I'm 66 and it took me about 3 hours total. Biggest issue was being able to jack the side of the trailer I wanted to work on up high enough. Stacked 6X6 boards got me the height and another stacked up to support the I beam after I removed the jack worked great.

Also be aware of how the zerts are put in. You will need to be able to get to them to grease them. Facing them inward protects them from debris but you will need to crawl underneath to grease them.

Also, the nylon bushings on my 2016 SLX 212 QBW (purchased new 7/16) were worn out or torn when I pulled them 6 months and 500 miles later. Really happy with the wet bolts and heavy duty hardware.

RedHorse1 · 05-09-2018, 07:18 PM

My trailer came with the CRE3000 equalizer and I have no complaints. I added the wet bolts to my suspension. I find shooting some fresh grease into the moving parts very gratifying.
While my original nylon bearings were in good shape I’d seen too many pics of them coming out in pieces and worn (broken) shackles to sleep at night.

TCNashville · 05-09-2018, 07:28 PM

Question for you guys that have installed the wet bolt kit. Is there any way to visually inspect whether the bushings have been elongated? What I mean is that I've inspected my suspension and can't see anything wrong with the relationship of the present bolts/suspension. Does it have to be taken apart to see any damage? I have the Mor/Ryde 3000CRE suspension on our Eagle but only about 3000 miles on the trailer in 5 years as we generally camp local.

RogerR · 05-09-2018, 07:34 PM

I have a 195rb which is a single axle trailer. Do I need to upgrade my shackles? Or is this a tandem axle problem only?

Rustic Eagle · 05-09-2018, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCNashville

snip.....Is there any way to visually inspect whether the bushings have been elongated?....snip

It's not that the bushing is becoming elongated, it's the bolt clearance holes in the leaf spring mounting shackles. Depending on the degree of de-grade, you may be able to see witness marks on the shackle surface made by the bolt moving (up/down) within the shackle clearance hole.

I installed the wet bolt upgrade on my prior Eagle and plan to do the same on my new Jay Flight this summer.

Bob

RedHorse1 · 05-09-2018, 07:47 PM

TCN, if the shackle wears enough you can see the damage. I think that’s how Trout discovered his problem. I’ve seen pics of failed shackles due to wear and “it ain’t that pretty at all”.

Roger, I’d check out Amazon, etrailer and or tweety’s to see if they offer a single axle version. Can’t imagine why it wouldn’t work.

I did the job myself as several folks have and with the help of a bottle jack, 2 floor jacks, jack stands and plenty of cribbing it wasn’t too difficult.

troutslayer · 05-09-2018, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bono

Thanks!

RE MORryde bushings - are you referring to this product?

https://www.amazon.com/MORryde-UO12-.../dp/B007HRICH2

Also, how did you find out that MORryde CRE3000 would raise your tires 1''?

Thanks!

Yes. That's the product for tandem axles (which is what I have). The MORryde specifications guide called for a hanger bracket that needed to be 1" taller than what I had.

TCNashville · 05-10-2018, 02:45 PM

Thanks guys. I'm going to take another good look at the suspension and then probably do the wetbolt kit anyway.

PlayersZ28 · 05-10-2018, 03:41 PM

TCN, if you have much on the trailer for miles the hangers will be done. My '14 had ~12k miles when I did the wet bolts last year nad the holes were elongated but not broken out. My CRE3000 was seized up so I had to replace it as well. My suspension squeaked a lot prior to the change, rides better now too.

You may also like: