Dexter Heavy Duty Suspenion Kit

[Wanderer]

In Sep 2015 issue of Trailer Life, they discuss this suspension upgrade due to the factory plastic bushings wearing out rapidly. The new kit uses bronze bushings. Just curious if anyone here has done this. (We have 2008 Cardinal fiver)
Anyone know if in fact the Cardinal did use plastic bushings?
One of the reasons I'm considering this is that I have noticed the space between the tires is different between the left and right sides by about one inch or more? Normal, I would guess not.
Any feedback whatsoever would be appreciated.
Douglas aka Wanderer

[HONDAMAN174]

Don't know if this will help but it is what I did:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ad.php?t=97753



2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[Rich5117]

My guess is one of your axles may be out of alignment. Are your tires wearing normally? I would get under the unit and measure the distance between the axles on each side.

[Wanderer]

Hi Rich, Put about 8K miles on new tires last year. One has a more rounded wear pattern but not extreme. TT is in storage now. Will retrieve soon for planned trips. Will measure at that time. Was wondering if this bushing/equalizer might be part of alignment variance.
Thank you.

[HONDAMAN174]

I wouldn't think for the extreme differences you have. All of your bushings on one side would have to be toast and your axle would shift we you hit brakes.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[jacknife]

I changed out my suspension to a moryde 4000 also changed the shackles . The shackles are much heavier and come with wet bolts. When swapping out the shackle bolts had plastic inserts. Mine is a 2013, 30-30

[Harkerr]

Check shackles for wear. They are a weak link. Had one set fail at 30K. Others not far behind. Had all replaced. Spring guy said poor steel quality and marginal design.

[Rich5117]

Also don't think the bushing would allow that much movement. The ends where each spring attaches to the RV is a fixed point. The axles attaches to the spring and is usually positioned by a small pin which sets into the axle from the spring. If one of these broke or a shackle is loose it could let the axle shift. Most axle sets come with the springs already positioned and attached. I had to replace both axles last year because of the no longer made sealed wheel bearings. Please let us know how you make out. Axles, springs, and tires is something we all check.

[GOTTOYS]

Bring it to a big rig suspension shop and have the alignment checked. Don't waste your time at an RV dealer, they don't have the knowledge or equipment to do a proper alignment. About $200.00 and everything will be straight. They can install those bushings and new shackles too.

[Wanderer]

One response to my OP suggested an alignment center specializing in RV's about an hour from me (Redlands) in Southern California. Now I cannot find that post. So I am requesting info on that if anyone has a good experience with frame/axle alignment facility.
Thank You.

[wayne nichols]

I am with Gottoys. My 2008 Cardinal 30RKLE looked a little off so I brought it to the local big rig trailer place. My rear right side axle was off about 1/2" they fixed it in about 45 minutes they have the equipment to jack up the whole camper off the wheels. They replaced what needed and they even re-bent my springs to get the correct curve back. When they lifted the camper they found one spring that didnt hang the same as the others about 2" difference.

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by wayne nichols

I am with Gottoys. My 2008 Cardinal 30RKLE looked a little off so I brought it to the local big rig trailer place. My rear right side axle was off about 1/2" they fixed it in about 45 minutes they have the equipment to jack up the whole camper off the wheels. They replaced what needed and they even re-bent my springs to get the correct curve back. When they lifted the camper they found one spring that didnt hang the same as the others about 2" difference.

Hi Wayne, thank you for the feedback.
I've noticed that the left rear and right front are wearing even but left front and right rear are rounded on other edges and think there is a bent axle or some kind of damage causing the tires to wear that way.
Thank again
Doug, aka Wanderer

[wbdavey]

Doug - I replaced the bushings and bolts with 'wet bolt" kit from Dexter on 2 previous 5th wheels. The first one had less than 10,000 miles and the bushings were shot - found while correcting the camber on one axle. A truck spring place did the first trailer (2 axles) for about $500 - had to remove both axles and the equilizer to do the job. The second one I replaced during the first year to prevent the problem before it happened. I did the second one myself in the driveway - 3 axles, 2 sets of equilizers. A lot of hammering and jacking and heavy cribbing and a long day for 2 old guys. My advice is buy the kit and have a spring shop do the work.