Upgrading Trailer Bushings Greasable Bolts and Equalizer Suspension Parts on a Alpenlite 5th Wheel

Updated 06/06/2020 | Published 01/15/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Nylon Bushing - 9/16" Inner Diameter, 11/16" Outer Diameter - 1-3/4" Long

(1140)

$4.55

Wet Equalizer Bolt with Locknut and Grease Zerk for Double-Eye Springs - 3" Long

(748)

$9.66

Question:

I have a 1983 Alpenlite 22 5th wheel travel trailer. Dual leaf springs, plastic bushings. Is it ok to replace the plastic bushings with brass bushings and greasable bolts? Is there suppossed to be some space or bushing between the hangers and spring components where the bolts go through for movement? Lastly, I purchased equaflex equalizer, but mismeasured so the shackle straps are a little short. Can longer straps be used? Thank You so much for your reply!!!!!!

asked by: Stan W

Expert Reply:

Installing brass bushings of the proper inner and outer diameter and length is possible. In my experience brass bushings do not last any longer than nylon bushings and they are much harder to find in the correct size. At this time we do not carry brass or bronze bushings properly sized for double eye leaf springs.

Upgrading to wet shackle bolts would be a good idea and would increase the life of the suspension components, no matter the construction. You will need to match the length and diameter of your existing bolts to select wet equalizer bolts to properly fit your trailer suspension. The most popular size wet shackle bolt used is part # 126B2.

You should not have any bushings or washers between the springs and spring hangers where the bolts go through. When tightening the suspension bolts the knurls at the bolt head are tightened down until the knurls go through the shackle link or spring/equalizer hanger and the bolt head is flush. Then, back off the nut just a bit so that all of the components are pulled together but not so tight they cannot move with a bit of force. We have a video installation that should be helpful, see link.

Changing the shackle strap length could cause issues with suspension travel and could cause the suspension to bottom out or not have enough movement, creating stress on the components. In your case you can either replace the incorrectly sized equalizer you purchased, or take the trailer to a qualified shop and see if they can recommend the correct parts to accommodate the shorter equalizer. They may need to remove spring hangers and weld new hangers to the trailer frame to accommodate the different length equalizer.

I would recommend measuring your trailers axle spacing, center of axle to center of axle or the existing equalizer bolt holes and length, see photo link, and then select an exact replacement equalizer designed to accommodate your trailer suspension. I have added a link to all of the trailer suspension enhancement products we carry for you to see.

Since the equalizer purchased is too short, you should also make sure that the capacity rating for the equalizer is equivalent to your trailer axle capacities. Many times incorrectly sized parts are rated lower in capacity and can cause a safety issue if installed.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Thad

6/6/2020

You should replace bushings with bronze they are easy to find any spring shop should have them or Flagg steel products or Dayton parts you guys should have them and they do last much longer 45 years owning and or running leaf spring manufacturer.