What is Advantage of Never Fail Tandem Axle Suspension Upgrade Hardware Kit Over Other Options

Question

Question:

Hello eTriler / James, I a previous question Jamesons was able to provide me a good answer, I am still did not convince that the Never Fail kits are best for me, heres why. I had a shackle failure on my 5th wheel, please see attached picture. As you can see the hole oblong out until the end became so thin that the bolt broke out of the shackle. Also, you can see the that the bolt wore away where it met the shackle. The Never Fail kits talk about a heavy duty bushing but not about any improvements to the bolt or shackle. To me a shackle double in size 1/2 instead of 1/4, would give me longer life. More surface contact, more strength. If the Never Fail kits indicated that the steal they used was hardened or of a stronger alloy I might be more convinced. Is there anything you can add that would sway me to one direction or another? Thank you

asked by: Glenn N

0

Expert Reply:

The Never Fail upgrade kits like the # LC281285 have two really distinct advantages. One of them is what you mentioned and is that they don't require greasing or any maintenance. The other is that they last about twice as long as any other heavy duty style of bushing kit. You'll get easily twice the mileage from this kit over anything else.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

click to enlarge

Glenn N.

12/3/2019

Hello eTriler / James, I a previous question Jamesons was able to provide me a good answer, I am still did not convince that the Never Fail kits are best for me, heres why. I had a shackle failure on my 5th wheel, please see attached picture. As you can see the hole oblong out until the end became so thin that the bolt broke out of the shackle. Also, you can see the that the bolt wore away where it met the shackle. The Never Fail kits talk about a heavy duty bushing but not about any improvements to the bolt or shackle. To me a shackle double in size 1/2 instead of 1/4, would give me longer life. More surface contact, more strength. If the Never Fail kits indicated that the steal they used was hardened or of a stronger alloy I might be more convinced. Is there anything you can add that would sway me to one direction or another? Thank you

Jameson C.

12/3/2019

Those are very valid concerns and I think I have a better solution for you that will help with that. We have the Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit # K71-653-00 which comes with brass bushings and shackles that are 1/2 inch thick like you are wanting. The bolts are wet bolts too which means that as long as you keep them lubed they won't wear out like that picture either. This kit comes with cushioned equalizers as well but for a non-cushioned setup we have the part # K71-359-00.

Answer 1

Hey Steve, in order to replace your #K13-142-02 with the much shorter #K71-359-00 you'd have to go with a considerably longer leaf spring if available. What is length of your current spring and axle capacity? Is there a reason you want to go with…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Hey Mark, the part #K71-653-00 is just the cushioned equalizers whereas the part K71-653-06 is a kit that includes the cushioned equalizers as well as heavy duty shackles and bushings.

view full answer...

Answer 3

Hey Mark! By upgraded suspension do you mean an upgraded equalizer? That is the most common suspension upgrade for trailers. You have 35" axle spacing right now with standard Dexter 13-122 equalizers. The best option is the one that matches your…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Hey Curt! I wouldn't get too caught up in the axle spacing for the E-Z Flex Equalizers #K71-655-00. The best thing you can do is measure your existing equalizer. If your measurement from left to right bolt hole on center is 7-3/4" then this…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hey David! If I had to guess your utility trailer originally had 2-1/4" on there since that is the standard. One way or another, that slight difference isn't enough to cause an issue with the suspension geometry. If you want to use the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

You want leaf spring shackles to be at a slight angle as that prevents the springs from flipping around to the other side of the equalizer over uneven terrain. I attached a picture that shows what the angle is typically like.

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hey Eron, the equalizer part #K71-448-00 is 2 inches taller than the #K71-359-00 but since this only changes the height of half the leaf spring you'd end up only gaining 1 inch.

view full answer...

Answer 8

To chose the correct Road Armor kit you'll need to measure the distance between the centers of the lower bolt holes that attach to the shackles as well as the drop from the center of the top bolt hole to the centerline of the two lower bolt…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Cody! Since your equalizer measurement lines up you can use the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers #K71-449-00. Ideally you want the same shackle strap length but they don't make one for the less common 2-5/8"…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The length is good on the EZ Flex system #K71-653-00 but the height may be different depending on where you are measuring that 4-3/4 inches. On the EZ Flex the distance from the center of the mounting hole to the center line between the 2 bottom…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Hello Lance, thanks for reaching out. When replacing shackle straps and equalizers, the replacement parts must be identical in size to the original. Since your current shackles are 3.5" long, you will NOT be able to use the 2-1/4" shackles…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

view full answer...

What is Advantage of Never Fail Tandem Axle Suspension Upgrade Hardware Kit Over Other Options

Products Featured in This Question

Continue Researching