Leaf Spring replacement and adding shock absorbers.

[Fireguy42]

I will be replacing my leaf springs on my 2017 395M soon with new leaf springs and adding shock absorbers.
etrailer - Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shock Absorbers - Triple 7K Trailer Axles
Part Number: RM-2460-2570-3.
I have had one broken leaf spring and do not want another. So, I feel the this might be a good preventative measure considering my trailer is getting a few road miles.
The shock absorbers just seem like a no brainer (I guess I am OLD SCHOOL) don't most vehicles come with shock absorbers?
I will update as this project progresses and give feedback after install and review.
I am curious on any comments, experiences for anyone that has made this conversion.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Suspension-Parts/Roadmaster/RM-2460-2570-3.html

 

[Riverbug]

I replaced leaf springs, equalizer, shackles, etc., at the time I installed the same shock absorbers in spring of 2023. I actually took the shocks off our previous trailer which before we replaced it; I had installed the shocks the year before. They definitely make a difference. There was an immediate noticeable difference in both RV's with respect to bounce and movement of drawers, cushions, etc., once we arrived at our destination. This summer we have been on a trip to Alaska and have not had any issues with suspension. Inside, our bathroom pocket doors started to come down from the ceiling so I had to put additional screws up in the rails to shore them up. Otherwise, the only other issue as to do with a cracked and deformed A-frame at the front. But suspension - all good.

My installation advice for the shocks is to make all your hole location marks before you start any work. It needs to be on the ground. But when you install the frame brackets, either do it while the springs are removed since you are replacing them anyway, or drill your holes while the wheels are removed and axle/springs are hanging down. The instructions may tell you to either cut a drill bit short, or use an extra length drill bit. But if you have a 90 degree drill and let the axle hang down, you can fit the drill and regular bit (5/16" if I recall correctly) in that space without drilling at an angle which distorts the hole and allows the self-tapping bolts to strip much easier. You'll see once you start working on it. For me, it took one full day per side to do the work. I'm not a fast worker. Good luck!

 

[Fireguy42]

Thank-you for the advice! VERY HELPFUL!

 

[Wileykid]

I just put the Roadmaster system on my trailer (320G), after dealing with broken wet bolts and a broken spring. It is a definite improvement over the OEM with the springs seemingly of better quality. I had the Sumo springs on my original setup, and with the switchover, I would say it is about a 5-10% improvement. How much it would be over getting all new, and quality springs with a better equalizer, not sure, but it would be about the same cost either way.

One thing I would suggest, is getting new longer U-bolts with new lock nuts. I just came back from a 2,400 mile trip, and I lost a (stock) U-bolt, and the other one on that axle was hanging on by one nut, not Roadmasters fault. I had a place put the system on, and with it bolted on, I had 3-4 threads showing beyond the nut. Roadmaster suggests 3/4" beyond the bolt. 3-4 threads should be fine, but I found the serrations on the lock nut flattened, most likely from over torque, and the new U-bolt plate has a lot of paint on it, decreasing the bolts grip. The U-bolt/nut is a stretch setup, and lots of debate on being a single use. Roadmaster also suggests that if you can, put the original U-bolt plate on top of the new plate for more rigidity, which also means a longer bolt. The original plate does not have any paint on it.

E-Trailer has the longer U-bolts/nuts. They are considerably cheaper than anyone else. I have new longer ones coming in early next week and will replace all the U-bolts myself.

 

[geotex1]

I installed the Roadmaster shocks (and other upgrades) several years ago after major suspension failure. If you have the capability, welding the frame mounts on is better. If not, ditch the self-tappers and get thread rolling that you can add washers and deformed locknuts to. You will need new U-bolts, and I personally suggest automotive U-bolts that are clearly rated versus the uncertainty from the trailer supply world. Remember to torque to full spec after everything is back on the ground and then again after a few hundred miles. Some self-priming spray paint will also be your friend.

 

[WhittleBurner]

It is recommended to replace the u-bolts whenever you take them off. Torquing the ubilts stretches the threads and if you re-use them after taking them off they may not hold the re-torquing.

 

[Fireguy42]

I have completed installation of the leaf springs and shocks on my Momentum 395M. The project may have taken a little longer then I was told but, I did go slow and made sure to support the trailer and not depend on the hydraulics. I went with new U-bolts and new bolts at the springs (replacing the wet bolts). I am very happy with the heavy duty look of the slipper springs as they wrap around the eye of the spring and also double up at the slipper end. This is where I have had two of my "OLD" leaf springs break. I will be taking the RV out in November for a trip and will give a good test to the new suspension. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions you made my job a lot easier!

 

[Riverbug]

I have completed installation of the leaf springs and shocks on my Momentum 395M. The project may have taken a little longer then I was told but, I did go slow and made sure to support the trailer and not depend on the hydraulics. I went with new U-bolts and new bolts at the springs (replacing the wet bolts). I am very happy with the heavy duty look of the slipper springs as they wrap around the eye of the spring and also double up at the slipper end. This is where I have had two of my "OLD" leaf springs break. I will be taking the RV out in November for a trip and will give a good test to the new suspension. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions you made my job a lot easier!

Looks great, and you should notice some real improvement.

 

[msutoad]

I have completed installation of the leaf springs and shocks on my Momentum 395M. The project may have taken a little longer then I was told but, I did go slow and made sure to support the trailer and not depend on the hydraulics. I went with new U-bolts and new bolts at the springs (replacing the wet bolts). I am very happy with the heavy duty look of the slipper springs as they wrap around the eye of the spring and also double up at the slipper end. This is where I have had two of my "OLD" leaf springs break. I will be taking the RV out in November for a trip and will give a good test to the new suspension. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions you made my job a lot easier!

Great looking install. I did something very similar on my 397TH. I just got it finished, I added the shocks, but I kept my CRE3000. I take it on the first trip this Friday 11/8, 650 miles one way, so I will have some good stick time on the new setup.

 

[Calbar]

Great looking install. I did something very similar on my 397TH. I just got it finished, I added the shocks, but I kept my CRE3000. I take it on the first trip this Friday 11/8, 650 miles one way, so I will have some good stick time on the new setup.

Is that the Lippert shock system?
Rob

 

[msutoad]

Is that the Lippert shock system?
Rob

Roadmaster kit with the CRE3000

 

[chuck5395]

I'm heading up to the Roadmaster facility in Vancouver, WA today to have the slipper spring and shock system installed. Really looking forward to feeling the results.

 

[chuck5395]

For anyone that might be interested, the labor to have the both the shock system and the slipper springs installed at the Roadmaster facility in Vancouver was $840. The folks there were nice to work with.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Overall price around $2200?

 

[chuck5395]

Shock System - $660
Slipper Springs - $1045
Ubolts kits - $96

don't forget the WA state sales tax....

 

[Hoopy Frood]

LOL

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Really looking forward to feeling the results.

I hope you do...but.....you probably won't. I've had trailers with shocks and without.....both felt the same behind the truck.

 

[Spartacus]

I would love to get this installed.

 

[COGrandDes]

Shock System - $660
Slipper Springs - $1045
Ubolts kits - $96

don't forget the WA state sales tax....

I know the addition of the shocks on my Reflection and with the air pin box---there is a noticeable difference on how the truck and camper ride together going down the highway, over expansion joints, and washboard roads. I installed the shocks on my friend's camper as well and he loves them too. I would highly recommend them for the value. Hope you enjoy!

 

[chuck5395]

I know the addition of the shocks on my Reflection and with the air pin box---there is a noticeable difference on how the truck and camper ride together going down the highway, over expansion joints, and washboard roads. I installed the shocks on my friend's camper as well and he loves them too. I would highly recommend them for the value. Hope you enjoy!

Thank you. Looking forward to trying out this new suspension.