I joined flat spring club

[Gronk1]

I did some review of similar rigs with the kitchen slide (refer, micro, stove/oven and pantry all on the slide so I figure at least 400.-500 pounds difference.

Bill

In my paperwork, there was a sheet with side to side axle weights (dry). Black bag under the bed. I refer to it from time to time as my memory is not what it used to be.

Paul

[Canyonlight]

Cat scales are not set up to do that, just axle weights.

Bill

Good grief and I know that too......another brain gas moment !!!

As Paul @Gronk1 mentioned, we too had a document with dry (UVW) weights as done by GDRV before leaving the factory. Trust GDRV still does this for all units. As you can see in ours attached, we were 560 lbs. heavier on the street right out of the box. With the cabinets, pantry, fridge and more getting loaded on this side one can see why these floor plans can approach 1000 lbs. heavier street side.

If you do weight your 315 side to side loaded, please share that if you would be so kind, Bill.



Dan

[jjbbrewer]

Did you replace it with the same rate spring? Seems like the springs are less than satisfactory if they collapsed like that. Why not go to a heavier rated spring, i.e. 4,000 lb. rated spring?

I replaced the spring with one with the same rate since that was the spare I had. I've developed the habit of carrying a spare spring, shackles, bolts, Ubolts, tools, jackstands, bottle jack, etc. since I've been stranded more than once due to broken springs.

One thing I have to say - the Level Up system I have on my 349M made changing the spring about 100x easier! I had some 10 ton jack stands under the frame just in case, but I barely touched them a couple times while I was lifting and lowering the rig. (I did leave it connected to the truck during all of this).

My guess is that these crappy springs that break, sag, and shift are just made of inferior quality spring steel and other components. Based on that (as you probably know) I've threatened to saw everything off below the frame and replace it all with a control arm based system with air bags - maybe independent, maybe not.



But I just started communication with an off-road custom leaf spring manufacturer in Grand Junction that I think I'll try out. The place is Alcan Spring .. and I (very quickly) got a response & quote for some custom leafs. I'll probably be ordering some up when I get back from Wyoming next week.

[Hoopy Frood]

What spring rate do you think you'll be going with?

[Redapple63]

Good grief and I know that too......another brain gas moment !!!

As Paul @Gronk1 mentioned, we too had a document with dry (UVW) weights as done by GDRV before leaving the factory. Trust GDRV still does this for all units. As you can see in ours attached, we were 560 lbs. heavier on the street right out of the box. With the cabinets, pantry, fridge and more getting loaded on this side one can see why these floor plans can approach 1000 lbs. heavier street side.

If you do weight your 315 side to side loaded, please share that if you would be so kind, Bill.



Dan

Absolutely. Should be at my other place this coming weekend, will look at that sheet and share with all of you.

[jjbbrewer]

What spring rate do you think you'll be going with?

I asked him about 4000 lbs - mine are 3500 lbs right now.

I may be just shifting the weak point to the axles since they're Dexter 7K w/3" tubes and I guess the 8K is 3.5". I think that'll be ok since I only plan on running >14k (full water) occasionally for short distances (aka going to a boondock location).

[Hoopy Frood]

Our 351 has the 7,000 lbs. axles too, and I think I'll go with the 4,000 lbs. springs too, if it becomes necessary due to flattening. With no fresh water on board, ours sits at 14,400 lbs. on the axles.

[dledb68]

I replaced all four springs in my 2020 Reflection 303RLs with these from E-Trailer, 5-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long, item number SP-111275. The driver side springs were completely flat, passenger not much better. Was a easy job, left the trailer hooked up to the truck, jacked up one side just enough to get the tire off the ground, removed the tires, had the axles supported, then remove both leaf springs, replaced with new. do NOT for get to order Bronze bushings as the new ones come with plastic. The fifth wheel rides and tows so much nicer.

[Beachcamper]

I asked him about 4000 lbs - mine are 3500 lbs right now.

I may be just shifting the weak point to the axles since they're Dexter 7K w/3" tubes and I guess the 8K is 3.5". I think that'll be ok since I only plan on running >14k (full water) occasionally for short distances (aka going to a boondock location).

Just a thought, maybe consider using water bladders to bring water into the backcountry vs using the freshwater tank is another solution. Less stress on trailer frame that’s already overloaded and our freshwater tanks don’t have baffles so any sloshing water just keeps pushing against floor aluminum supports and frame.

https://www.amazon.com/AQUATANK2-Wat...s%2C428&sr=1-8

[mbarry1834]

Hi folks, I think I joined the flat springs club.

Drivers side (kitchen slide).

Question, would it be a good solution to get the 3k 5 spring set up for 6k axle on the drivers side? Keep the curb side @2600k lbs?

Looking for a bit of advice.

I have the reflection 315rlts

Picture to follow.

Thanks,
BillAttachment 41268

Springs and shocks


https://www.roadmasterinc.com/produc...mfort_ride.php