Broken leafspring. Another….

[Riverbug]

Well, I hate to say it, but you'll probably get another chance to replace them. Before I went with the Alcans, I'd typically find at least one flattened or twisting spring on my RV every year.

Probably right. I did upgrade to a heavier spring (I assumed) so I'll see how long these last. I assumed that on my 3500# axles, the OEM springs were 3500# (for the pair), so I ordered 5,000# (2500# each) from eTrailer. However, the dimensions of the new springs are identical to the old ones, including thickness, so maybe that's what was on them already. If that's the case, I expect by next year I'll notice the same issues. We'll be heading to Alaska for 5 months so the next 12,000 miles we put on will be much harsher travel than the first 10,000 miles were and I noticed the springs already had a bend on the top leaf which is the reason for changing them. But we do run consistently near GVWR and slightly over when full water is onboard. I bookmarked Alcan this time so I will remember next time I go to change them. At that point I will consider just doing heavier duty axles, etc., as well. Thanks for sharing that link.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Make sure you have your precise measurements and such for Alcan, if you go that route. IIRC there was a guy on here who ordered a set for his trailer and he had to return them because they didn't fit correctly. It seems like there was a mix up somewhere along the line, but I have that CRS syndrome.

 

[jjbbrewer]

What kind of roads do you travel on?

Pretty much everything you can think of. We love to boondock so we've been down more than a couple dirt roads.

But I really don't think that's a problem. My F450 has rear leaf springs and I have 4x the mileage on it. My previous 4x4 also had leaf springs with 250K miles when I sold it and the springs were fine. In fact, the only time I've had to replace any leaf springs on a vehicle other than a toy hauler was my '67 mustang - those flattened out a little over 57 years.

I've had the Alcans for just under 2 years so I guess only time will tell if they'll last. If they don't, I have every reason to believe that Alcan will stand behind their product.

 

[Sportzfann]

Make sure you have your precise measurements and such for Alcan, if you go that route. IIRC there was a guy on here who ordered a set for his trailer and he had to return them because they didn't fit correctly. It seems like there was a mix up somewhere along the line, but I have that CRS syndrome.

Speaking of accurate measurements, I ordered the parts from Etrailer and I ended up getting a 7-1/4” ubolts for my trailer axles, the problem with that is my spring pack is now 3/4” thicker than the original packs so I need to order a 8” or longer ubolts. I have a new 6 leaf and original is a 4 leaf spring. I upgraded to a 3500lb spring from a 2600lb unit. I had to send the ubolts back and Etrailer charged me the return shipping cost. The Rep said they would fit and I should have double checked my measurements. The other issue is Etrailer doesn’t carry a longer ubolt 8” x9/16 x3” axle.
So I start looking and there is a spring manufacturing company here in oregon, that can make custom ubolts and springs with Made in America steel! unfortunately I already bought the Springs at Etrailer so if a next time comes up, I will buy my springs from them. Reasonable pricing also. I will begin my upgrade soon as I get some decent weather it’s currently raining here in oregon so it’s gonna be a couple more days…. I ended up getting the Morryde shackles and the CRE 3000 equalizer’s ��

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Well, FWIW, I also checked with Etrailer when I needed longer U-bolts, and they were outrageous. So, while doing some searching, I looked around locally, and found a local shop that would make them to measure for about 1/3 the price I had been quoted. Sometimes local just works better.

 

[goducks14]

Why are you using 9/16" ubolts?
You only need 1/2".
FWIW I found a shop in Oregon that does rear end and other suspension work and sell trailer parts.
Got eight 1/2" x7" u bolts for $10 each with washers and nuts.
They made them while I waited. 10 min.

 

[Sportzfann]

Why are you using 9/16" ubolts?
You only need 1/2".
FWIW I found a shop in Oregon that does rear end and other suspension work and sell trailer parts.
Got eight 1/2" x7" u bolts for $10 each with washers and nuts.
They made them while I waited. 10 min.

I already had the 9/16” x 7” bolts on the axles, so I ordered 8” long bolts to replace the existing bolts.
I apgraded my springs to 3500lb 6 leaf from 2600lb 4 leaf, the spring pack was 3/4” thicker.
I only had about 3/4” of thread showing above the nuts, I didn’t feel confident with little or none thread showing after installing and torqued.

 

[goducks14]

I already had the 9/16” x 7” bolts on the axles, so I ordered 8” long bolts to replace the existing bolts.
I apgraded my springs to 3500lb 6 leaf from 2600lb 4 leaf, the spring pack was 3/4” thicker.
I only had about 3/4” of thread showing above the nuts, I didn’t feel confident with little or none thread showing after installing and torqued.

My TT came from the factory with less than 3/4" of threads showing above the factory. More like 1/2 to 3/4". I wouldn't see that as a concern.
Have you checked out https://sixrobblees.com/ ? They carry all things trailer but are a little $$$. They have a shop in Milwaukie.

 

[Sportzfann]

My TT came from the factory with less than 3/4" of threads showing above the factory. More like 1/2 to 3/4". I wouldn't see that as a concern.
Have you checked out https://sixrobblees.com/ ? They carry all things trailer but are a little $$$. They have a shop in Milwaukie.

I did look them up they are a couple miles from me, they get there supplies from Dexter, they quoted the springs at $115.00 ea. and Etrailer was $69.00 ea. both made in china.
If this issues comes up again, Oregon auto spring, had the right springs about the same price as Etrailer but the springs are American made.
I didn’t find this out until I already purchased from Etrailer….
Lesson learned, the prior owner of my trailer broke a spring or hanger and replaced the axles with
7000lb Dexter axles/brake assembly and then used the same old factory springs. They are now flat on the kitchen side of the slide, so I will upgrade the springs on both sides.
(

 

[Sportzfann]

I did look them up they are a couple miles from me, they get there supplies from Dexter, they quoted the springs at $115.00 ea. and Etrailer was $69.00 ea. both made in china.
If this issues comes up again, Oregon auto spring, had the right springs about the same price as Etrailer but the springs are American made.
I didn’t find this out until I already purchased from Etrailer….
Lesson learned, the prior owner of my trailer broke a spring or hanger and replaced the axles with
7000lb Dexter axles/brake assembly and then used the same old factory springs. They are now flat on the kitchen side of the slide, so I will upgrade the springs on both sides.
(View attachment 50587

I have 1 side finished with the Morryde shackles, new 3500lb springs, new ubolts, and welded V clips to support the hangers. The parts removed were really worn out from 5 years of use, I had purchased this trailer about 1 year ago.it had all original suspension components except the axles and brakes are 2021 build date. Previous owner broke a spring hanger and damaged the axles I believe so they were replaced with a 7000lb set