Forum Discussion

phemens's avatar
phemens
Explorer
Oct 08, 2018

Suspension shackle failure - best replacement?

We were packing up to leave from a close-by campground this morning. Raised the 5er with the landing gear, and I heard some creaking didn't give it much thought, continued to pack up. When ready to leave, did our walkaround and were unpleasantly surprised by this:



On the driver's side, failure of the shackle between the equalizer and the rear leaf spring. Not sure what caused the failure, any ideas or is this just wear and tear? We bought the trailer used last fall so this is our first season with it (it's a 2012).
We were able to carefully get home and the rig is parked for the winter. Looks like a straight-forward repair, but I turn to the collective wisdom of the forum. What would be the best replacement solution? I did a bit of googling and found some equalizers with rubber shocks and what look like heavier duty shackles, is that the best solution? The leaf springs look good, everything else looks normal.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Oct 08, 2018
    Since you're going to have to do one, do them all. Since you're going to do them all, get a wet bolt kit, that includes heavier shackles, bronze bushings and new bolts.

    Lyle
  • Roger10378's avatar
    Roger10378
    Explorer II
    Oct 08, 2018
    Did you have greasable pins or just the factory ones with the nylon bushing. Either way get the moryde heavy duty with the bronze bushings and grease fittings. The ungreased factory ones have a very finite lifetime.
  • phemens's avatar
    phemens
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    Yes, was planning on doing them all for sure! I have the factory installed ones. I'm not sure what brand I have right now, does it make a difference when ordering the new one if I'm replacing everything (equalizer, shackles, etc)?
    The MORyde link is the kit I was looking at, plus the equalizer (Link)

    There are 2 options for the equalizer, 33 or 35 inch. What is the best way to measure this on my 5er? Center of hub to hub?
  • WNYBob's avatar
    WNYBob
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    I went with Dexter EZ-Flex equalizer and their HD Shackle kit with bronze bushings and wet bolts. A little cheaper than those mentioned, but still high quality. I'm happy with them!
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Oct 08, 2018
    WNYBob wrote:
    I went with Dexter EZ-Flex equalizer and their HD Shackle kit with bronze bushings and wet bolts. A little cheaper than those mentioned, but still high quality. I'm happy with them!
    That's what I installed a couple years ago, and what every trailer should come with. The pivot is at the bushings and not the shackles.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Oct 08, 2018
    That is normal wear and tear on the shackles. They do not last long at all. I agree with all the others above in getting wet bolt kits along with the new equalizers.

    I put the Dexter EZ Flex kit on that included wet bolts and much heavier shackles. The Mor-Ryde units linked earlier are very good also but you need to add the wet bolt kit.

    Yes, you need to measure the distance between hub centers to get the right kit. It will probably be either 33 or 35 inches. The one I linked to is for 33 inch but they also sell the other one if I remember correctly.

    The install by me and a couple of other members are pictured in a thread started by the former TT moderator Les Adams here. You can see the worn out bushings that come standard with new trailers. It is no wonder they don't last very long.:R
    Barney
  • phemens's avatar
    phemens
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    Thanks all, ordered the MORryde equalizer and wet bolt kit, look forward to the install. Shackles look impressively thicker.
  • eDUBz's avatar
    eDUBz
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    I just did the moryde leaf spring equalizer and wetbolt kit with 1/2” shackles. Rides smooth with no creaking or popping sound while Turing. They are built pretty stout, You will be happy.
  • srosa's avatar
    srosa
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2018
    Don’t overlook the springs while you’re at it. Check for sagging, rust that is beyond cosmetic, or worn out eyes (the eyes on the spring, not yours).

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025