Wet bolt installation questions

grampscamper · 10-20-2014, 05:46 AM

I just picked up a wet bolt kit for our 5th wheel. I have been procrastinating for a year now. Decided to do it this weekend. The 5th wheel came with the E-Z flex equalizer but with nylon bushings and standard bolts. I have all 14 wet bolts, brass bushings and shackles to do the job.
Is it O.K. to jack up the 5th wheel while connected to the truck? I assumed it would be safer then leaving the 5th wheel on the front landing gear.
Do I need to install a wet bolt in the pivot point of the E-Z flex equalizer (top bolt)?

therink · 10-20-2014, 06:02 AM

When I installed my wet bolts, I left trailer hitched to truck for additional support. I replaced all bolts and the equalizer.

**hankpage** · 10-20-2014, 06:29 AM

If you can it is safer to leave it hooked to truck.
If you have E-Z Flex equalizer you already can lube the center bolt as shown in photo. The two grease fittings at the top.

concours · 10-20-2014, 07:28 AM

That's what I did it made the trailer very stable especially when jacking it up. FYI the Moryde CRE 3000 that cane standard with our trailer had brass bushings not nylon and they were in great shape. Removal of the old nylon bushings was easy as they had fallen apart and just pushed out. For the install of the new brass bushings I used one of the old shackle bolts that I cut shorter then inserted it in the new brass bushing then used a large C clamp to push it in last of all make sure that when you install the bolts don't have the lube hole pointing up or down or you will have difficulty getting grease thru.

You will be happy with the secure feeling and the lack of creaking and groaning when turning

grampscamper · 10-20-2014, 07:29 AM

Thanks for the replies. I do have the two grease fittings on top. I won't remove that bolt. I guess I'll have two extra wet bolts.
I will leave it hooked to the truck and do one side at a time. I have two bottle jacks, a large floor jack and two jack stands. A friend is bringing a 12" C clamp. I should have everything I need.

jsmith948 · 10-20-2014, 07:29 AM

I added the wet bolt kit to our "Equaflex" suspension. ( I didn't go to the Dexter equalizers because Lippert shipped me a new set of Equaflex under warranty).
Yes I did install a wet bolt on the upper center pivot. You will need a total of 18 bolts.

On Edit: I understood your post to say that you had the Equaflex (TrailAir) equalizers. If you have the Dexter equalizers my info will not apply.

grampscamper · 10-20-2014, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsmith948

I added the wet bolt kit to our "Equaflex" suspension. ( I didn't go to the Dexter equalizers because Lippert shipped me a new set of Equaflex under warranty).
Yes I did install a wet bolt on the upper center pivot. You will need a total of 18 bolts.

On Edit: I understood your post to say that you had the Equaflex (TrailAir) equalizers. If you have the Dexter equalizers my info will not apply.

I have the EZ Flex (same as Hank's picture). The trailer came with it. I got 14 wet bolts, 8 shackles and 14 brass bushings with the kit (no equalizer). I think I will only need 8 bushings & 12 wet bolts. I will know better when I take it apart.

Laredo291OH · 10-20-2014, 08:00 AM

This is just my opinion, but I would recommend renting a ball joint press from a local auto parts place. I tried a 10" C-clamp and couldn't get it to work because of the swivel head, also couldn't get enough grunt on the handle to run the bolts in. I tried using a 12" adjustable wrench to tighten the C-clamp (hole in the end of the handle over the hand of the C-clamp) only managed to bend the handle of the C-clamp. Rented the ball joint press from O'Reilly's Auto Parts, $126, but you get it back when you return the press so it really cost you $0. Works 1000X's better than a C-clamp and well worth getting.

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