Suspension upgrade options

[wrvond]

I have been considering upgrading the suspension on my camper by installing the Equa-Flex Rubberized Suspension Enhancement. However, I watched the video on Lippert's website.
Equa-Flex - Suspension Enhancement
In this video they show a table that is supposed to illustrate how effective they are, however, when I paused the video and really looked at the table, it really doesn't say much of anything useful at all. If anything, my take away is that the Equa-Flex has little, if any, positive effect on the camper's ride.
So the next option is Lippert's shock absorber kit.
LCI Shock Absorbers - Suspension Enhancement
Installation is a bit more difficult since the Equa-Flex is bolt on and the shock absorbers would require welding with potential clearance issues. But, I do feel the shocks represent a more tried and true method of suspension enhancement.
I know several people on here have the Equa-Flex system and several others have shock absorbers. I wonder if anybody has both installed?
I'd like to hear real world appraisals of each of the systems and thoughts pro and con concerning using both systems at the same time.
Thanks.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Our current 5'ver has the rubberized suspension...previous campers did not...IMO, smoother bounce than non - rubberized units, it's not a huge difference but enough that I'm happy with it.
Never tried the trailer shock system to compare but sure they'll chime in on the topic

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Cajun Po-Boy

Our current 5'ver has the rubberized suspension...previous campers did not...IMO, smoother bounce than non - rubberized units, it's not a huge difference but enough that I'm happy with it.
Never tried the trailer shock system to compare but sure they'll chime in on the topic

Our 5er has the Alko rubber torsion axles and I put shocks on it and they REALLY make a big difference in the way the truck and trailer ride. Too bad they don't make a kit for them and you have to make your own.

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by wrvond

I have been considering upgrading the suspension on my camper by installing the Equa-Flex Rubberized Suspension Enhancement. However, I watched the video on Lippert's website.
Equa-Flex - Suspension Enhancement
In this video they show a table that is supposed to illustrate how effective they are, however, when I paused the video and really looked at the table, it really doesn't say much of anything useful at all. If anything, my take away is that the Equa-Flex has little, if any, positive effect on the camper's ride.
So the next option is Lippert's shock absorber kit.
LCI Shock Absorbers - Suspension Enhancement
Installation is a bit more difficult since the Equa-Flex is bolt on and the shock absorbers would require welding with potential clearance issues. But, I do feel the shocks represent a more tried and true method of suspension enhancement.
I know several people on here have the Equa-Flex system and several others have shock absorbers. I wonder if anybody has both installed?
I'd like to hear real world appraisals of each of the systems and thoughts pro and con concerning using both systems at the same time.
Thanks.

I have the Equa-flex, but haven't pulled one that doesn't have it, so I can't help you with difference. As for the shock kit, I purchased 2 kits (1 for each axle), and they are bolt on. No welding, but I think you may have to drill some pilot holes.

[wrvond]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

I have the Equa-flex, but haven't pulled one that doesn't have it, so I can't help you with difference. As for the shock kit, I purchased 2 kits (1 for each axle), and they are bolt on. No welding, but I think you may have to drill some pilot holes.

Well, that's reassuring! I'm going to have to re-visit the shock absorber option. That looks like the most bang for the buck to me, at this point.

[AquaMan]

If you purchase at a camping world store they will install for $39/axle. If I had one nearby it would be a no brainer.

[wrvond]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

If you purchase at a camping world store they will install for $39/axle. If I had one nearby it would be a no brainer.

Don't have one anywhere near me. But bolt one is easy enough to handle. Welding isn't exactly my strong suite...

[garbonz]

Dexter's are weld on, Lippert's are drilled and self tapping screws. Need to make sure you get the right one's and have clearance. either on the outside of the Ibeam or inside.

On my list to do, but not there yet.

[AquaMan]

Finally got a break in the weather and got the shocks put on this evening. Went fairly well. Installed the Lippert kits. Ended up raising the side of the camper with my forklift just enough to remove the wheels, it's cheating, but it worked great. Left it hitched to truck. Went much easier once I drilled out the the brackets to accept the bolts, they were extremely tight. The slide rack rack was in the way on one side, but was able to adjust the bracket and shock at such an angle that it didn't interfere. Took about 3 hours start to finish. If I could have gotten air out to my parking lot, it would have gone much faster.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

Finally got a break in the weather and got the shocks put on this evening. Went fairly well. Installed the Lippert kits. Ended up raising the side of the camper with my forklift just enough to remove the wheels, it's cheating, but it worked great. Left it hitched to truck. Went much easier once I drilled out the the brackets to accept the bolts, they were extremely tight. The slide rack rack was in the way on one side, but was able to adjust the bracket and shock at such an angle that it didn't interfere. Took about 3 hours start to finish. If I could have gotten air out to my parking lot, it would have gone much faster.

Bet you will like the results. Sure made a big difference on mine.

[Super 8]

I just installed the Equa Flex Suspension kit to my Coachman 320 BHDS that is only 1 year old. I was surprised to find out that the originals were already worn thru the bushings into the cast.

[Carrier]

So what would the cost of the equa-flex and shocks cost to buy? I can't seem to find that on their site.

[Super 8]

Originally Posted by Carrier

So what would the cost of the equa-flex and shocks cost to buy? I can't seem to find that on their site.

Depends on your model, mine has the spread axle so I needed these;
Amazon.com: Lippert Components 314336 Equa-Flex Suspension Upgrade Kit: Automotive

[Swift 2]

AquaMan did the shocks mount on the inside or outside of the spring assy. Did you feel good about the self tapping screws do you think thru bolts and nylock nuts would be a better asst.

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by Swift 2

AquaMan did the shocks mount on the inside or outside of the spring assy. Did you feel good about the self tapping screws do you think thru bolts and nylock nuts would be a better asst.

I mounted on the outside of the frame, as there was no possible way, for me, to mount on the inside. It is a tight fit though. The self tapping screws are more than enough to hold the brackets.


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