Any issues getting parts for Bushtec Trailers air system?

[Poasttown]

For those of you with Bushtec trailers. From what I understand these trailers have an air shock/ air leveling system. I would think at some point this system would need repaired or replaced. I see a number of nice looking used Bushtec trailers for sale dating back 25 to 30 years. Is there an issue with getting parts for this air system or is it even an issue?

Poasttown

 

[Tango]

Friends have one. Bushtec has been great for them. Customer service, parts available. You must use a Bushtec trailer hitch. Don't know if they make one for the Spyder. :dontknow: Tom :spyder:

 

[Tourer]

I had one and it was a good trailer. This was in the late nineties. When I ordered it I spoke will the owner. Asked him about some options and he had a very indifferent attitude. When asked if a particular option was useful, he said quote, “It doesn’t matter to me what you buy, you have to decide for yourself”. It seemed like I was bothering him. Was spending $3000 and expected a different experience.

Tire got a slash in the sidewall when traveling and could only get it from Bushtec. Delayed my trip three days. We were traveling in a group.

Then on another trip had a wheel bearing starting to go bad. Tried to get one locally, but the outer diameter was specific for the Bushtec. Called them and this time spoke with the owners son. I asked was the bearing a specific outer diameter for some design or engineering concern. Told him that was not good because riders are usually away from home when issues arise. He said quote, “Well don’t know what to tell you, those are the bearings we use. Maybe you should buy some extras as spares”. Again trip was delayed two days and again we were in a group. The group went ahead both times and I drove for 14 hours a day to catch up.

After their attitudes, sold the Bushtec right away when we got home. Bought a Colorado trailer and loved it. Never had any issues. The sale and subsequent service was terrific.

 

[DGoebel]

.... Bought a Colorado trailer and loved it. Never had any issues. The sale and subsequent service was terrific.

Tourer, could you elaborate, is that a Champion Colorado Sport Trailer or something else? Who's the manufacturer, My googled results only listed a place in California selling them.

 

[Poasttown]

Thanks for the info. I’m not looking to complicate things. I would prefer replacement parts to be available at hardware and auto parts stores.

Poasttown
2018 F3L

 

[sparks82]

I was inquiring about out of stock wheels/tires, and trailer hitch wiring for my 22 S2S. Mind you, these parts were listed on their website, as of November, 2022, with them being out of stock. Here is my email i sent, and their response. I redacted the names, phone number, and addresses.

I am the original owner of a 2013 Bushtec Roadstar. I am looking for the wiring for a 2022 Can Am Spyder Sea to Sky, and trailer hitch for the Spyder. Also inquiring about a spare tire for my trailer.

Good Morning,
We are hoping to have the wheels in stock by mid January, However I have neither the hitch or wiring for the Can Am. To my knowledge no one has made the wiring yet. As far as the hitch the only ones that I have seen that will fit consistently are made by Can Am.
Todd
Bushtec Performance Products
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. ("Benjamin Franklin")

 

[JCWeatherman]

Sparks82,

I have a '93 Bushtec Turbo 2. I pull it with my '22 RTL.

Here are a couple of solutions:
I used this wiring harness: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYFGTFG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - It's a Show Chrome, but I bought it from Amazon.

And this connector: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GU0OMBW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used my Can-Am hitch and the hitch pin and lock that came with my trailer. I don't know if a pin comes with every trailer, but the gentleman I purchased my Bushtec from gave me the one he had been using. There is no need to buy a special hitch, you just need the pin. If you don't have a hitch, you can buy the Can-Am hitch or an aftermarket hitch; both seem to work well.

 

[carbonation]

Resurrecting an older thread with new info.

Bushtec is no longer making trailers; but does still supply parts for them.

3.00x16 tires are out there.
A thorough Google search will reveal Kenda, Heidenau, Duro and Shinko that will fit, with the Duro being regarded robust.

3.00x16 tubes are currently available at BMI Karts and Parts. Michelin, $5.00 each 3.00/3.25x16.

Bearings are a unique size, but available on Amazon, and JSB. 6203 bearings, 5/8 inch ID. 6203-5/8-2RS.

There is a known problem with short bearing life due to worn or short spacers between the bearings.
A machine shop can make new spacers after measuring if this happens to you.

Monroe MA-785 air shocks are supposed to fit.

The A arm bushings can fail. There is a write up on a GoldWing site about grinding the welds, punching out the retaining rods, and using brass bushings and mild steel rods threaded on each end to repair, and make maintenance easier.

I'll be finding out all this soon, I bought a 2002 Quantum from Tempe, AZ. It should arrive via transport next week.
It's noted that the Can Am factory hitch works with the pin set up that comes with the trailer.

There was one on the auction site that just sold for $160, NOS from a shop out of business.
Show Chrome makes a hitch and a harness as well.

 

[carbonation]

As I get into the deconstruction of the trailer I purchased, finding what needs to be done, it is surprisingly little considering its 22-year-old status.

Bushtec has metal Schraeder valves to replace the problematic plastic valve in the tongue.
Monroe MA785 look to be a direct fit.

My heim joint was toast. I found an identical replacement at McMaster Carr. PN 4444T24. Made by QA1, the suspension folks for hot rods and racers, the CFR10Z is identical, down to the zerk fitting. It was about $11.00.

The factory Bushtec pin and lock bolts directly into the Can Am hitch... a perfect fit.
My latch is worn. Bushtec still has replacement parts, which is almost unheard of today, with many manufacturers giving up support at the 10-year mark.

The thing is huge. I can sit in it. My spouse, considerably smaller than me, literally could take a bath in it.

Once I to the get wiring, probably from ShowChrome, I'll decide on 4,5, or the complete 7 pin plug that's common on RV's. But the funky 6 pin plug currently on it will go. 4 and 7 pin parts are in every AutoZone and NAPA everywhere.