This will happen to any set of shackles that can not (or are not) lubricated.  The rotational wear from the bolts on the holes simply wears through over time.

If there are leaf springs on the trailer than there are shackles of one type or another similar to those pictured.

MOR/ryde offers a "wet bolt" kit which allows for greasing of the pivot points with a simple hand grease gun.

http://www.morryde.com/uploads/downloads/1447944883-Wet%20Bolt%20Kit%20Flyer.pdf

This is a pretty simple installation and one that is highly recommended for all rigs that travel any amount of time each year. Any local RV shop could do this or DIY if one is comfortable with this type of mechanical work which does include jacking up the trailer one side at a time.

There are "better," albeit more expensive, upgrades to the spring and shackle system but the wet bolt kit which allows for lubrication is, IMO, a necessity for safety.

On Edit:  As Terry recommended below here is a contact at MOR/ryde:

Rob KoleanAftermarket Sales Rep574-293-1581 Ex 256Rob.Kolean@morryde.com

www.morryde.com

Here's the deal - these parts are available via many distributers perhaps can be ordered direct and then installed  at your local RV "fix it" shop.  But Rob could perhaps advise on other items that might be of interest such as disc brakes, etc. which I recommend.It is possible to replace the shackles between the springs with a better support system which will improve the ride but you still may need wet bolts  Rob can advise and provide options.

Gary Wheeler, also with MOR/ryde, has joined RV-Dreams Rallys as well providing information and support. He can be reached as well at the main number - 574-293-1581.

The people at MOR/ryde have always been helpful to me in the 10 years we've been a factory customer.

Bill

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Thursday 3rd of March 2016 12:41:20 PM

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Thursday 3rd of March 2016 12:48:12 PM

Terry and Jo wrote:

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Bill,

I'd say to go ahead and post that contact information.  There is always the possibility that others on the forum may find a similar issue before they travel again.  We'll be moving soon, and while our fifth wheel hasn't traveled much, I'll still be checking all the suspension before we do.

Terry

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Terry, always a good idea to inspect the running gear but as you indicated, as you've been stationary, I'm confident you should be fine for the trip up to Oregon. 

For those reading along - this is primarily a wear issue.  That is miles on the rig. But installing bolts that have a grease fitting on them is a fairly inexpensive upgrade to better insure longer life of the suspension system.  Most rigs don't have them simply to save costs. That's a shame but true just the same.

Bill

 

My wife just bought a morRyde kit down on the plane. 40 lbs

Thanks, Mark! Yes, I feel pretty strongly that wet bolts should be standard equipment, and I am pretty sure Lee and Trace do also. They have a photo showing the difference in thickness between the old and the new shackles.