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Thread: Broken Shackle

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    Big Traveler Keebler's Avatar
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    Broken Shackle

    While getting ready to unhitch after returning from my last trip, noticed that the camper appeared to be slightly leaning to the driver's side. Not much, but there was definitely less clearance between the bed of the truck and the camper on that side. I checked the shackles on the driver side, and one was totally broken.

    My mechanical skills are limited, but fortunately, the independent repair shop I have used is only a couple of miles from where I store my unit. Dropped it there on Friday, will keep folks here posted as to how things proceed. I feel very good about this shop, but am open to any questions I should be asking.
    2017 Ford F350 Platinum 6.7L PowerStroke DRW
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    Site Sponsor JCR GD's Avatar
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    Time to change them all to the heavy duty ones...
    Jim (& Sharon)
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    Long Hauler D2Reid's Avatar
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    Just went through this, unfortunately I couldn't tow mine. Sat on the side of the road until a mobile tech could install new shackle. I was really impressed by the amount of measuring he did. It's apparently critical that the shackles get installed at the correct angle and location.
    Dallas
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    Long Hauler Canyonlight's Avatar
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    It is interesting that the number of broken shackles (probably spring hangers most often) and/or springs reported on the forum over the years seem to happen on the heavier side of the RV which is generally the street side depending on floor plan layout, of course. It also seems to be more often the rear most spring mount hanger rather than the front. With the extra weight on this side (right around 1000 lbs. more on our 303 when heavily loaded) it makes sense that these suspension components will be tested more with road impacts and with more frequent sharp hard twisting turns on non-forgiving surfaces.

    Not sure the location with Kebler or with Dallas.......would be interesting to learn and see pictures.

    This said, the design and build of the components should stand up to this more severe duty. Yes, there will be failures even if this is true but we seem to have quite a fair number of these reports over the years. GDRV is aware of many of these failures but it seems the design/process has not changed. As generally true, however, GDRV has been responsive to helping folks with these issues (even having re-enforcing done to the spring hangers at times.)

    Dan
    Last edited by Canyonlight; 01-14-2020 at 09:46 AM.
    Dan & Carol
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    Rolling Along
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    Just for clarification, did the shackle break or the spring hanger? The shackles are two steel bars that go from the spring to the spring hanger. The spring hanger is welded to the frame.
    2023 GMC 3500HD CCLB DRW Duramax L5P, Banks Derringer/Idash/CAI 60 gallon fuel transfer tank
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    Big Traveler Keebler's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Canyonlight View Post
    It is interesting that the number of broken shackles and/or springs reported on the forum over the years seem to happen on the heavier side of the RV which is generally the street side depending on floor plan layout, of course. It also seems to be more often the rear most shackle mount rather than the front. With the extra weight on this side (right around 1000 lbs. more on our 303 when heavily loaded) it makes sense that these suspension components will be tested more with road impacts and with more frequent sharp hard twisting turns on non-forgiving surfaces.

    Not sure the location with Kebler or with Dallas.......would be interesting to learn and see pictures.
    You are dead on for my situation; street side, rear most shackle. I should have taken pictures. Other tidbit I will add, about 12k miles on the camper.
    2017 Ford F350 Platinum 6.7L PowerStroke DRW
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    Big Traveler Keebler's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JCR GD View Post
    Time to change them all to the heavy duty ones...
    I am 100% with you there. Those were the first words out of the tech's mouth when he saw the situation.
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    Big Traveler Keebler's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nuffsaid View Post
    Just for clarification, did the shackle break or the spring hanger? The shackles are two steel bars that go from the spring to the spring hanger. The spring hanger is welded to the frame.
    When I looked at it, I thought it was the shackle. I will speak to the tech to confirm and report back here.
    2017 Ford F350 Platinum 6.7L PowerStroke DRW
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    Site Sponsor JCR GD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Keebler View Post
    I am 100% with you there. Those were the first words out of the tech's mouth when he saw the situation.
    Sooooo it was the shackle not the spring hanger?

    Edit: Sorry looks like you are already working on clarification
    Jim (& Sharon)
    2015 GD Momentum 385TH - SOLD
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    Big Traveler Keebler's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JCR GD View Post
    Sooooo it was the shackle not the spring hanger?

    Edit: Sorry looks like you are already working on clarification
    No problem. My assumption is the shackle; when the tech did a quick look he said shackle. I will point blank ask that specific question.
    2017 Ford F350 Platinum 6.7L PowerStroke DRW
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