Are these springs still good?

[FlyStar]

Pics below of my 5200 lb Dexter axle/springs. Rear axle on kitchen (heavy) side of my 2021 312 BHTS which has 20K miles on it, 99% highway. I would like the thoughts and opinions off those more experienced than me.

The other 3 springs look a little bit better than this one.

Is It OK and don’t worry, or, wait until I get home (3000 miles) and do something then, or Do something right away? Thanks.

[Hoopy Frood]

Toast. They certainly need to be replaced, of that there is no doubt. My thoughts would depend on whether you'll do it yourself, or have it done. If you're going to have it done, then you could get it done anytime, but if it's a DIY job, then they'll wait until you get home. I think I'd seriously consider uprating the springs to 6,000 lb. at the same time.

Whoops, I didn't mean 6,000 lb. springs, but springs for a 6,000 lb. axles, i.e. 3,000 lb., maybe 3,500 lb. depending on what these springs are rated at.

[geotex1]

Yep, those are done. You should get home on them if that's the worst. Your second leaf is actually a really good length providing support to the primary leaf. If you were in a 7K axle coach with 3500# springs, the primary leaf would have already snapped with that amount of "W" distortion.

[uwskier]

I look at that and think to myself, too bad Roadmaster doesn't make an Active Suspension kit for trailer suspensions...

[jsm180]

I wouldn't pull it 3000 miles like that. It's no fun trying to do repairs on the road in the middle of nowhere.

[Redapple63]

This is a tough call. My springs are shot too, maybe not quite as bad as yours, but I think it’s doable. As you are driving, make several stops during the day to inspect. Do walk arounds, check for listing and/or rubbing. BTW, with this condition rubbing of the tire in the wheel well is the biggest issue due to reduced clearance.

Maybe take some quick measurements from your starting point so you can quickly asses how things are.

I think you can make it home if you drive mellow.

Bill

[FlyStar]

This is a tough call. My springs are shot too, maybe not quite as bad as yours, but I think it’s doable. As you are driving, make several stops during the day to inspect. Do walk arounds, check for listing and/or rubbing. BTW, with this condition rubbing of the tire in the wheel well is the biggest issue due to reduced clearance.

Maybe take some quick measurements from your starting point so you can quickly asses how things are.

I think you can make it home if you drive mellow.

Bill

Thanks Bill. Good advice. I’ll report progress.

[Redapple63]

As Hoopy pointed out, I also plan to upgrade the springs on the kitchen slide side. It is definitely like 700 800 pounds heavier than the other side. I think the stock for 5200 lb axles which is what I have is 2600lb. Going to go to the 3k or 3500 when I do the job. Gotta finish my inverter install first. $$$$. Lol

Bill

[FlyStar]

I measured space between tire and coach. 5”. I’ll keep an eye on it. Also plan to call Dexter on Monday to get their input. Stay tuned

[Rivercityjeff]

Don't route thru Dundee on HWY 23 on the way home! That road will torture you and the springs!

After getting the measurements from LCI, we had our springs upgraded/replace by a Atlas Truck Spring Shop in Austin, Texas. Unlike the local GD RV dealer, we had quick service and a reasonable price, $400. After 20K, I'm still happy with the job.