Improve Your Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel’s Ride Quality
Your RV’s suspension takes a beating every time you travel. Rough highways, potholes, uneven roads, and constant movement place stress on the leaf springs, equalizers, shackles, and suspension components.
At California RV Specialists, we specialize in RV suspension inspections, repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. One of the suspension upgrades we offer for compatible travel trailers and fifth wheels is the Lippert Equa-Flex Rubberized Equalizer Suspension System.
This upgrade is designed to help absorb road shock, reduce vibration, and provide a smoother towing experience compared with conventional rigid steel equalizers.
What Is the Lippert Equa-Flex Equalizer?
The Lippert Equa-Flex is a cushioned suspension equalizer designed to replace certain traditional steel equalizers found on leaf-spring trailer suspension systems.
Unlike a standard equalizer that primarily pivots to distribute suspension movement between the axles, Equa-Flex incorporates rubber cushioning to help absorb road impacts.
As your trailer travels over bumps and uneven surfaces, the rubberized mechanism compresses and responds to suspension movement, helping reduce the amount of shock transferred into the RV.
Benefits of Upgrading to Lippert Equa-Flex
1. Improved Ride Quality
The rubberized equalizer helps cushion the suspension as your RV travels over uneven roads, potentially reducing harsh impacts.
2. Reduced Road Shock and Vibration
By absorbing some of the movement at the suspension equalizer, Equa-Flex can help reduce vibration transferred into the trailer.
3. Smoother Suspension Movement
The equalizer allows movement between the axles while incorporating rubber cushioning to help soften road impacts.
4. Less Harshness on RV Components
Reducing road shock may help lessen some of the vibration experienced by the RV body and interior components. However, the system does not eliminate all road forces or prevent every type of suspension damage.
5. An Upgrade for Compatible Trailers
Equa-Flex systems are available for certain tandem-axle and triple-axle trailer applications, depending on the specific model and suspension configuration.
Proper fitment is essential. The correct equalizer must be selected based on the trailer’s axle configuration, suspension dimensions, and manufacturer specifications.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Installing a Lippert Equa-Flex equalizer involves more than removing the original equalizer and installing a new one.
At California RV Specialists, we inspect the existing suspension before recommending an upgrade.
Our technicians evaluate:
- Leaf springs and spring eyes
- Existing equalizers
- Shackle links and bushings
- Suspension bolts and mounting hardware
- Spring hangers and accessible welds
- Visible signs of suspension wear, cracking, or damage
We also evaluate compatibility and installation requirements before proceeding.
Proper installation, suspension geometry, and fastener torque are important to the performance and safety of the system.
Consider Upgrading Your Shackles and Bushings
When installing new suspension equalizers, it’s also a good opportunity to evaluate the condition of the original shackle links, bolts, and bushings.
Many RVs are equipped with standard suspension hardware that can experience wear over time.
Depending on the RV’s configuration, we may recommend upgrading to heavy-duty shackle links, wet bolts, and compatible upgraded bushings.
These components can help address common wear points in the suspension system.
We can also discuss additional upgrades, including compatible suspension crossmembers, when appropriate.
Equa-Flex vs. Traditional Steel Equalizers
A traditional steel equalizer primarily pivots as the axles move over uneven terrain. It does not incorporate the same rubber cushioning found in Equa-Flex.
The Lippert Equa-Flex adds a rubberized cushioning mechanism designed to absorb some of those impacts.
Both systems still rely on properly functioning leaf springs, shackles, bushings, hangers, and other suspension components.
An upgraded equalizer cannot compensate for worn-out springs, damaged hangers, or unsafe suspension hardware.
It’s also important to remember that Equa-Flex does not increase the trailer’s GVWR, axle ratings, or cargo-carrying capacity.
Don’t Forget Regular Suspension Maintenance
Even with upgraded equalizers, regular suspension inspections remain important.
At California RV Specialists, we encourage RV owners to have their suspension inspected during routine wheel bearing and brake maintenance.
For traditional serviceable wheel bearings, our general recommendation is every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, unless the component manufacturer specifies otherwise.
During these services, we inspect accessible suspension components for signs of wear, damage, cracking, and other concerns.
Regular inspections are especially important for trailers that travel long distances or frequently encounter rough road conditions.
Schedule Your Lippert Equa-Flex Installation
Whether you’re looking to improve your RV’s ride quality or replace worn suspension components, California RV Specialists can help evaluate your options.
Our services include:
- Lippert Equa-Flex equalizer installation
- RV suspension inspections and repairs
- Heavy-duty shackle and bushing upgrades
- Leaf spring and equalizer replacement
- Suspension hanger and frame inspections
- MORryde suspension upgrades
- Wheel bearing and brake maintenance
California RV Specialists, LLC
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: (209) 263-7040
Email: service@calrvspecialists.com
Website: www.calrvspecialists.com
Independent RV Service, Repairs, Maintenance & Upgrades Since 2003.
Contact our team to discuss whether the Lippert Equa-Flex suspension upgrade is right for your travel trailer or fifth wheel.
