Shackles

[DHenry]

My original equalizer has China stamped on it.

[stiles watson]

Al-Ko is a Chinese manufacturer. Dexter is an American company, but don't be too sure they don't farm out some components to be manufactured in China.

[HamRad]

quote:Originally posted by MacDR50

I am not getting a comfortable feeling here. Hamrad; Tell me that close-up picture in your album doesn't say China on the equalizer. Cheap tires and minimal suspension components. Seems that lowest bidder for supply of parts might take precedence over quality and safety. Why should we be replacing brand new components to feel safe. Again we have a known weakness that costs very little to eliminate right from the factory. If those shackles are made in china, my bet is that they are poor quality steel. The replacements look like the original equipment should. The suspension, wheels, tires, brakes and hitch should not be a concern when you pay tens of $K for a trailer. The solutions to the road gear issues I am seeing here and in other posts are simple and relatively inexpensive. What are they waiting for?: Multiple fatalities, class action law suite or government imposed standards. Car companies recall vehicles at great expense for lesser problems.

MacDR50,

Afraid so! Does any other country even make such things?!

Your question and concern regarding quality of components is a valid question. Until we hold those responsible for such shortcomings; things will not change. We get the products we get because they are so "cost effective". Granted they are "cost effective" but mostly only for the manufacturer. So until our society decides to do something about the situation that exists we will get what we are getting.

On the other side of things we want the very best quality at the very lowest of prices. There is a fine line that we have drawn and sometimes we come out on the short end of things.

So until we get a change we are going to need to keep watching out for each other as we do in the MOC Forum. I know it has saved me a lot of worry and $$$$. That is due to all who get on here and share their experiences. For that I want to say "Thank you!".

HamRad

[drjjj]

Our rig is a 2007 3400RL, purchased in August 2006. We have towed it very little so far. These shackle discussions have me spooked. Should we just get the OEM replaced since we are now out of factory warranty? Which one(s) are best? I don't care what it costs if it will prevent a wreck!!! Thanks for the advice from all you "pros" out there.

[richfaa]

I am just thinking out loud here..These are Recreational vehicles designed for Occasional use. Many of us, my self included use them , IMO, in a manner they were not designed to be used..that is fulltime or long time use involving a high number of road miles.My shackles , after @12/15K miles were showing more than normal wear and beginning to elongate. I would check them say every 5K miles or so.

[8.1al]

drjjj,
Rich is right. These are designed with the occaisional user in mind. Some units have this problem and some don't. It is nothing to lose sleep over, just keep in mind that after 10-15,000 miles you need to start crawling underneath once in a while and take a close look at the bolts that connect the springs to the center equalizer. Maybe if you sprayed white paint around the bolt heads and nuts it would be easier to see if the bolt is moving up in the shackle.