E-Z Flex worth $80??

[rmoore0852]

Looking at doing a wet bolt kit on my 2012 Puma 356QLB. The normal wet bolt kit is $166 including new equalizers. The wet bolt kit with E-Z Flex equalizers is $241. Is the EZ Flex system just another gimmick or does it really help?

[myredracer]

Dexter has a performance comparison to standard, Trailair (Equaflex) and Mor/Ryde equalizers here. If you assume the testing is accurately reported, the Dexter equalizers are the best by far. Also, the Mor/Ryde and Trailair equalizers are worse than the standard OEM all steel banana equalizers. The thick Dexter shackles sure look impressive compared to the rest.

We replaced the Lippert Equa-flex setup that came on our TT with the EZ-Flex equalizers, wet bolts and shackles when we first bought it. We installed shocks at the same time and can't tell how much the Dexter equalizers compare to the Equa-flex ones, but with having the shocks too has really improved the handling and reduced bounce. Our OEM plastic bushings were totally shot in just over 2K miles from the factory to the dealer on the west coast and were glad we installed the new wet bolts from the start.

[tinner12002]

I just put the Dexter kit on my smaller hauler, haven't towed it yet but will be in Oct with both Harleys in the back heading to Daytona and then to Talladega on the way back so hoping for a smoother ride, not that it was bad before but I'll see if I can tell the diff.

[JBarca]

rmoore0852 wrote:


What has started this project is my left tires have started wearing on the outside. There aren't any suspension cracks or broken welds, so i'm thinking that the nylon bushings are worn out and allowing the wheels to get out of alignment. We have actually put quite a few miles on these tires and I will replace them next year, but I would like to correct the uneven wear.

To the wheel alignment, if you are "into" figuring this out yourself, these 2 posts may help. It is not uncommon to have hangers welded on wrong, axles made wrong or something bent. Trailer wheels will wear straight and flat across on all 4 tires when the proper wheel alignment is created. You will get some slight corner radius wear from turning but ti should not wear across a thread section.

Hope this helps

Tire Wear Pattern-Tandem Axle TT (Pic's) Where to look next

TT axle alignment & install - Detailed (long lot's of pics)

[rmoore0852]

Wow, thanks for the feedback guys. Since I am going to do the job anyway to install wet bolts, looks like the $80 upgrade to the EZ Flex is a no-brainer. Nice to hear about it really reducing road shock. I tow with a short bed and autoslide hitch, so I can't use an air ride pinbox or anything like that. The only gripe we have right now is that overpasses and expansion joints chuck fairly hard.

What has started this project is my left tires have started wearing on the outside. There aren't any suspension cracks or broken welds, so i'm thinking that the nylon bushings are worn out and allowing the wheels to get out of alignment. We have actually put quite a few miles on these tires and I will replace them next year, but I would like to correct the uneven wear.

[JBarca]

BarneyS wrote:
Take a look at this thread for lots of info about the system and how to install it yourself. Many of our members, including myself, have installed it and posted about it there - with pictures.
Barney

I second this! Or maybe 12th it by now....LOL

Anything you can do to get road shock and vibration out of these thin RV camper frames is a good thing.

The rubber equalizer helps with heavy road shock loads. Like pot holes, bumps in the road etc. They soften that blow. Also consider upgrading to actual shock absorbers in addition to the rubber equalizer. Shocks take out the long constant oscillations of "whipping in the wind" of the trailer frame after the big road hit, bump pot holes etc.

Good luck

John

[time2roll]

I have them and I think they help but are a bit overrated.

[filrupmark]

I installed them on our previous fiver and was very happy. Would do it again.

[2012Oudoorsman]

Absolutely worth the $80. Trailer does not transmit nearly the harsh road feedback it did. Wife's uncle installed it based on my recommendation and he said his FW rides nearly as well now as it did with shocks. He has yet to purchase new ones. I wouldn't hesitate to do it to any trailer I purchased in the future. In my opinion it's the best money I've spent for the camper.

[BarneyS]

Take a look at this thread for lots of info about the system and how to install it yourself. Many of our members, including myself, have installed it and posted about it there - with pictures.
Barney

[ken56]

Did it on mine before we left on a trip to FL and back to TN and I thought it made a world of difference in handling. The shackles and equalizers are twice as heavy duty as the original equipment and thus sturdier. As others have said, it smoothes out those bumps that were real hitch jerkers before. I am impressed and very pleased with my upgrade, and I paid about what you have said, 160ish. If you are not moderately mechanically inclined have a shop install it for you, if you are then expect it to take you a good day or 2. Watch the video that's posted on here about the install process. Its good in letting you know what to expect.

[fj12ryder]

Yes, one of those things that are actually worth the money. The difference on our triple axle toyhauler was night and day after I installed the EZ-Flex. Now the expansion joints and bridge approaches are annoyances rather than whiplash creators.

[N-Trouble]

Yes, especially if your going to have everything torn apart anyways swap out the equalizers.

[Drbolasky]

Installed the EZ-Flex in 2009, and it makes a world of difference. Really suppresses shocks normally transmitted to the TV by anything the trailer tires encounter (control joints, etc.). Plates, bowls, cookware and stuff in the galley stays where you put it.

[Mr_MrsSchleppro]

I've been looking in to doing the EZ Flex add on to my Salem 29ud3, I was also wondering what the benefits would be.