Best Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers for a 2014 Evergreen Bayhill 295RL

Question:

I have a 2014 Evergreen Bayhill 295 RL fifth wheel. Its 346inch and has a 14,250# GVWR. Unfortunately it doesnt show up in your directory due to out of business. I know for certain I need to replace some spring shackle bushings, and maybe more depending on wear once I disassemble. It has Equaflex Flexair as near as I can read on part equalizer. First question is do the rubber cushioned equalizers wear out or have a life expectancy? I can see some tatters on edge of exposed rubber bushing material. The distance between shackle bolts on equalizer is 6 1/2inch +/- 1/8. The axles are 33 1/2inch from hub center to hub center. The trailer has Lippert 6,000# axles. Visually the equalizers look just like the 6-8K version of the equalizer from Equaflex you have. I read through some of the QandA answers, but not sure what the answer is for my trailer. Wondering if rebuilding existing suspension makes sense or if there is a reasonably priced upgrade? This is the first fifth wheel Ive had in this weight range, so not sure if I should be expecting a better ride or not. What other dimensions do I need to get the right parts to rebuild, if that makes the most sense?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

There were two different versions of the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers to my knowledge, ones with the Never Fail bushings and ones with the bronze bushings. It sounds like you have the Never Fail bushings. These bushings actually have a lifetime warranty so if they are faulty and you have proof of purchase then they can be replaced under warranty. If you do not have proof of purchase then you can still replace them with part # TRBU11566 (Qty. 1), part # LC279684 (Qty. 8), part # LC279685 (Qty. 14), or part # LC279686 (Qty 22).

Now with that being said, the entire Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizer does not have a lifetime warranty, just the bushings. In order to determine where or not you should replace the entire unit or just the bushings you should take a look at the rubber inside to see its condition as that will be the determining factor on whether or not you replace just the bushings or the entire unit.

If you do choose to replace the entire unit then the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers part # LC279688 would be correct for you as it is designed for tandem axle trailers with a 30-1/2" axle spacing. There really isn't much of an upgrade if you already have the Equa-Flex. I believe a brand new set will really stand out compared to the old worn ones. Unfortunately, the longevity of the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers can vary dramatically by the amount of use, weather conditions, and maintenance so I was not able to obtain an average life span.

expert reply by: Conner L