EZ Flex or Trail-Aire suspension

[AClayton]

I have been researching these equalizer suspension replacement parts for my triple-axle Toy-Hauler. Keystone actually sells the Trail-Aire brand as a factory upgraded option for the 2011's. But now Dexter is offering a triple-axle kit that fits my trailer at a substantial price savings vs. the Trail-Aire kit. Trail-Aire retails for $498. 00 and EZ Flex for $212. 00. It does look like the EZ Flex equalizers are more stout but does the cheaper price negate the ' you get what you pay for' analogy? Any thoughts??



Alan

 

[Slow Six]

I have the EZ Flex on my tandem. It was certainly worth the upgrade. There was a noticeable improvement in ride plus the greasable metal bushings, all new bolts and the hanger straps. I cannot compare to the Trail-Aire as I have not towed a trailer with that suspension.

 

[HBarlow]

Trail-Air is made by Lippert, EZ Flex is a Dexter product.

 

[AClayton]

Trail-Air is made by Lippert, EZ Flex is a Dexter product.

Well that settles it then... ... ... . I will purchase the Dexter EZ Flex. I will assume that since the triple-axle kit has just been released, it is priced competetively. I've been told by other owners of triple axled RV's that the running gear is somewhat weak and that the upgraded Trail-Aire hardware is a significant upgrade. I researched on Redneck Trailer Supply and noticed the EZ Flex... ... ..... and it LOOKS better. I have gusseted the hanger mounts by welding a length of 3" C-channel between each of the hangers and securing to the frame in two more locations... ... ... . this effectively ties the hangers to their opposing locations on the other side. I read that Lippert Frame thread last year and have worried about it since I learned my trailer has a Lippert. I feel confident that this gusseting of the running gear combined with scrapping the non-Dexter hardware and replacing it with the EZ Flex kit will do the trick.



Alan

 

[CUMMINZ]

My Forest River DayDreamer came with 7k Dexter axles. Forest River upgraded them to 8k for free and added the EZFlex suspension at that time at no cost. Here is link showing some photos of the conversion. Some folks probably don't like TrailAir because they are associated with Lippert. The EZFlex and heavier axles made my rig ride a bunch better. :-laf Don't be a bonehead and not grease the fittings often.



#ad

 

[AClayton]

My Forest River DayDreamer came with 7k Dexter axles. Forest River upgraded them to 8k for free and added the EZFlex suspension at that time at no cost. Here is link showing some photos of the conversion. Some folks probably don't like TrailAir because they are associated with Lippert. The EZFlex and heavier axles made my rig ride a bunch better. :-laf Don't be a bonehead and not grease the fittings often.



#ad

Cumminz,



I just got off the phone with Redneck and purchased the EZ's! They will ship out today!! I have seen your pic's before but I guess I forgot about your conversion over time and it didn't register in my brain:-laf But I sure do remember what you're talking about regarding the grease-fittings. Not to worry... ... . in good faith, Dexter will send me new ones at no cost to me... ... ..... now that is customer service:-laf:-laf:-laf





Alan

 

[RSchiedeck]

I have the EZ flex now for 3 years its a great heavy duty piece

 

[DennyDay]

Don't forget the upgrade system made by MorRyde - - I've had it on my trailer (Lippert frame and the new cross member made a huge change in the ride and handeling of the trailer

 

[proflow]

I did a custom lift on my tripple w/Trail-Air . Some of the shackle hardware was not welded anywhere near straight.

I cut it apart & rewelded it the way it should have been built the first time.

Not trying to put this company down, but my time/my dime.

The suspention rolls great. Nice & smooth.

Soon after that I did a 5th Airborn pinbox, it made all the difference in the world.



Proflow

 

[S.Morris]

I installed the EZ flex on my tandem Sunny Brook about a year ago. The quality seems good and very robust. Greasable shackles should greatly extend life.

It was an SOB though..... Installation went well..... had complete trailer lifted and weight just off springs to install. Getting it back on ground without kicking/inverting shackles on front or rear axles was another story. Setting both axles and all four tires down at the same time is the key.



Steve

 

[NIsaacs]

I would think the grease would attract dirt/contaminates. Rubber bushed spring eyes seem to last forever.



Nick

 

[HBarlow]

I would think the grease would attract dirt/contaminates. Rubber bushed spring eyes seem to last forever.

Nick

Actually, I reluctantly agree with you. Not only does the greasable equalizer attract road grit but the grease zerks commonly plug and won't accept grease.

 

[RSchiedeck]

Actually, I reluctantly agree with you. Not only does the greasable equalizer attract road grit but the grease zerks commonly plug and won't accept grease.

what I do is grease them often if for no other reason then to keep the zeks open, I also wipe excess grease off. any dirt is just stuck on the surface and never gets in the joints fresh grease is added weekly or before any trip 1 pump just to keep grease flowing. my. 02

 

[proflow]

Put small plastic vac. caps over zerts

 

[AClayton]

Do you guys use regular grease?? I finished installing the EZ's 3 days ago and looked at the instructions... ... . said to use Mobil 1 synthetic grease. Why? they are bronze bushings!



Alan

 

[proflow]

Blue marine grease

 

[HBarlow]

Hmmm. I didn't know that. Mine were installed by Young's frame, builder of the HitchHiker frames, and I never saw any instructions.

I've been greasing mine once a year with ordinary chassis lube and just recently realized that I have two, one on each side, that won't take grease.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Hmmm. I didn't know that. Mine were installed by Young's frame, builder of the HitchHiker frames, and I never saw any instructions.



I've been greasing mine once a year with ordinary chassis lube and just recently realized that I have two, one on each side, that won't take grease.

Both of our Hitchhiker IIs had greasable spring shackles. When a zerk wouldn't take grease, I raised the frame with a jack to relieve the weight and it would take grease again.



Bill

 

[RSchiedeck]

Do you guys use regular grease?? I finished installing the EZ's 3 days ago and looked at the instructions... ... . said to use Mobil 1 synthetic grease. Why? they are bronze bushings!



Alan

synthetic lasts longer thats how i see it seem to be stickier

 

[EZeis]

Synthetic grease is always better than standard grease. Handles higher temps, lasts longer, holds up better to water and etc. synthetic anything is always better. I haven't used standard oil base grease in at least 10 years. I always go name brand synthetic.







Earl