Wide Stance Equa-Flexes are here

[drcook]

I recently got the bug to do something about our unit's suspension. I did a trip from Ohio to Alliance Neb and back across I-80. Some sections of 80 have some bad concrete and the truck and trailer "porpoise" I guess is the term. Also, the trailer has a couple 1000 miles on now, so the original cheapo spring bushings are probably gone.

I had dishes come out of the cabinets and other stuff walked across the floor of the trailer.

We have a 30ft Crossroads Cruiser with the Lippert "wide stance" axle setup. Crossroads called it "Secure Stance". The wide stance made it a bit more difficult to track down an equalizer damper.

I finally was able to work out the appropriate Equa-Flex model and tracked a set down.

The absolute best price on a pair is from Eastern Marine/Trailer Super Store. They have them on sale right now for $175.00 for the pair. (plus shipping)

I also got Lippert's Never Fail bushing kit.

I am thinking about getting these while they are on sale

http://www.easternmarine.com/lippert-bolt-on-gas-shock-kit-281281

I had thought about the Joy Rider Shock System, but it is $500 to do both axles (plus shipping) -vs- $200.00 plus shipping to use the Lippert kit.

Now I have to work out a method of safely holding the trailer up while I drop the axles (and jacking it up for that matter) and undo the springs. My existing jack stands and jack are not tall enough.

Harbor Freight has a tall bottle jack, but the base doesn't look big enough from the picture, nor the end that gets the frame. I could use my friend's lathe and mill to work something up unless someone has some good suggestions about how they have done it that they would like to share (hint hint). Tall enough jackstands are going to be difficult to find. If I can find a place that will install them for less than what I have to spend buying stuff, I would gladly pay to have someone do it for me.

[dodge_guy]

I put mine up one Jack stands one side at a time. And then used the floor Jack to hold the axle and move everything around. It really was a very easy install.

Here is a link to my install. Dexter EX Flex install.
Scroll down to the bottom and you'll see my pics.

[opnspaces]

Right or wrong, when I did mine I left the trailer hooked to the tow vehicle and chocked the tow vehicle wheels well. This prevented any possible tongue jack failure or the trailer shifting around.

I had to borrow my neighbors floor jack as mine was too short.

My jack stands were too short also so I laid down some 4 x 4 lumber flat on the ground and placed the jack stands on top of the lumber.I figured this was safer than trying to balance a spacer between the stand and the frame.

I also only jacked one side at a time, I didn't try to lift the entire trailer into the air.

[dodge_guy]

It is more than amazing what a simple set of rubber bushings in an Equalizer will do!
I put a standard set in my current trailer and now you don't feel the trailer axles jar the truck and trailer. One of the best investments I've done. I'm glad I did it too because the bushings and shackles were worn out completely!