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Dexter EZ Flex?


John E Davies

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After seeing Randy's post about having NVR Lube Bearings on his 2015 Ollie, started hoping we had the same bearings. Called Dexter, gave them the Dexter SN and our Ollie does not have NVR Lubes bearings :( . Guessing bearing/axle changes were made during 2015. Asked if I could upgrade to NVR Lube bearings and Dexter said I would have to install new axles to make that upgrade.

 

When I upgrade to the EZ Flex on our Ollie, will lube the bearings, inspect brakes, and replace seals.

LE2

 

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After seeing Randy’s post about having NVR Lube Bearings on his 2015 Ollie, started hoping we had the same bearings. Called Dexter, gave them the Dexter SN and our Ollie does not have NVR Lubes bearings ? . Guessing bearing/axle changes were made during 2015. Asked if I could upgrade to NVR Lube bearings and Dexter said I would have to install new axles to make that upgrade. When I upgrade to the EZ Flex on our Ollie, will lube the bearings, inspect brakes, and replace seals.

 

Bill, be glad you don't have them! They are not an "upgrade". If you venture far from help the cartridge NVR Lube bearings are a horrible idea. You need a big hydraulic press to replace them and they are uber expensive.

 

If you don't mind servicing them, the old kind make so much more sense. You can fix a blown bearing at the side of the road in an hour using hand tools and the cheap bearings, seals, and grease that are in your spares kit.

 

Do some research on the RV forums. You will see that the sealed bearings are fine until the fail, then they are an extremely expensive PITA to deal with. A bearing kit and  a pound tub of grease is less than $20 and you can find the parts at ANY auto parts department or store. The cartridge bearings may have to be ordered and one set is $140. Scroll to the bottom here:

 

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Bearings_and_Races-pc-3500_lbs_Axle.aspx

 

It's the same with your pickup truck - the front cartridge bearings are fast and easy to install at the factory, which is why they are used,  but they put all the load over a very narrow distance compared to conventional bearings. They are convenient as heck for the builder but they are a very poor design for longevity.

 

I'm sure there are videos about trailer hubs, but I don't have a link. I do have a link to a pickup front spindle conversion kit that is very informative, and much of it applies to trailers.

 

 

If I can specify the old style axles when I order, I will do so and be very glad to have them!

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

 

  • Thanks 1

SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

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John,

 

Appreciate the info! My plan is to pack the bearings by hand when everything is taken apart. One guy I used to work with used an Alemite needle with grease gun to lube bearings.

 

Buzzy,

 

Tommy can answer your question next week!

 

Saw two completed Elite II campers at Oliver on 5/27. One has a green color scheme and the other has a blue scheme. Could one of those be yours?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LE2

 

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A local frame and axle shop ordered this for me and installed it this morning They charged me $212 for the Dexter kit and $160 to install (2 hours of labor). With tax, I paid $407. Leaving for a long trip to Colorado and Utah next Tuesday. The trip should be a good test of this modification.

 

Don

 

2020 Kimberley Kruiser T3

 

 

2019 Ram 2500 Diesel

 

 

States I visited with my Ollie (Sold October, 2019)

 

 

States Visited Map

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
By the way, during my delivery day Tommy mentioned that he really likes the Dexter EZ Flex and is hoping OTT makes it a standard on all trailers. Cool! Buzzy

 

This improvement will contribute to many trouble free towing miles. That's what I like about Oliver!!!!!!!

LE2

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I was doing some suspension research this morning and came across two similar solutions from Lippert that might be of interest, the EquaFlex and the Centerpoint Air Ride.  The EquaFlex is identical in concept to the EZ Flex, but perhaps is a bit softer.  The CenterPoint replaces the bushing with an air bag system which, while obviously complex, looks like it could really help out on rough roads.  It also looks like it would raise the suspension a fair amount and provide a good bit more suspension travel.  This might be a better solution for those of us who are considering an overslung axle for added ground clearance.

 

https://store.lci1.com/equa-flex-suspension-enhancement

 

https://store.lci1.com/center-point-kit-tandem

 

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This morning I was crawling around under Ollie and counted 12 grease fittings. Four on each of the Dexter EX Flex and one on each end of the leaf springs. (See pics below) Am I missing any?! Buzzy    

 

That should do it. How easy was it to grease those zerk fittings? Make sure each one actually takes grease, and that it squirts out around the bushing as in your first picture. Also, wipe off the excess or it will just attract dirt.

 

Yours are installed in the "correct" orientation, as per Dexter's instructions, but many folks choose to have them face inwards so that there is no reaching past the tires, plus they stay a little bit cleaner in that location. While you do have to lie down on something to get to them, your arms will stay clean.

 

Order a set of these, install them and keep the grit out of your fittings. Plus they will look very professional and it will tell a knowledgeable onlooker that you know what your are doing. Regardless of whether or not it is true ;)

 

grease zero covers

 

https://www.amazon.com/Grease-Fitting-Caps-Yellow-Polyethylene/dp/B0040CWX7C

 

They make heavy rubber ones, but they dry rot, crack, fall off and are way more expensive. These will not roll into a crack or under your tire when you service the fittings.

 

BTW how does the trailer ride with that kit?

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

 

 

 

SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 years later...
  • 2 years later...

Ok fellas, I've seen mention of folks ordering the 33" and the 35" Dexter kits.  Which is it for the 2016 LE-II? ?  My hubs appear to be 33.5" apart, both sides.

K71-652-00 (33"/6000 libs) - https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-K71-652-00-Complete-Suspension-Kit/dp/B01HOAGBSI

<OR>

K71-653-00 (35"/8000 lbs) - https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-K71-653-00-Complete-Suspension-Kit/dp/B01HOAGBHO

 

Thanks, Chris

Chris
2016 Legacy Elite II  o--o  Hull #110 o--o  Wayfinder  o--o  Twin Bed  o--o  2020 RAM 1500 Limited 5.7L 
Augusta, Georgia

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