jerdew
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Re: Dexter HD Suspension & EZ-Flex Install (long w/ pictures)
I am preparing to replace the equalizer/shackles on my 32' 5th wheel and have read this forum with interest. My GVWR is 12,400 and my GAWR is 5200 (from the VIN plate on the front driver side). Tandem axles with 33" spacing of tires. Also, my current equalizer/shackle setup is such that the shackles are only slightly wider at the top than at the bottom. Hole spacing on current equalizer is 6 1/8 wide, and 2 3/8 tall. I have some questions/problems: 1. Are my axles undersized for my GVWR ? 2. Which would be the correct Dexter EX-Flex kit for me? The K71-652-00 is rated for up to 6K GAWR, and would take 3/4 inch away from my clearance at the top of my tires. It also seems borderline as to the GAWR. The K71-653-00 kit supports up to 8K, but spacing is 7 1/2" on the bottom holes. Doing the geometry, this would mean that my shackles would be narrower at the top than at the bottom. I suspect this would be a problem. BTW -- thanks for this excellent topic.601Views0likes0CommentsRe: Breakaway Switch Melted/Burnt
In reading this forum entry, I now have a question that is puzzling me. Since the trailer brakes do not engage unless the trailer is moving (i.e. the wheels/drums are rotating), how does the manual override on my brake controller set the trailer brakes when I am hitching/unhitching and the trailer is stationary?922Views0likes0CommentsRe: Breakaway Switch Melted/Burnt
Just to add a little more to this topic ... I was backing my 5th wheel into a tight spot and making some sharp turns, and either my breakaway switch plug fell out or the wire got caught on the hitch, which pulled the plug. Either way, we soon noticed smoke coming from behind the trailer tires. I crawled under and saw that the insulation on the wires running to the brake on the front trailer tire was melted and the wires were shorting together. I crawled out from underneath the trailer, hurried to the TV and quickly disconnected the trailer cable. At that point, I noticed that the breakaway switch wires were also smoking/melting and the switch was melting. I then ran to the trailer, fumbled for my keys, and unlocked the battery door and disconnect the trailer battery. That stopped the immediate problem, but now I had others. I had to be towed to a repair shop that could fix and inspect the brake wires (including the wires to the magnets inside the hubs), and replace the breakaway switch. My month-old RV batteries also now seem to be shot since they will not keep a charge and the electrolyte measures nothing on a hydrometer. All of this is just to point out that a pulled pin on a breakaway switch can cause a lot of serious problems.922Views0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jan 20, 202544,030 Posts
