Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Dexter HD Suspension & EZ-Flex Install (long w/ pictures)

Print | Close

Topic: Dexter HD Suspension & EZ-Flex Install (long w/ pictures)

Posted By: jz1028 on 10/12/09 10:30am

I will be doing my trailer this week and that is a good question. I just assumed that you start at the ez flex at the center and work you way out to the spring ends.

What is the consensus on where to begin before I get underway and start pressing bolts out?

Thanks

Jay

Posted By: Learjet on 10/12/09 12:11pm

I took one side of the suspension completely apart, while the other side was still attached. Then, I worked from the spring ends to the center pivot attachment. Had no problems getting it to align.

2017 Ram Big Horn, DRW Long Box, 4x4, Cummins, Aisin, 3.73
2022 Jayco Pinnacle 32RLTS, Onan 5500, Disc Brakes, 17.5" tires
B&W Ram Companion

Posted By: Steveque on 10/13/09 01:54pm

You may find the axle will move easier if you support the axle with a floor jack and then use a bottle jack under the front hanger of that spring. It does take a little coordination to lift and drop the jacks to make the spring move towards the rear.

I found that once I was close, I could just tug on the axle just a little to get the hole lined up.

Steve Quesenberry
Central California

Posted By: 2inAlabama on 10/15/09 02:59pm

Hi Guys,

I am trying to determine if I really need to do this mod. What is the potential damage to my TT over the next 10 years if I don't do it? I realize the combination of the Ez-Flex and the shocks would give the TT a smoother ride. My TT has an aluminum frame.

Just DH & DW
'01 Foretravel U320 42 ft ISM450

Posted By: TURK2500 on 10/15/09 05:45pm

2inAlabama wrote:

snip.....What is the potential damage to my TT over the next 10 years if I don't do it?...snip

If your TT sits on a seasonal lot all summer, then nothing. But if you intend on putting some road miles on the TT over the next 10 years then IMO the EZ-Flex upgrade will greatly reduce the potential of leaf spring component breakdown during travel, and reducing the transfer of road imperfections to the TT can't hurt.

Turk2500

2016 Silverado 2500HD, 6.0L
2018 Jayco 24RBS

Posted By: Learjet on 10/15/09 06:57pm

TURK2500 wrote:

2inAlabama wrote:

snip.....What is the potential damage to my TT over the next 10 years if I don't do it?...snip

Excellent point. I put 26,000 miles in 4 years, so I wanted and needed the upgrade because of failing shackles (see pics a few pages back).

Posted By: LAdams on 11/16/09 06:34pm

I agree... If your rig is sitting on a seasonal site, there will be virtually no wear to the suspension components aside from towing it to the site and back... If on the other hand your putting on miles like LearJet, then the upgrade is a very good idea...

Les

2000 Ford F-250SD, XLT, 4X4 Off Road, SuperCab
w/ 6.8L (415 C.I.) V-10/3:73LS/4R100
Banks Power Pack w/Trans Command & OttoMind
Sold Trailer - not RV'ing at this point in time

HUNTER THERMOSTAT INSTALL

HOME MADE WHEEL CHOCKS

Posted By: 2inAlabama on 11/18/09 04:37pm

OK, I am going to do the Ez-Flex upgrade. While I am at it, I am wondering about installing the Monroe Shock kit from shockwarehouse.com ( http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/mon_retrokit.cfm ). Has anyone here installed this shock kit? If so, what are the noticeable improvements for the TT ride and towing experience? Are there any complications with the install? Is it truly just a bolt-on process?

Posted By: RCMAN46 on 11/18/09 05:00pm

2inAlabama wrote:

Bolt on Process?? Depends on your trailer and if there are any shock mounts already on the trailer. I have done the shock kit install on 4 trailers. I had to drill a hole in the trailer frame for the upper shock mount on all 4 trailers. On the two trailers that had I beam frames I used what is called a chain pocket instead of the Monroe kit. Monroe upper kit I got the pockets for $3.50 each. The pockets fit in the I beam perfect. I mounted them with 4 3/8 bolts. Then there is a 1/2 hole in the center and a 1/2 hole in the trailer frame. I also made a spacer from 1/2 inch water pipe that goes between the frame and the pocket. This allows full torque on the 1/2 inch grade 8 bolt that is the upper shock mount. The trailers handle much better. One is a small utility trailer. After going across a railroad track of rough spot the trailer would bounce around a little. Now it is stable as a rock. This is one I pull behind my 5th wheel. Very important it does not dance around. The 5th wheel behaves much better after the shocks.

Posted By: 2inAlabama on 11/18/09 06:19pm

No, my TT doesn't have shock mounts. That's why I was concerned about how this kit works. Thanks for the tips.

Print | Close