Bronze with wet bolts or never fail bushings?

I have the Dexter Ezflex and wet bolts with bronze bushings. One of the best things I’ve done. I didn’t like the look of the equaflex system. There is a video of an install on you tube. Because they are taller they place more leverage on everything. In the video you can see things moving that shouldn’t. And during braking you can see one axle lift because of the leverage it introduces to the suspension.

This video also has the correct track installed along with the equa flex. Maybe that makes a difference? I don’t know, but no thanks!

Equaflex testdrive.

Lynnmor wrote:
You can buy bolt-in cross braces like these: X-Factor

You want to install bracing at, or near, the spring ends to prevent the parallelogram effect of the frame when there is a side load. Frame cracks and tank support cross-members failing will be greatly reduced with added braces. I made my own and bolted them in so that the underbelly could be accessed if needed.

The wet bolt bushings can crack because spring eyes are not very round, so your results can vary. Before installing bronze bushings, make a groove inside to carry the grease. When the bolt hole is pressing against the bushing it becomes impossible to get grease in without jacking the trailer if no groove is provided.

Thanks a forum member made his own and posted pictures don't remember who, that's what gave me the idea. What did you use to cut a groove in the bronze bushings? Possible metal jig saw blade?

You can buy bolt-in cross braces like these: X-Factor

You want to install bracing at, or near, the spring ends to prevent the parallelogram effect of the frame when there is a side load. Frame cracks and tank support cross-members failing will be greatly reduced with added braces. I made my own and bolted them in so that the underbelly could be accessed if needed.

The wet bolt bushings can crack because spring eyes are not very round, so your results can vary. Before installing bronze bushings, make a groove inside to carry the grease. When the bolt hole is pressing against the bushing it becomes impossible to get grease in without jacking the trailer if no groove is provided.

ScottG wrote:
I had Never Fails in our last TT - they lasted about 5 years. The only one that really wore out was the single point a the equalizer.
Replaced all with Wet Bolts and bronze bushing - I couldn't wear those out.
A tip: When you get your wet bolts, pump grease through them BEFORE you install them.
Some of mine wern't drilled all the way! (and after a bit of time, eTrailer wouldn't replace them.)

Thanks for the tip will pump grease through them before installing.

opnspaces wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
Well I just purchased the wet bolts and bronze bushings. Now trying to decide while I'm on suspension to add a couple of cross braces between the frame rails? If I do would it be better to weld them on or bolt them on? Trailer is 7k lbs unloaded 10k gross wt rating. Upgraded the tires from D to E as well.

If you have the skill I would say weld it. But is there something actually wrong that has you even considering adding bracing? I would probably spend more effort making sure the tanks were held on securely than just throwing a random brace across the frame.

No problems and would like to keep it that way. Will add additional tank support as well. I don't own a welder but a shop could make me a couple of braces and I could bolt it into place, (use rectangular tubing with plates welded on the end to bolt in place) above the axles between the frame rails. The alternative is to take the trailer to the shop and have them weld in place.

I had Never Fails in our last TT - they lasted about 5 years. The only one that really wore out was the single point a the equalizer.
Replaced all with Wet Bolts and bronze bushing - I couldn't wear those out.
A tip: When you get your wet bolts, pump grease through them BEFORE you install them.
Some of mine wern't drilled all the way! (and after a bit of time, eTrailer wouldn't replace them.)

colliehauler wrote:
Well I just purchased the wet bolts and bronze bushings. Now trying to decide while I'm on suspension to add a couple of cross braces between the frame rails? If I do would it be better to weld them on or bolt them on? Trailer is 7k lbs unloaded 10k gross wt rating. Upgraded the tires from D to E as well.

If you have the skill I would say weld it. But is there something actually wrong that has you even considering adding bracing? I would probably spend more effort making sure the tanks were held on securely than just throwing a random brace across the frame.

When I start the project I will update with pictures. Now we have several bitter cold days ahead so I'm ordering parts.

Well I just purchased the wet bolts and bronze bushings. Now trying to decide while I'm on suspension to add a couple of cross braces between the frame rails? If I do would it be better to weld them on or bolt them on? Trailer is 7k lbs unloaded 10k gross wt rating. Upgraded the tires from D to E as well.

rhagfo wrote:

RAS43 wrote:
I'd say wet bolts/ bronze bushings so they can be lubed with grease. Just MHO.

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