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Old 11-30-2014, 08:11 AM   #1
bexparza
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Wet Bolt Question

How much better is a wet bolt kit than the standard factory installed suspension set up? Is it worth the additional cost? Thanks in advance.
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Old 11-30-2014, 08:38 AM   #2
RichR
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Could you explain what a wet bolt kit is, I have never heard of it?
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Old 11-30-2014, 08:43 AM   #3
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I'm with Rich here. Even the explanation in Google couldn't tell me why the term is "wet bolt."
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Old 11-30-2014, 08:55 AM   #4
bexparza
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Wet Bolt Explanation

Apparently it is a kit that replaces the existing suspension bolts with brass inserts and bolts with a lubrication fitted bolt. It's the bolts holding the leaf springs to the frame.
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Old 11-30-2014, 08:59 AM   #5
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Briefly ... a wet bolt kit is one in which the bolts can be lubricated by means of a zerk grease fitting. On my original (2008) Cougar, I soon replaced my "dry" suspension kit (shackles, bolts, hangers) with a "wet" bolt kit. The bushings, etc. were badly worn and showed signs of excessive wear after a very short time -- far too short.

A worthwhile "upgrade" IMO.
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Old 11-30-2014, 09:55 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bexparza View Post
How much better is a wet bolt kit than the standard factory installed suspension set up? Is it worth the additional cost? Thanks in advance.
There is a wealth of information on the forum regarding the "wet bolt" addition to the suspension on travel trailers and fifth wheels.

If you click on the search button in the top blue bar on any forum page, a menu box will drop down. Type in "wet bolt" (include the quotation marks) and you will get 3 pages of links to threads that discuss the wet bolt concept, its application to travel trailers, installation hints and problems, as well as the general "reader opinion" that you're seeking.

Try the search feature, there's no need to wait for members to repeat what they've already posted about the topic. Of course, any "new posts" are always welcome......
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Old 11-30-2014, 06:55 PM   #7
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No comparison in my book!!
Standard TT springs come with plastic bushings and no possible way to lubricate... short of dis-assembly.
With a wet bolt kit you replace the spring eye bushings with brass ones and add bolts that you can grease through zerk fittings. (grease goes thru center of bolt and out a whole in the middle.

In Sept. I replaced my Bolts, the Equalizer (Dexter Suspension Kit) ... as well as the Springs (5-Leaf instead of 4-Leaf). With a lot of planning it turned out to be a not so hard and great upgrade.

With new Maxxis Tires ... I am looking forward to a smooth 2015 season.
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Old 11-30-2014, 08:18 PM   #8
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We had a Springdale that we probably put at least 20,000 miles on. We now have a Hideout with maybe 5,000 miles on it. We had an Arctic Fox with at least 50k on and various and assundry other trailers and fivers before these three. I've never heard of a wet bolt and never did anything to the suspension of any of our trailers. And to my knowledge there was never any problems with the suspension. Just my opinion but I wonder if this is a solution looking for a problem.
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Old 11-30-2014, 10:00 PM   #9
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Earl -
I never had any issues with the suspension on my 2008 5th wheel but someone advised me to check the various parts - shackles, bolts, bushings, shackle hangers, etc. When I did inspect them (in 2010) after 2 years of wear, I was both surprised and shocked to find the thin, nylon bushings were almost worn through and the "round" holes in the shackle links were no longer round but oval shaped from wear.

I looked at the suspension on all four wheels and the wear on them was the same - badly worn nylon bushings and oval-shaped holes on every link.

I took the parts down to a local shop that specializes in alignment and suspension and they showed me what they should look like as well as the same parts from a wet-bolt kit.
The links were almost twice as thick and the bushing was bronze I believe rather than nylon. The service manager told me that these original parts are cheaply made of the thinnest metal possible and he has seen and replaced dozens and dozens of these things with better quality parts.

If you have never had them inspected, it might be worthwhile doing so before you do have a problem. I don't believe its "a solution looking for a problem" but instead replacing something of poor, cheap quality with something more substantial and longer-lasting. I guess it's similar to replacing China bombs with a better quality tire.

You know the saying...."An ounce of prevention is worth ......."
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Old 12-01-2014, 03:48 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theeyres View Post
We had a Springdale that we probably put at least 20,000 miles on. We now have a Hideout with maybe 5,000 miles on it. We had an Arctic Fox with at least 50k on and various and assundry other trailers and fivers before these three. I've never heard of a wet bolt and never did anything to the suspension of any of our trailers. And to my knowledge there was never any problems with the suspension. Just my opinion but I wonder if this is a solution looking for a problem.
Earl,

Here are pictures (from other threads in this forum) from three different members who have posted about suspension failure on their trailer. It's not just a solution looking for a problem. I'd urge you to at least check your suspension carefully when checking tires and brakes. It could be a "game changer" if you find what these members found.
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Old 12-01-2014, 06:42 AM   #11
MIKEPATC
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Not a Gambler

Yes ... I would rather be riding on these shackles and equalizer rather than the factory supplied ones shown.
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Old 12-01-2014, 12:08 PM   #12
rjsurfer
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I have 2 cross country trips and a dozen or so Florida runs on my 08 245RKS and finally decided to spend the couple of hundred bucks and go with wet bolt kit and new rubber shocked equalizer. The old connecting links were in good shape and there was even plenty of plastic bushing material left, go figure.

With that being said I would still recommend swapping out the old equalizer and links. As other's have written and as you can see by the pictures the design is not very robust.

You could take the suspension apart to check but if your going that far you might as well swap everything out while your at it....

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Old 12-02-2014, 02:42 PM   #13
RdRmr
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bexparza,

The wet bolt system is well worth the expense. I installed the Dexter EZ Flex system with wet bolts over two years ago. Just this year alone I've logged over thirteen thousand miles on them, no issues. Most of all, the suspension system is quiet, no creaking or popping noises. Check my profile album pictures. Will be greasing them in a couple weeks along with repacking the bearings. Happy Campin....
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