Wet Bolts

[rames14]

Does anyone know if you can order the wet bolts straight from the factory? It seems like that would be the ideal time to have them put in - when they are building the trailer.

[stiles watson]

Unless they have changed their policy, wet bolts and heavy duty shackles are not a factory option. Most owners do not travel enough in their RV for it to become a problem.

Long term users are the ones interested in wet bolts. The nylon bushings do not require lubrication while the wet bolts require annual or semi-annual attention. Not just Keystone, but the majority of the industry builds to the short term, short trip, weekend or casual user, i.e., the majority of their market.

I am not defending that decision or saying that I agree, but that is what I understand about the heavy duty shackle/wet bolt issue.

[rames14]

Stiles -

Thanks for the info. We are not longtimers - three weeks of vacation per year. However, we probably put 7,000 miles in a year camping and spend about 50 nights a year in Monte. I'm already on my second set of tires on our '05 3400. So I guess we're probably the exception. With the econony, who knows when we'll be able to start long timing it.

[drknapp]

OK, I'll bite! What are "wet bolts"?

[stiles watson]

The issue seems to be time-in-the-saddle or mileage. Many of us have changed to brass bushings and heavy duty shackles at between 10 and 20 thousand. Of course some have gotten longer life, but that seems to be the exception.

drknapp, "wet" bolts are bolts with zerks in the head so that they can be lubricated with grease. Brass bushings are used with the wet bolts which when lubricated, are longer lived than the OEM nylon bushings. At the same time, folks use a heavy duty shackle which is half again as thick as the OEM shackle. If you do a search, you can see pictures of both damaged shackles and bushings along with the installed new equipment.

[drknapp]

Thanks for the explanation

[Jolu]

Stiles,
Where did you order your wet bolt kit and what is the kit number.

[stiles watson]

Jolu,

I ordered my kit directly from MOR/ryde because I have the MOR/ryde equalizer. You can call them. They are helpful and easy to talk to. However, If you don't have the MOR/ryde equalizer, you have a couple of options. (1) Dexter puts out a wetbolt, brass bushing and heavy duty shackle kit with the standard triangular equalizer. You would want the one for 35" center-to-center tandum axles. Dexter part# K71-449-00 Heavy Duty Suspension Kit. (2) Dexter also makes an upgrade to a shock absorbing equalizer. This kit comes with wet bolts, brass bushings, and heavy duty shackles as well as the E-Z Flex Equalizer. Dexter part# K71-653-00 Complete E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Tandem.

Both the above options are better priced from one of Dexter's wholesale buyers than directly from Dexter. If you call Dexter, they will identify for you your closest supplier. Shopping a bit online may get the best price.

I have personally done one each of all three of these setups. If you will PM or email me your phone number, I will be happy to call and chat about the experiences and give some tips.