My Solitude Suspension Rebuild

To close out my thread, I got the left side bushings and equalizer replaced and the wheel bearings repacked. The left side electric drum brakes were ok. The bronze bushing in the left side rear axle spring eye to frame hanger was worn pretty good but was in better shape than the right side in the same location. All other bronze bushings on the left side were ok after 3 years and quarterly greasing.

For the left side work, I had one problem with replacing the bronze bushing in the front axle leaf spring eye at the equalizer. After removing the old bushing, I destroyed 2 new bushings trying to press a new one in the spring eye, it was really, really tight. I could see nothing in the spring eye that would cause the bushing to bind up but I used a rat tail file to clean out the spring eye, then the new bushing pressed in ok.

So after doing this work and seeing the condition of the old bronze bushings after 3 years and @ 17,000 miles with quarterly greasing, I have concluded, at least for our rig, bronze bushings will last at least 2.5 - 3 years, 17,000 - 20,000 miles.

I had to take some Tylenol extra strength after getting the work done, but we're good to go for another year on the wheel bearings and another 3 years depending on the mileage on the suspension bushings.
old mechanics trick; put the bushings in the freezer for a few hours. they will contract and go in easier.
 
Thanks for the follow-up. Good to know that some of the brass/bronze bushings are working okay. Mine looked good when I replaced them, and they were about 4 years old, but no idea on mileage. I'm thinking not a huge number of miles.
 
I just found this thread, good information! I ended up replacing my factory leaf springs in the first year I owned my 2018 310GK. I replaced the factory bronze bushings when I replaced the brakes that were covered in grease with less than 1000 miles on them. However many miles from Indiana to Longmont, CO and then Longmont to Worland, WY. My brakes didn't work at all when I picked up the trailer. Service manager told me they need to break in. B.S. When I had the brakes apart I upgraded my shackes to MoreRyde heavy duty and that is when I found that most of my spring eyes were not round. Several of my bronze bushings were broken and the others were worn through. GD wasn't much help offering to send me new bushings. I replaced the springs on my dime. The replacement springs had better quality eyes, but I think 4000 lb springs will be a bigger improvement since mine are going flat again. I like the fact that the 4000 lb spring has the second leaf as long as the first leaf, this adds support and helps prevent breaking the main leaf. I searched a lot when I replaced my springs but I couldn't locate 4000 lb springs that were the proper length. I even contacted some spring shops to see about getting a custom set made. I ultimately purchased another set of 3500 lb springs and installed new bronze bushings. I typically lube my wet bolts after every long trip. Most of our trips are to Montana and around 600 miles round trip.
 
I just read the reviews on etrailer for the 4000 lb dexter leaf springs and they are made in China. Pretty disappointed in that for the price. After looking everywhere I could think, the Dexter spring is the only spring I could find that would fit the bill. It appears the Lippert spring has been discontinued. Other 4000 lb springs I found had a 26 inch eye to eye measurement that is too long. I did find one other spring with a 24 7/8 measurement that is 8 leafs and has a 4500 lb rating, but it is around 270.00 each and probably overkill. Looks like I will stay with the 3500 lb springs for now and if needed replace them for 1/3 price of the Dexters.
 
Last edited:
I'm glad my physical suffering last year rebuilding our Solitudes leaf spring suspension provided some information for everyone. Last year after doing all the work we only traveled some 5341 towed miles. We ended up spending a lot of time stationary last year, family issues. The rig towed great all last year for our trip out southwest with no problems and on some pretty rough highways. I always eyeball the suspension and tires throughout the year but come April I'll be end depth inspecting the suspension again making sure we are ready to go for 2024.

Happy traveling to Y'all !
 
I just read the reviews on etrailer for the 4000 lb dexter leaf springs and they are made in China. Pretty disappointed in that for the price. After looking everywhere I could think, the Dexter spring is the only spring I could find that would fit the bill. It appears the Lippert spring has been discontinued. Other 4000 lb springs I found had a 26 inch eye to eye measurement that is too long. I did find one other spring with a 24 7/8 measurement that is 8 leafs and has a 4500 lb rating, but it is around 270.00 each and probably overkill. Looks like I will stay with the 3500 lb springs for now and if needed replace them for 1/3 price of the Dexters.
Be aware that not all places list the measurement of the springs the same way. Some will list a spring that measures 24 7/8" unloaded as 26". Which is what they measure when loaded. No consistency. This is what I discovered when I was researching springs a year ago.
 
Be aware that not all places list the measurement of the springs the same way. Some will list a spring that measures 24 7/8" unloaded as 26". Which is what they measure when loaded. No consistency. This is what I discovered when I was researching springs a year ago.

Good to know, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on etrailer for the dexter springs for 178.00 with free shipping. I also ordered 8 new ubolts and I ordered them 9 inch long, because I might add a 1 inch block to get the trailer level with my truck. The trailer has always sat nose high and I don't dare go any closer to the bed of the truck, so 1 inch thicker spring plus a 1 inch thick block should be perfect. I might have to build some new center bolts for the new springs and machine up the new blocks. I also order 16 new bronze bushings from amazon for 28.00 shipped, etrailer is a little proud of their bushings. I will feel better with new springs again since the old ones have achieved the W stance. I like having a little safety margin in the springs and I like having the second leaf fully support the main leaf, it makes the main leaf less likely to fatigue and break. Now when temps get up to around 50 degrees I will install these, might be a while, LOL -11F outside right now!
 
So you did go with the 3,500 lb. rated springs?

No, I went with the 4000 lb springs because in my opinion the 3500 lb springs aren't up to the task. I debated the 4500 lb springs that I found, but that moves the failure point to the frame rails that really aren't reinforced properly. The only manufacturer that I have seen that makes a good trailer frame that is reinforced properly is Northwood and their Arctic Fox. Frame thickness is much heavier and there are full length stiffeners that go fom bottom flange to top flange above every spring hanger. The exact same way that structural steel buildings are constructed.
 
Food for thought, just when you think that the same model will have the same parts, think again. The OP stated that his research showed 1/2 inch diameter U bolts for the springs. Well, I started to do the right thing and grabbed a 3/4 socket to test fit on a u bolt nut, but with the temp being -15F I said screw it I will just order 9 inch long 1/2 inch u bolts. So I ordered 8-9inch long 1/2 inch ubolts and while I was disassembling my springs 3 days ago I noticed that my u bolt nuts were not 3/4 they were instead 7/8, hence I have 9/16 u bolts. I had ordered the u bolts from General Spring out of Kansas and as I expected they are probably custom made and not returnable. Sooooo, if anyone needs some high quality 1/2 inch ubolts for a 3 inch diameter axle, let me know! I have since ordered 8 more 9/16 ubolts that are also 9 inches long and I am planning on adding a 1 inch thick steel block to raise the rear of my trailer to make it tow a little more level. I am nose high right now, but I don't dare lower the pin height because I am less than desired clearance from my bed already. Raising the rear of the trailer should have little to no effect on the height of the front a/c unit either. For now it is all back together with the 24 7/8 4000 lb Dexter springs. I bought the springs from etrailer and right off the bat when I removed the nylon bushings to install the bronze bushings I noticed that spring eyes were oblong at the exact worst place, right where the load from the spring bolt would be placed. I contacted etrailer and the reply I got was the springs were designed with nylon bushings! i call B.S. they did offer me a 10% discount but with inflation amounted to a 5% discount from when this thread started. The springs were listed at 194.00 on etrailer when I first looked at them, then a day later an add popped up on my computer at 178.00, so I bought them. 3500 lb springs can be bought all day long for about 60.00! By the way, these Dexter springs are made in china! Anyway, I filled the void in each spring eye with JB weld and then pressed in the new bronze bushing and let them cure for 48 hours. When I went to install them I ran a 9/16 drill bit through each bushing to round them out and remove any JB weld residue. A couple bushings required a little metal removal because the eye might have been a bit tight, but I think this repair will work. My old springs were probably 5 years old and looked tired. The bronze bushings were in surprisingly good condition. None were worn through and only one had cracks, probably from a out of round spring eye. The bushings on my lipert equalizers were in good conditon and the rubbers were acceptable, so they can stay for now. Next project after I replace the short ubolts will be to add some angle iron side to side braces that will tie the spring hangers together from side to side. I inspected all of my spring hangers and didn't see any signs of cracks being started, so that is good. Maybe some of our ice and snow will melt some more so I can work on a clean dry concret slab instead of on ice and in water! I did reuse my 9/16 ubolts temporarily and I was able to get within 1/16 inch of a full nut and fully torque the ubolts. I might add a word of caution when shopping for ubolts. Make sure they are Grade 5 bolt material minimum! I had placed an order for some ubolts off of amazon and when reading the reviews I found that the steel was soft and the threads were easily damaged, not good. I cancelled that order immediately and sourced out a better supplier that uses grade 5 steel.
 
JMO, but I replaced the Lippert Equaflex equalizers with the Dexter EZ-Flex equalizers and couldn't be happier. I get much less feedback to the truck than with the Lippert equalizers. Just my experience.
 
I just found this thread, good information! I ended up replacing my factory leaf springs in the first year I owned my 2018 310GK. I replaced the factory bronze bushings when I replaced the brakes that were covered in grease with less than 1000 miles on them. However many miles from Indiana to Longmont, CO and then Longmont to Worland, WY. My brakes didn't work at all when I picked up the trailer. Service manager told me they need to break in. B.S. When I had the brakes apart I upgraded my shackes to MoreRyde heavy duty and that is when I found that most of my spring eyes were not round. Several of my bronze bushings were broken and the others were worn through. GD wasn't much help offering to send me new bushings. I replaced the springs on my dime. The replacement springs had better quality eyes, but I think 4000 lb springs will be a bigger improvement since mine are going flat again. I like the fact that the 4000 lb spring has the second leaf as long as the first leaf, this adds support and helps prevent breaking the main leaf. I searched a lot when I replaced my springs but I couldn't locate 4000 lb springs that were the proper length. I even contacted some spring shops to see about getting a custom set made. I ultimately purchased another set of 3500 lb springs and installed new bronze bushings. I typically lube my wet bolts after every long trip. Most of our trips are to Montana and around 600 miles round trip.
nuffsaid, do you know if the reflection suspension runs the same as the solitude?
My trailer was bought used and the axles have been replaced with Dexter 7000lb axles, so I think those have been upgraded for this model 2018 303rls. The springs look almost flat when loaded, so I am considering adding New springs and shackles and the Morryde suspension. Not sure if I need the 4000lb or 3500lb springs I would like some extra capacity and not have the springs failing in a couple years…
I am following this thread about the suspension work and will start to create a parts list.
 
nuffsaid, do you know if the reflection suspension runs the same as the solitude?
My trailer was bought used and the axles have been replaced with Dexter 7000lb axles, so I think those have been upgraded for this model 2018 303rls. The springs look almost flat when loaded, so I am considering adding New springs and shackles and the Morryde suspension. Not sure if I need the 4000lb or 3500lb springs I would like some extra capacity and not have the springs failing in a couple years…
I am following this thread about the suspension work and will start to create a parts list.

In regards to being the same suspension, everything is relative in trailer parts. If your Reflection has 7000 lb axles, does it have 8 lug wheels? The reason I ask this question is that 5200, 6000 and 7000 lb axles all have the same spindle dimensions with exception of the seal area and possibly where the spindle welds into the axle tube. 5200 and 6000 lb axles have 3/16 wall thickness on the axle tube typically or .180+-, 7000 lb axle tubes typically have 1/4 inch wall thickness or .250. It is possible to get special made axles with heavier walls. Leaf springs are a little tricky. My best advice is to replace all 4 when replacing springs, or take a spring off and measure the eye to eye, center to center distance. My factory 3500 lb springs on my 310GK were 25 1/4 center to center and that is what I replaced them with the first time around. This time I had to settle for springs that are 24 7/8 center to center unloaded and they look to be ok, the spring shackles are at a little steeper angle, but they should be fine. Granted the trailer hasn't been on the road yet to see if the springs settle a little or not. Are your ubolts the same? Check the nut size, if a 3/4 inch socket fits your nuts, your ubolts are 1/2 inch diameter. If they need a 7/8 socket, your ubolts will be 9/16. I mistakenly thought my trailer would be the same as one of the posters on this thread who stated the ubolts were 1/2 inch and so I ordered 8 -1/2 inch ubolts that were long enough for the new leaf springs and a 1 inch lift block. Wrong, my ubolts were 9/16. So now I have 8-1/2 ubolts that need a home. Back to parts interchangablity, I recently converted my 16 foot flatbed trailer from 6 lug wheels to 8 lug wheels. The trailer has two 5200 lb axles and I installed my like new 8 lug hubs and bearings that were left over from when I upgraded my Solitude to disc brakes. The 8 lug hubs and bearings were a direct fit, but I did have to use the same seal diameter as the 5200 lb axle and the grease caps are different because the 7000 lb hub has a larger outer bearing, but still fits the same spindle. 5200, 6000 and 7000 lb axles all use 12x2 electric brakes and I had a brand new set on the shelf from when I discovered grease on my brakes that were sent to me by grand design. If your springs are pretty flat, they might need an upgrade. Count the leafs on the springs. 5 leaf typically are around 3000 lb ea, 6 leaf are typically 3500 and 7 leaf are typically 4000. Does your reflection have a tube steel piece above your spring hangers? Inspect your hangers and look for cracks and also the frame web above the spring hangers. Clean the area on the frame well with a wire brush or a rag with soap and water. Stiffening the springs could possibly result in more stress on the frame when turning because the thicker leaf pack won't flex as easily. I would recommend adding frame stiffeners to prevent failures down the road.
 
You really can't rely on measurements of the springs if they've been on there awhile. The distance from eye-to-eye will increase as they flatten. Mine measured a little over 25" when I took them off, but the correct length was 24 7/8" unloaded. Some places cite the length as 26", but that is loaded/compressed length.
 
In regards to being the same suspension, everything is relative in trailer parts. If your Reflection has 7000 lb axles, does it have 8 lug wheels? The reason I ask this question is that 5200, 6000 and 7000 lb axles all have the same spindle dimensions with exception of the seal area and possibly where the spindle welds into the axle tube. 5200 and 6000 lb axles have 3/16 wall thickness on the axle tube typically or .180+-, 7000 lb axle tubes typically have 1/4 inch wall thickness or .250. It is possible to get special made axles with heavier walls. Leaf springs are a little tricky. My best advice is to replace all 4 when replacing springs, or take a spring off and measure the eye to eye, center to center distance. My factory 3500 lb springs on my 310GK were 25 1/4 center to center and that is what I replaced them with the first time around. This time I had to settle for springs that are 24 7/8 center to center unloaded and they look to be ok, the spring shackles are at a little steeper angle, but they should be fine. Granted the trailer hasn't been on the road yet to see if the springs settle a little or not. Are your ubolts the same? Check the nut size, if a 3/4 inch socket fits your nuts, your ubolts are 1/2 inch diameter. If they need a 7/8 socket, your ubolts will be 9/16. I mistakenly thought my trailer would be the same as one of the posters on this thread who stated the ubolts were 1/2 inch and so I ordered 8 -1/2 inch ubolts that were long enough for the new leaf springs and a 1 inch lift block. Wrong, my ubolts were 9/16. So now I have 8-1/2 ubolts that need a home. Back to parts interchangablity, I recently converted my 16 foot flatbed trailer from 6 lug wheels to 8 lug wheels. The trailer has two 5200 lb axles and I installed my like new 8 lug hubs and bearings that were left over from when I upgraded my Solitude to disc brakes. The 8 lug hubs and bearings were a direct fit, but I did have to use the same seal diameter as the 5200 lb axle and the grease caps are different because the 7000 lb hub has a larger outer bearing, but still fits the same spindle. 5200, 6000 and 7000 lb axles all use 12x2 electric brakes and I had a brand new set on the shelf from when I discovered grease on my brakes that were sent to me by grand design. If your springs are pretty flat, they might need an upgrade. Count the leafs on the springs. 5 leaf typically are around 3000 lb ea, 6 leaf are typically 3500 and 7 leaf are typically 4000. Does your reflection have a tube steel piece above your spring hangers? Inspect your hangers and look for cracks and also the frame web above the spring hangers. Clean the area on the frame well with a wire brush or a rag with soap and water. Stiffening the springs could possibly result in more stress on the frame when turning because the thicker leaf pack won't flex as easily. I would recommend adding frame stiffeners to prevent failures down the road.

IMG_2031.jpg. IMG_3536.jpg
IMG_3592.jpg
The one photo shows the hanger that was welded back on the frame, I believe this is why the axles were replaced. We bought this trailer used and I discovered the suspension issues later on.I want to replace the springs and shackles, and get those metal braces welded on to help support the hangers from failing.
Thanks for responding, Sportz
 
Without knowing the weight rating of the axles, the spring ratings, and actual trailer weight on the axles, it's hard to recommend too much. But I can definitely see those springs are shot.
 
Without knowing the weight rating of the axles, the spring ratings, and actual trailer weight on the axles, it's hard to recommend too much. But I can definitely see those springs are shot.

I was looking at the spring pack and it only has 4 leafs, so I guess it is a 3000lb spring? I am in contact with Dexter getting info about the axle and springs. I don’t see any grease zerks under the trim caps.I guess that is a prelubed bearings? also have a 6 lug wheel. To me it looks like they replaced the
axle/ brakes as a complete assembly onto the old springs and then sold it shortly afterwards.
Thanks for the replies
 
View attachment 49648. View attachment 49649
View attachment 49650
The one photo shows the hanger that was welded back on the frame, I believe this is why the axles were replaced. We bought this trailer used and I discovered the suspension issues later on.I want to replace the springs and shackles, and get those metal braces welded on to help support the hangers from failing.
Thanks for responding, Sportz

I can tell your axles have been replaced. Six Robblees is a distributor that I have bought axles from in the past, they have warehouses scattered around. I have purchased stuff from them in Billings, MT. So your axle tube is a 7k tube. Go back to where I told you that parts will interchange. Your 6 lug hubs are more than likely still 5200 lb rated(for the pair) or maybe 6000 lbs, probably what came on your trailer from the factory,but you should be fine. What you did get with a 7k axle is a .250 wall thickness tube, which is good. The axles really aren't that big of an issue. I see more axles that were kicked out the door that weren't assembled correctly than bent axles. Sure you can bend one hitting something very hard, but you will probably bend the .250 wall the same as the .180 wall in that case. Back to your questions, I would take your trailer and load it up how you would travel and scale the axles to determine how much spring you need. Weigh with a full water tank. I typically have about 6k on each axle when traveling which doesn't leave a lot of room with 3500 lb springs. I do like the added strength of the 4000 lb spring due to the second leaf being almost as long as the main leaf. It will ride rougher, but it should be more durable. 3500 lb springs might be enough for your appication and they are about 1/3 the cost of the 4000 lb springs, so I would probably recommend going that way. If you look at my thread I posted today on 2018 Solitude suspension upgrades you will see how I reinforced my spring hangers which also reinforces the frame web from flexing cracks in my opinion. It took 20 feet of 2x2x1/4 angle iron to make three braces and cost about 100.00 Make sure you tires have enough capacity to handle your axle weights. I see that you have 235/80R16 tires, they should be good to about 3500 lbs ea. @80psi
 
JMO, but I replaced the Lippert Equaflex equalizers with the Dexter EZ-Flex equalizers and couldn't be happier. I get much less feedback to the truck than with the Lippert equalizers. Just my experience.

I like the design of the Dexter EZ flex, but they are shorter in height by about an inch than the Lippert equalizer and they make them in two different weight capacities, one is 4-6k and the other is 6-8k and the heavier ones are red in color I believe. I had the gold ones on my 2001 Holiday Rambler Alumascape and they were fine.
 
I was looking at the spring pack and it only has 4 leafs, so I guess it is a 3000lb spring? I am in contact with Dexter getting info about the axle and springs. I don’t see any grease zerks under the trim caps.I guess that is a prelubed bearings? also have a 6 lug wheel. To me it looks like they replaced the
axle/ brakes as a complete assembly onto the old springs and then sold it shortly afterwards.
Thanks for the replies
No grease zerks behind the cap means they aren't EZ-Lube axles, which is not a big deal. IMO EZ-Lube hubs are not needed anyway. However, if I were you, I would pull the hubs and check the bearings. If they have been serviced, it's no telling how well it was done. It's a pain, but when you're sure they're done right, you'll be good to go. I do mine every few years depending on my annual mileage. It could be a 3,000 lb. spring, but best not to count on that until you hear from Dexter. IMO anyway. Be interesting to see the information you get back from Dexter.
 

New posts

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top Bottom