Suspension upgrade

[Hblick48]

I have shocks on my rig. When I got it, the old ones were worn out so I replaced. Don't think it made much of a difference because of the angle of the shocks. EZ Flex equalizers did reduce chucking and bucking a bit.

The best improvement was a Reese Fifth Airborn pin box. I inflate it to about 100 psi, and hardly can feel that the rig is attached. No more chucking and bucking. Stuff also stays in place in the rig, so I believe it rides smoother now.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Hblick48

I have shocks on my rig. When I got it, the old ones were worn out so I replaced. Don't think it made much of a difference because of the angle of the shocks. EZ Flex equalizers did reduce chucking and bucking a bit.

The best improvement was a Reese Fifth Airborn pin box. I inflate it to about 100 psi, and hardly can feel that the rig is attached. No more chucking and bucking. Stuff also stays in place in the rig, so I believe it rides smoother now.

Thanks for the input. Too late to replace the hitch but I might look into EZ flex and still interested in shocks. Anyone else added shocks?

[Joint Venture II]

I'm kind of in the same place as the OP is, contemplating a suspension upgrade. Been trying to decide between the Dexter EZ Flex, Lippert Equa-Flex or one of the MORryde packages. The EZ Flex equalizers seem like they would be cost effective and an improvemnt but the MORryde CRE3000 or SRE4000 seem good too. There is also the Lippert Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers that seem similar to both the Dexter and MORryde systems. Leaning towards the SRE4000 for the 4" of suspension travel although more expensive then the Lippert Equa-Flex or Dexter EZ Flex.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Joint Venture II

I'm kind of in the same place as the OP is, contemplating a suspension upgrade. Been trying to decide between the Dexter EZ Flex, Lippert Equa-Flex or one of the MORryde packages. The EZ Flex equalizers seem like they would be cost effective and an improvemnt but the MORryde CRE3000 or SRE4000 seem good too. There is also the Lippert Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers that seem similar to both the Dexter and MORryde systems. Leaning towards the SRE4000 for the 4" of suspension travel although more expensive then the Lippert Equa-Flex or Dexter EZ Flex.

Thanks, this is what I was looking for. I'll start doing some research as well. Keep me posted.

[sourdough]

The 295RL is very similar weight wise to my trailer. I upgraded axles, springs, shackles, suspension and added disc brakes and MorRyde X factor braces.

You aren't looking for the axles or brakes (both would be a very good upgrade for your trailer btw). Your trailer came with the Road Armor equalizer suspension as did mine. I had mine removed after the first year and replaced with the MorRyde SRE4000 because my previous trailer had the CRE3000 suspension and I really liked it.

If nothing else (I believe this has been noted) replace the shackles with HDs and wet bolts. As far as shocks, I looked into them but just couldn't find/see that they did anything appreciable. Road Armor vs MorRyde; the MorRyde is a better, more sophisticated, system IMO. Road Armor works and I didn't see as much improvement with the MorRyde as I thought I would but I would do it again because I like their products vs the Road Armor. Depending on your ultimate goal you might look into those Xfactor braces. They will surely help with the twisting of the suspension components. Good luck coming up with the right solution, there are a lot of various products out there.

[Lee-CI]

Originally Posted by Foldbak

Thanks, this is what I was looking for. I'll start doing some research as well. Keep me posted.

I'm following this as well Tony to see what you come up with that might work for you.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by sourdough

The 295RL is very similar weight wise to my trailer. I upgraded axles, springs, shackles, suspension and added disc brakes and MorRyde X factor braces.

You aren't looking for the axles or brakes (both would be a very good upgrade for your trailer btw). Your trailer came with the Road Armor equalizer suspension as did mine. I had mine removed after the first year and replaced with the MorRyde SRE4000 because my previous trailer had the CRE3000 suspension and I really liked it.

If nothing else (I believe this has been noted) replace the shackles with HDs and wet bolts. As far as shocks, I looked into them but just couldn't find/see that they did anything appreciable. Road Armor vs MorRyde; the MorRyde is a better, more sophisticated, system IMO. Road Armor works and I didn't see as much improvement with the MorRyde as I thought I would but I would do it again because I like their products vs the Road Armor. Depending on your ultimate goal you might look into those Xfactor braces. They will surely help with the twisting of the suspension components. Good luck coming up with the right solution, there are a lot of various products out there.

Thanks for your input! Much appreciated! Nice to see you on the Montana forum. Your input and knowledge was valuable on the Keystone forums as well.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by Foldbak

Thanks for your input! Much appreciated! Nice to see you on the Montana forum. Your input and knowledge was valuable on the Keystone forums as well.

You're welcome. I drop in from time to time. Your trailer configuration is very similar to mine. If you have any questions about any of the mods I did you can PM me. Performance Trailer Braking installed all of the upgrades for me and have a lot of knowledge if you talk to them.

[Foldbak]

For those that are following. Thanks again Sourdough

https://performancetrailerbraking.com/roadmaster
https://performancetrailerbraking.com/morryde

[jrsemrad]

One thing I have never seen anyone address is the wet bolts are almost installed incorrectly. Lippert instructs that wet bolts shall be installed from the inside such that the zert is on the inside to reduce contamination from road grime. Just saying

[sourdough]

I would question whether a zerk placed inside or outside on a shackle gets more or less "grime" - the premise makes no sense. Here is an excerpt from MorRyde...which I trust more than Lippert on suspensions =

NOTE: The grease zerk may be installed to the inside or to the outside, this is done at customer preference.
The grease exit hole location on the bolt should face sideways to allow for ease of grease flow.

Just FYI

[jrsemrad]

Thanks for informing me my “premise” makes no sense.

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by Foldbak

Thanks, this is what I was looking for. I'll start doing some research as well. Keep me posted.

You may not find shocks that fit. My research shows Sumo springs may be a better choice. They are progressive rubber springs that absorb shock, much like a shock absorber would, but they are not shocks. They also help with roll and help with stability in turns. Easy to install. I would recommend you do some research and see if this might fit your needs. Sounds like your shackles are good to go.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by jrsemrad

Thanks for informing me my “premise” makes no sense.

I didn't mean to offend you. You were repeating a Lippert statement I thought. With the bolts/zerks located as they are it won't matter if they are inside or outside; in either place they are going to get hit with all kinds of grime - that 2 1/2" - 3" space won't make any appreciable difference.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Mikelff

You may not find shocks that fit. My research shows Sumo springs may be a better choice. They are progressive rubber springs that absorb shock, much like a shock absorber would, but they are not shocks. They also help with roll and help with stability in turns. Easy to install. I would recommend you do some research and see if this might fit your needs. Sounds like your shackles are good to go.

Can you provide a link? Are these what you're referring too?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...tl/SS26MV.html

Thanks for your input.

[sourdough]

Here's a link to a video of an installation;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eazaaWkh5Vo

I was going to add them to my last 3/4 ton truck because they looked like something that would work but I changed trucks. On your trailer they would probably be something to consider and probably better than a shock kit.

[dieselguy]

After installing them, I've seldom talked to an RV owner that said there was night and day difference for the better with shock installations. When pressed about ride improvement, most end up revealing there was "little to some" change. Like mentioned earlier, the old shock installs were at such an angle that the shocks didn't have enough movement to matter. If you are set on adding them ... Roadarmor or Joy Rider would be the go to manufacturers to consider.

I put the Dexter EZ Flex on my old 2980RL and saw some improvement in stuff staying in place inside the Fiver, but nothing to really write home about. In opposition to most on this website ... inflating your tires based on your fiver's weight to a tire load chart instead of BLINDLY inflating to MAX pressure listed on the sidewall will benefit some as well.

The LRE 4000 on my 3150RL does a good job, but the shear springs proved problematic with separation issues. I had to replace mine at year 4. The setup was similar to an engine mount as far as design. The current SRE 4000 is comparable with fewer separation issues.

[Lee-CI]

I've been running Sumo springs on ours ever since we got back from our first outing. Been very happy with them. Numerous trips now and not one piece of loose trim.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Lee-CI

I've been running Sumo springs on ours ever since we got back from our first outing. Been very happy with them. Numerous trips now and not one piece of loose trim.

It's about time you chimed in.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...tl/SS26MV.html
Are these what you're running?

[Lee-CI]

Originally Posted by Foldbak

It's about time you chimed in.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...tl/SS26MV.html
Are these what you're running?

Ya Tony those are the ones. I'm not saying that they are a magic cure all, but I do consider this to be one of my more cost effective upgrades we've made so far. In addition to keeping things from rattling loose (so far), there is also less side to side roll on Off / On ramps. The 3500 is experiencing more chucking than the 2500 did, so next up is to order a Reese 5th Airborne this week. Almost went with a GooseBox, but can't bring myself to part ways with the B&W Companion hitch.