Suspension Upgrades For A 2011 Keystone Cougar 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 07/13/2024 | Published 07/03/2024

Question:

Hello I am interested in purchasing a Dexter EZ Flex suspension kit. If I supply you with the info on my fifth wheel can you tell me which Kit will be correct for my unit ? This is a 2011 Keystone Cougar fifthwheel 1/2 ton series. tandem axle I have the VIN if that will help The axles measure 35 inches center to center and the shackles measure 3-1/4 inches center to center on the bolt holes. Thankyou for your assistance. Brian [email protected]

asked by: Brian E

Expert Reply:

Hi Brian,

To ensure you're getting the correct fit you'll want to measure the spacing horizontally from eyelet to eyelet and vertically from the hanger bolt eyelet down to the center of the shackle strap eyelets on your current equalizer. The equalizers in kit # K71-652-00 have a horizontal measurement of 5-3/4" and vertical measurement of 2".

The included shackle strap kit comes with a 2-1/4" spacing so it wouldn't be the correct fit for your trailer. The most common sizes are 2-1/4" or 3-1/8" so your current shackle strap bolt holes are probably worn oblong to give you that 3-1/4" measurement.

Let me know what you find with the equalizer and I'd be happy to pick out the correct replacement components for you.

expert reply by: Kevin C

How To Measure An Equalizer
(click to enlarge)

How To Measure Shackle Straps
(click to enlarge)

Brian E.

7/11/2024

Hi Kevin, thankyou for your reply. The current equalizer is an EquaFlex Trailair with no part number available. Tha horizontal c to c measurement on the lower bolt holes are approximately 7- 5/16 inches. The measurement from the top hanger bolt vertically down to the horizontal c to c of the lower bolt holes is 3- 5/8 inches. The straps probably were 3-1/8 inch and now measure about 3- 1/4 inch. I took pictures if you would like me to email them to you ? Thankyou. Brian.

Kevin C.

7/12/2024

@BrianE It sounds like you have the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers # LC279688. There's unfortunately not a comparable option in size so if you change to another equalizer you would have to change the leaf spring length and possibly the shackles as well. This would also change your wheelbase measurement because the center of the springs would sit closer together. It's definitely possible to change out but you'll be looking at a lot more work and have to purchase additional components to make that happen.

Brian E.

7/13/2024

Hello Kevin I apologize in advance If you received this replay twice. Thankyou for figuring this out definitely sounds like the correct way for me to go. Can you advise on the correct kit that includes the wet bolts, brass bushings, and heavy duty shackles to go along with the LC279688 ? I want to be able to grease all the moving parts when completed. Thanks again. Brian.

Kevin C.

7/13/2024

@BrianE Since you have a 3-1/8" shackle strap length I recommend the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers # MR76ZR. This will come with all new wet bolts, heavy-duty shackle straps, and bronze bushings to swap out your current components.

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