[Lady RV]

Dear MOC Members,

I received this from Aram Koltookian at Keystone. Those of you concerned about the your shackles may find this of interest.

All my best,
Lady RV

quote:
MOR/ryde International, Inc.


1966 Moyer Avenue P.O. Box Elkhart, Indiana 46515 (574) 293-1581 Fax (574) 294-4936 www.morryde.com


Date: September 18, 2007

To: Keystone Montana Owners Club

From: MOR/ryde International

Re: Use of Wet Bolt Kit vs. Standard Non Wet Bolt (Attaching Parts Kit)


Following the MOR/ryde seminar at the Montana Owners Club Rally in Goshen there has been much discussion and debate about the use of wet shackle bolts w/ grease zerks and bronze bushings verses the industry standard non wet bolt w/ nylon or plastic bushings. We are concerned the information shared may have been presented in a way that led to a misunderstanding of MOR/ryde's position on the use of standard bolt vs wet bolt packages.

While upgrading to a heavy duty attaching parts kit (Wet Bolt Kit) can provide added protection against wear, the use of this kit is in no way a requirement to ensure safe and reliable towing.
Keystone goes to great lengths to ensure that the products that they offer meet and/or exceed the consumer's expectation for value and safety. Keystone Montana as the leading manufacturer of fifth wheels in the industry is second to none with respect to product testing. Our experience is that Keystone tests more that any other 5th wheel manufacturer. Earlier this year a Keystone Montana was again subjected to a durability test at the Bosch Automotive Proving Grounds that simulated approximately 45,000 road miles. That unit was equipped with the MOR/ryde Suspension System and standard non wet attaching parts. The standard attaching parts remained intact for the entire test and upon inspection at the conclusion of the test showed standard wear to the shackle links and attaching brackets on the MOR/ryde system. MOR/ryde would interpret this test result in a positive light and the results would be as anticipated. MOR/ryde has also conducted several durability tests of our suspension system with the standard bolt package and the test results have been positive.

The non wet shackle bolt w/ nylon or plastic bushing used by Keystone Montana is the standard suspension used by most manufacturers in the industry including those who also use a MOR/ryde suspension system. As with most OEM components (Recreational Vehicle, Automotive, Transit, etc.) companies often develop aftermarket upgrades in an attempt to increase aftermarket sales revenue. The upgraded components do offer value. Wet bolt kits are just that, an aftermarket upgrade that offer a means of lubricating the bronze bushings located in the spring eye and equalizer through the use of grease zerks on the bolts. There are pros and cons to this set-up. They will extend the life of attaching parts (shackles/brackets) but must be installed properly for the bolt and bushing to take on grease. They do incur added cost, which in many instances, may not be necessary as standard shackles can last thousands of miles as evidenced during Montana's durability testing.

The key with any attaching parts kit is to periodically inspect for signs of excessive wear, cracking, or hole elongation. The recommended interval for inspection as indicated in the axle owner's manual is every 6 months or 6,000 miles for attaching parts and 12 months or 12,000 miles for leaf springs and spring hangers. Suspension attaching parts are wearable components that can and do wear at different intervals depending upon factors including weight, loading, and road conditions. While upgrading to a wet bolt kit will extend the life of attaching parts, it is impossible to accurately say by how much. It is also important to understand that an upgrade to the wet bolt kit is not necessary to ensure safe and reliable towing. MOR/ryde has sold tens of thousands of our suspension system equipped with standard non wet bolt kits and are very pleased with the results. MOR/ryde does not view the use of wet bolt kits as necessary or mandatory and has shared this position with Keystone and other OEM's.

MOR/ryde apologizes to Keystone and to the Montana Owners Club if any of the information presented at the seminar led Montana owners to believe that an upgrade to a wet bolt kit is necessary. MOR/ryde's position on this upgrade is that it is simply something to keep in mind should the need ever arise. Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions or need additional information.