Replacement Axles, Leaf Springs, and Equalizers for 2010 Keystone Cougar 26BHSWE

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Question:

My 2010 Keystone Cougar 26BHSWe is in need of some TLC - I would like to replace both axles, equalizers, and leaf packs - and need some professional advice on ing the right components. I have attached photos of the existing dexter d44 axles and would greatly appreciate your professional insight! Thanks

asked by: Matt C

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Expert Reply:

From what I have found, you have 4,400 lb axles on your 2010 Keystone Cougar 26BHSWE. Your axles have a hub face measurement of 85" and a 68-1/2" spring center. Unfortunately, 4,400 lb axles are no longer being made so you will also be replacing the hubs and drums.

When choosing a replacement axle you typically want to match the hub face measurement. You will also need a higher capacity axle (5,200 lb) since moving down in capacity wouldn't be enough for your 7,800 lb GVWR. I recommend using the Trailer Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles - 86-1/2" Long - 5,200 lbs # e45GR. This is slightly longer, but you will only stick out 3/4" more on either side.

This has a spring-center-to-spring-center length of 71-1/2", so you will also need to cut off the spring seats and weld on new ones to match your current 68-1/2" measurement. For that you will need the Spring Seat for Typical 5,200-lb to 7,200-lb, Round Trailer Axles with 3" Diameter # TRSS300.

For hubs you can use the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 # 8-201-9UC3-EZ.For brakes you will need the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K # AKEBRK-7-SA along with the mounting hardware # BRKH12.

I was also able to find the length of your current leaf springs. What you have now is 25-1/4" long so you can use the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 5,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long # e44SR as a replacement. This does not have to match the axle capacity exactly since you are still limited by the GVWR of the trailer.

Information is not available on your equalizers so you will need to measure and see what you currently have. You want to measure the distance from center of left-most eye to center of right-most eye along with the height from center of bottom hole to center of top hole. Once you have this you can match it up to our available equalizers.

If you want upgraded equalizers the same is true. The Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Tandem Axle - 6,000 lbs # K71-652-00 is a good choice and matches a lot of standard Dexter equalizers. It is 5-5/8" long and 2" tall. This also comes with upgraded shackles and wet bolts.

Even if you choose to stick with a standard equalizer, I recommend upgrading to heavy duty shackles, bronze bushings, and wet bolts. To choose the correct kit you will again need to measure. This time you're measuring your shackles. Length is measured from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the other. If you have 2-1/4" shackles you can use the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers # MR46ZR. For 3-1/8" you would need the # MR76ZR.

expert reply by: Robin H

0

4,400 lb Dexter Axle on 2010 Keystone Cougar 26BHS.
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 2

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye…

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Answer 3

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the…

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Answer 4

I contacted MORryde and this does happen from time to time as the weight of the trailer can spread out the axles due to downward pressure on the springs/suspension. Odds are the 35" wheel base #MR27ZR will be the correct one for you, but…

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Answer 5

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have…

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Answer 6

The AllTrek 4000 kits provide the best cushioning so if you were to upgrade from your CRE3000 kit to the Alltrek you would see a big improvement. If you have a 35 inch wheelbase you'd want the part #MR29DR or if you have a 33 inch wheelbase…

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Answer 7

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind…

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Answer 8

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 9

Hey Patrick, so for your leaf spring upgrade I am going to need to know a couple of things before I can get you over to the right part. Specifically, the length from eye to eye, the spring width, leaf thickness, and the number of leaves. From here…

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Answer 10

Hey Tom, I can definitely provide measurements and dimensions for the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizer #LC279687 and I have attached those dimensions below. Unfortunately, there is no database that we can reference that will tell us exactly what size…

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Answer 11

It appears that your u-bolt plate on your 2021 Grand Design Reflection 31MB, will work with the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs #SS26MV. The plate itself including the bends does not appear to be larger than 3/4" nor does the width appear…

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Answer 12

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is…

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Replacement Axles, Leaf Springs, and Equalizers for 2010 Keystone Cougar 26BHSWE

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