spring shackles

[Montana_4454]

I recently had the axels and tires , brakes,and bearings replaced on my 2003 3255rl montana under warranty. the shop upon pulling the axels found the shackles were almost worn through. They checked with the axel mfg and montana and both said this was a maintenance problem and would not cover under warranty. Now this was no big deal as far as cost but it was a big deal on a trailer with only 10,000 or less miles on it. This could have been a big problem if the shackle had broken on the road.If this is a maintenance problem(which i have never heard of checking shackles on a regular basis)then all owners should check theirs quick.
henry

[patodonn]

There has been a great deal of discussion of this problem / topic on the Forum. Lots of information on it, including a replacement shackle which is highly recommended by several members. Just go to Search", type in "shackles". You can search the titles or the entire message data base, and any or all Sections. I tried it and it took 5 seconds to come up with several postings in the "problems" Section, just searching titles only. Here is the link to one of them...

http://montanaadministrator.forumco....IC_ID~9530.asp

Just paste that link into your Internet address bar in your browser. If you wish, instead of replacing the whole link, just copy the number (9530 here) and insert it to replace the number in the current address bar (where you are on the internet). Don't forget to keep the .asp following the number in the address.

Best,

[8.1al]

Shackle wear is a maintenance problem? What a bunch of (insert your favorite expletive) Just what sort of maintenance does a shackle require? The shackles on your trucks don't require maintenance and will never wear out. The bushing that the shackle bolt goes thru will wear but not the shackles. Dexter told me that the shackle wear is generally the result of improper assembly at the factory.

[HamRad]

hank601a,
As patodonn pointed out this has been a very active topic on the forum. You should be able to find lots of discussion on this issue. It is interesting that so many folks did get the things fixed under warranty. I wonder if this was something specific with this dealer? Keystone has been very good about covering in part or even all of the expense involved with these issues.

If you check your owners manual you will find that shackles are maintenance items.

The problem I had (along with many others) is that the shackles are simply to weak to support the weight of the trailer for very long. I had to replace mine at about 25k. Had one almost worn completely through. The original shackles are thin and the bushings are thin nylon. I replaced with heavy duty shackles with grease zerks and with brass bushings. These should last the life of the trailer. You can see my originals and replacements if you go to the PictureTrail link and look at the Shackles album.

Good luck
HamRad

[jrgwdenner]

We had routine brake maintenance down on our Monty today and asked them to look at the shackles. We'll let everyone know what they find later. It certainly gives one peace of mind to have someone look at these parts. I agree....it should not be 'maintenance'.

[RonS]

After looking at mine today, I ordered the Dexter Kit and will replace before my next long trip. I would guess I have about 20K on my less than 2yr old 3280RL Big Sky, and could see some wear.

[drhowell]

If you can see any movement or wear evidence around the shackle bolts do not hesitate to have them replaced. Once you start to see the wear they go fast. Not expensive or hard to replace them.

The new ones with the grease fittings require maintenance. Grease them about every 1000 miles with one pump each.

The original ones have nothing to maintain other than replace them when they wear. So how can Keystone say they are a maintenance item? Sometimes Keystone's responses are very disturbing. But then most US manufacturer's seem to have a similar attitude with their products. Buyer beware and become the expert when dealing with problems.

[old turbo]

I find it hard to beleive that travel trailers as I see it never seem to have recalls, or am I missing something. It seems to me that if these shackles are wearing out before there time whatever that may be then it should be a safety issue.Maybe we need some of our government officals involved to see if they can get some accountabilty for safety issues on travel trailers?

[NJ Hillbilly]

Anybody have the part number(s) for the shackle kit from Dexter?


John

[jrgwdenner]

Our shackles checked out okay.

[azstar]

NJ Hillbilly John,

Use the Search and type in "re-bush"
When there go to page 6 and see my post, about half way down the page.

Wish you well and Happy camping

[Montana_4454]

picked up my monty today and al-ko paid for the shackles but it is scary how close to wearing through they were.i hope every one checks theirs.
henry