Leaf springs replacement/upgrade question.

[Jonathon]

I need to replace the leaf springs on my 2018 Grand Design Imagine 2800BH. Current axles are 3500lb Dexter model 4440558. My question is what is a good part number for my springs Or How do I find the weight capacity and length of my springs to order new ones?
Additionally what would you recommend for suspension upgrades while I am changing my springs, Higher rated replacement spring? Sumo springs bumpers? Or some other upgraded hardware?
Any Help or suggestions is MUCH appreciated, Thanks.

 

[Jonathon]

Some additional information:

My axles are 3” OD and have 4 leaves 1.75” wide. Dexters parts catalog for 3500lb 3” OD axles only shows 6 leave springs in 1.75” width and a 25.25” length. I believe length is measured when the leaves are uncompressed and I do not want to remove the leaves before I have the replacements. Is there a way to verify my leave spring size for my RV without removing them first?

Also I tow at close (not over) my max GVWR sometimes on not the best gravel roads. Anyone try Dexter E-Z Flex kits?

Again Any help or suggestions is MUCH appreciated, Thanks.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

The proper measurement of uncompressed spring is 24.75". The compressed length is 26.0".

I've used Dexter EZ-Flex on my last two trailers and am convinced it is the best bang for the buck. You can feel the difference from the very first pull, if you're replacing a solid equalizer. If you're replacing a different type of equalizer, the difference may not be so pronounced. I could feel the difference between the Lippert EquaFlex, and the EZ-Flex. Definite improvement, IMO.

 

[Jonathon]

Thank you Hoopy Frood,
After another full day of research I think I have a plan:

For the leaf springs I have from the factory 3,500-lb. weight capacity springs (2 X 1,750-lb) Some people have upgraded up to 5,000-lb springs (2 X 2,500-lb) with the 3” axles without any issues.
I plan on doing a more modest leaf springs upgrade to 4,400-lb
Lippert Replacement Leaf Spring 2,200-lb. Weight Capacity, Exact-Match Component Part – 72-78

I will be getting the Dexter K71-652-00 Complete Tandem Kit

Just in case I will also be ordering U Bolt Kit for 3" Round Trailer Axle 7 1/8" Long 9/16" Diameter (2-Pack)

So any thoughts before I hit the place order button?

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Not a bad idea to know what your trailer actually weighs.

 

[Jonathon]

@Hoopy Frood,

I was right at 7,400lbs packed to travel a year ago. I have added and removed a few things but should be very close to the same weight.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Is that total weight or the actual weight on the axles?

 

[Jonathon]

Total weight I would guess. I had my truck weighed then truck and rv weighed together then subtracted the truck weight from the combined weight to get the RV weight. Looking back over the past year I may have added 20 to 40-lbs max to my total traveling weight.