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

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

Posted By: homeputter on 09/10/13 06:31pm

Les,
I just reviewed your 5(?) year old suspension installation posting. I want to compliment you on the very clear explanation and EXCELLENT photos. Those are some of the clearest (focus and exposure) photos I have seen on the internet.

I sold my Sunnybrook several years ago and don't have a unit now, but I was very interested in following your installation.
Thanks for posting!

Posted By: moll672 on 10/24/13 10:15am

Put EZflex on the TT I just traded for a 5er (am I still allowed here under TTs?). Liked the result and want to do same to 5er. Trouble is it is Lippert suspension. Have looked at Equa-flex from Lippert that is quite a bit more expensive than the EZ flex that I know does work. Lucky to be able to say that I'm not too worried about the extra cost if the equaflex can outperform EZ flex.
5er is a KZ Sportsmen 23ft with a "tall tandem axle suspension". This means that the existing main assembly part (ie: the EZ flex or equaflex component)is taller than the EZ flex that would replace it. Hence my concern about reduced clearance and possibly parts hitting the frame under severe conditions

Now to my questions.

1. Will the EZ flex fit without reducing the clearance to wheel wells or possibly hit frame in extreme conditions. This I noticed had happened on my previous conversion.

2. Have considered an axle flip, as gap between trailer and pickup bed is barely 5" which is not as much clearance as I would like. Could raise ht of 5th wheel hitch in pickup bed but then trailer would not ride level. Flip would probably add 4".

3. If I did axle flip and installed EZ flex would one balance out the other somewhat and the trailer clearance would be sufficient for it to ride level with a little hitch adjustment. Or is this too much to ask for?

4. Dexter states for 33" spaced axles. Mine are 32" centres. Does this matter or is it an approximation? Lippert also states for 33" axle centres.

5. Has anyone used NEVER FAIL bushings from Lippert?

Was reading wet bolt installation instructions on Lippert's site and read that the bolts with serrated collars have to be driven into the bronze bushings. I am no mechanic but 2 things come to mind.

First, the serrations won't reach the bushing because the shackle( which is what the serrations are supposed to dig into) is in the way.

Second, I thought the whole point of the components were that the greased bolt is able to turn in the bushing. Reference is Lippert components Wet Bolt Installation sheet 0191. Please correct me if I've got this wrong.

Hope someone or many can provide me with some guidance. Don't have to be too concerned with what to do until spring anyway! Snow on the ground here this morning. Maybe I'll move to Florida!!

Take care.

2014 Silverado 5.3 Crew Cab
2004 KZ Sportsmen 2253 5th wheel

Posted By: Woodtroll on 11/06/13 05:20pm

I've never used the Lippert components, but based on my experience with every other trailer I've ever owned, whoever wrote those instructions was a technical writer that had no idea what the serrations are for. As you said, these should lock into the hanger, not the bushing. I would think it was a typo, but it repeats the same error at least twice.

2003 F250XL 4WD 7.3L Crewcab LB, 6 speed; Prodigy brake controller; Big Tex grille guard/ deer deflector. Canoe hauler and camping truck extraordinaire!
2003 Layton 242 Scout- Extra batteries, solar panels, LED lighting, and propane for boondocking.

Posted By: travelcozy on 11/15/13 11:49pm

Thanks for the detailed write-up, very informative. Thanks!

Vintage travel trailers

Posted By: Steveque on 12/04/13 02:18pm

I just acquired a 2014 Forest River Wildwood T21RBS trailer trailer. Would anyone know if the EZ flex system would fit this unit? Not exactly sure what axle is on it. The dealer said they were ALKO 3500.

Steve Quesenberry
Central California

Posted By: AH64ID on 04/14/14 11:06am

I wanted to say thanks for the stickey.

I did 1/2 of this install yesterday in about 2.5 hours, including installing some dynamic wheel balancers, inspecting wheel bearings, and removing tire weights.

It was a very easy install, the bushings pressed right in with a 4" "C" clamp after sitting in the freezer for a few hours.

I opted to remove the zerk from the wet bolts for installation and it made it much easier than trying to work around them.

I was expecting my ride height to be slightly lower, but it looks level with the drivers side still on the OE AL-KO setup.

Speaking of the AL-KO setup I have 7K miles on my TT and 2 of the bushings where nearly worn thru, so I am glad I did this.

I also will need to go a major wheel bearing service/upgrade before my next big trip. They looked fine, but the grease was worse than expected and the bearings look cheap.

-John

2018 Ram 3500-SRW-4x4-Laramie-CCLB-Aisin-Auto Level-5th Wheel Prep-Titan 55 gal tank-B&W RVK3600

2011 Outdoors RV Wind River 275SBS-some minor mods

Posted By: TXiceman on 05/04/14 07:41am

On the original install photos, the OP was luck enough that the tires appear to clear the access to the Zerk fittings on the wet bolts. I suggest that the Zerk fitting should be turned to the inside of the trailer to provide access for greasing.

Ken

Amateur Radio Operator.
2023 Cougar 22MLS, toted with a 2022, F150, 3.5L EcoBoost, Crewcab, Max Tow, FORMER Full Time RVer. Travel with a standard schnauzer and a Timneh African Gray parrot

Posted By: BarneyS on 05/04/14 09:51am

TXiceman wrote:

Yep! That is what I did.
Barney

2004 Sunnybrook Titan 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch (Sold)
Not towing now.
Former tow vehicles were 2016 Ram 2500 CTD, 2002 Ford F250, 7.3 PSD, 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 gas engine

Posted By: ZeeLet50 on 05/13/14 03:26pm

Did this install with a friend in about 5 hours on our '13 keystone Passport 23rb. Hardest part was jacking the unit up. We finally resolved to using an 8 ton bottle jack to get it off the ground and jackstands to secure. Harbor Freight tool was a godsend. All zerks clear from the outside and we are good to go. On inaugural trip, the unit felt smoother. Did not seem to jerk up and down over bumps. I have a short wheel base truck and any help with that is welcome.

2017 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS towed by a 2016 GMC 2500HD gas with Andersen hitch and B&W turnover ball mount.

Posted By: Bob Landry on 05/14/14 04:28pm

I received my EZ-Flex kit today and was looking at the wet bolt/shackle assembles that come pre-assembled. Just holding the shackle in the position that I think it's going to hang on my trailer, the grease hole is going to be between 4-5 o'clock instead of the horizontal plane that I have read it should be on. I'm wondering how critical this is and if I should press out the wet bolts and reposition them.

2011 Keystone Outback 277RL

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