alliance RV Avenue 2021 SUSPENSION EQUALIZER SYSTEM

In the Alliance RV Avenue 2021, the suspension equalizer is a key part of the complex suspension system. The suspension equalizer is designed to make sure that the weight is distributed evenly and to improve towing and trip performance as a whole. It is an important part of making sure that the ride is smooth and stable. By spreading the weight across the axles in a smart way, it stops uneven tire wear, reduces chassis flex, and makes towing more stable. The suspension equalizer’s careful design shows how dedicated the Avenue is to improving RV owners’ comfort, safety, and general towing experience, whether they are driving on winding roads or going on long trips.

SUSPENSION EQUALIZER SYSTEM

Introduction

Equipped with dual 6,000 lb. Dexter Axles, a MORryde CRE3000 Suspension System and upgraded Wet Bolt Kit w/ heavy duty shackle links, you will find that this set up will give you smoother towing than a conventional equalizer and leaf springs and better protection of your RV from damaging road shock.
The CRE3000 is located between the tandem axles, replacing the steel equalizer (see below). Designed uniquely to work with your steel leaf spring suspension to improve overall towing performance.

CRE3000 Parts Breakout:

1. Equalizer Beam
2. Rubber Compression Spring
3. Spring Carrier
4. Plastic Glide Pad
5. Bronze Bushing
6. Hex Coupler Nut
7. Washer
8. Bolt
9. Control Beam

CRE3000 Rubber Shear Spring Inspection

The rubber springs should be periodically inspected for deterioration. If the tabs that protrude from either side of the spring carrier are touching the top of the beam arm, the spring rate of the spring has been affected and the equalizer should be replaced. NOTE: It is normal to see rubber spring weather checking, which is small surface cracks in the rubber, and does not require replacement. It is also common to see minor tearing or cracking of the rubber around the edges.

HD Shackle Links and Wet Bolt Kit

The axles and suspension systems are installed with heavy-duty shackle links and greaseable “wet” bolts with bronze bushings for enhanced durability and less maintenance.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH

The breakaway switch is a critical safety component of the RV brake system. You will find this located on or near the fifth wheel pin box, if the fifth wheel and the tow vehicle become separated during towing, the line will pull the plunger out and immediately activate the trailers brakes. Always make sure your breakaway switch is in working order. To test your breakaway switch, while the RV is still hitched to the tow vehicle, disconnect the tow plug from the vehicle and then pull the breakaway pin out, only to the first stage, and you should hear the brakes engage.

CAUTION
NEITHER THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH NOR THE TRAILER BRAKES SHOULD EVER BE USED AS A PARKING BRAKE.

CAUTION
ENSURE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH SLACK IN THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH CABLE TO ALLOW FOR TIGHT TURNING RADIUSES.

TOW PLUG

The tow plug (7-way wire harness) is wired to your RV to connect electrical power from the tow vehicle for the RV brakes, taillights, clearance lights, turn signals, and brake lights. The wiring to operate your brakes must be the same size in both the tow vehicle and RV. Regularly inspect your tow plug for corrosion and build-up, and clean as needed. If damage is noticed, have the tow plug repaired by an authorized RV technician.

PIN BOX MAINTENANCE

• Regularly inspect the kingpin for excessive wear.
• Inspect the skid plate for a neutral/centered position.
• When the trailer is disconnected from the tow vehicle, an equal gap of approximately 1-1/4” should be between the lip of the skid pad and the rubber compression bumpers. It is normal to be able to slightly move and twist the skid pad assembly with hand force.
• Inspect the retainment rods for excessive wear.
• Inspect the plastic glide pads for excessive wear. The pad should be no less than ¾”
• Periodically check hardware torque values.
• Check and grease bearing(s) once per season. If more grease is needed, add it to the bearing assembly.

WARNING
DO NOT MIX LITHIUM, CALCIUM, SODIUM OR BARIUM COMPLEX GREASES. MIXING OF THESE CAN CREATE A CORROSIVE TOXIC CHEMICAL WITH FUMES THAT CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES.

Hooking Up

NOTE: During the hitching procedure, the bottom of the trailer’s pin box should encounter the hitch skid plate ramp.

1. Place blocks against the front and rear of each RV tire.
2. If necessary, lower the tow vehicle’s tailgate.
   NOTE:
   Clearance of the lowered tailgate to the trailer needs to be monitored during hookups, combinations of tow vehicle and trailer have little or no clearance.
3. With the RVs front landing gear, adjust trailer height so the bottom of the trailer’s pin box is 1/2” to 1” below the top portion hitch skid plate.
   
   WARNING
   DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HITCH THE RV BY USING THE TRAILERS LANDING GEAR TO LOWER THE KINGPIN ONTO THE HITCH OPENING. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE KINGPIN COMING TO REST ON TOP OF THE SKID PLATE INSTEAD OF WITHIN THE HITCH OPENING, WHICH MAY RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
4. Open the jaw on the fifth wheel head.
5. Back the tow vehicle slowly toward the trailer until the tow vehicle’s hitch contacts the bottom of the pin box and the kingpin slides into the receiver.
6. Latch the fifth wheel hitch in the closed position.
7. If space exists between the pin box and hitch, the trailer has not been properly hitched. Do not tow the trailer. Instead, repeat the hitching steps 1-7 until the trailer is properly hitched.
8. Connect the electrical and safety cords.
9. Raise the tailgate of the truck.
10. Do not tow the trailer until a Pull Test has been conducted (covered below).

FAQ