I know there are many discussions about shocks on this forum but I have a questio about them that I don't see. Because so many people recomend them I about ready to install them on my 30' Terry TT. Talked to the dealer this morning about them and he recommended that I go to the Trailair Equa-Flex system instead. Would cost a little more but he though this would be better than shocks. I know there are some people with this system. Please respond with your thoughts.
Thanks
Ray & Phyllis Tarkenton (both retired)
2002 Suburban, K2500, 4x4, 8.1 liter, 4.10 gears
2004 300FQS Terry
I also have done alot of research on this same subject. The EquaFlex System has some nice advantages over the standard OEM leaf spring system.
Shocks are nice to have if your trailer was prep for it.
Otherwise it could get expensive having the welding work etc...done.
Just yesterday I was at the Detroit RV Show in Novi and was talking with the Mor-Ryde Rep. I've always been impressed with Mor-Rydes Systems. He told me they are almost ready to come out with a new bolt-on system for Travel Trailers that replaces the Y bracket Assy ( like the EquaFlex does & their own RE System) that not only flex's front to back but also up & down motions. Any handy man will be able to mount it. Just jack the trailer (on it's side) remove the Y bracket holding both leaf springs and slid the Mor-Ryde bracket on and bolt it up.
He said it would be out by summer and will be posted on their website.
I'm going to hold off doing anything until I see this new bolt on unit of theirs.
Happy trails,
Bill B. (Michigan)
2007 Dodge Ram 2500 MegaCab CTD
2007 Jayco Eagle TT Model 322FKS
They both provide an improvement in the ride, but are different and each has value, but one does not replace the other.
Equa-flex is a soft bushing system that replaces the non-flexible link between front and rear axle leaf springs. This equalizer link is what insures that the trailer weight is equally distributed between front and rear axles. By putting in a soft bushing system, it helps absorb jolts that come from potholes, railroad tracks, etc. By absorbing these, the ride is smoother. Automobiles come with soft bushings in their suspension systems for the exact same reason. These are replaced in a race car with solid bushings to keep the suspension alignment more exact, but the ride is noticeably harsher. The Equa-flex is only something used on leaf spring suspension, as the rubber torsion suspension is already damped in rubber.
Shocks are dampers that not only help absorb bumps, but control spring cycling. Any spring has a normal "at rest position' and when they are compressed, they will cycle up and down until they finally regain their at rest position again. Shocks greatly speed up the process, and limit the cycling. This has a major effect on ride and handling. Every car has shocks for a reason. An added benefit is that shocks are very valuable in helping control sway, as that motion requires compression and extension of the springs on opposite sides of the trailer. Shocks control this motion. Shocks are valuable on leaf spring suspensions as well as torsion arm suspensions.
IMHO, given a choice, I would always put shocks on first. As they benefit not only the ride but provide for safer handling. Ideally you put on both.
BTW Equa-flex does not compare their product to shocks, only to trailers without either.
Either One or Both will help. The Equal-Flex and their wet bolt kit will be a more straight forward installation and you can do it yourself.
The shocks will be more interesting, depending on whether the trailer has an enclosed underbelly, the springs are either under or over the axles, the type of chassis (I Beam or C channel) on the trailer and the location of drain hoses.
I have used this kit with Monroe shocks before. They also have the straight Monroe shocks that you can use to fit the OEM clips that may be welded to you frame already.
Thanks for the responses. From the info here I think I will install snocks first and then later I can install the Equa-Flex myself. That way I will have the best of both worlds. Again thanks
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