spring pack broken
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
45K miles on them all accross the US. Certainly rough roads but good ones too. I suspect the springs were up to the task but over time it took its toll.
I probably should do the other side.
One thing to note is the is the kitchen slide up above those wheels, maybe have something do with it too.
I probably should do the other side.
One thing to note is the is the kitchen slide up above those wheels, maybe have something do with it too.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,671
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From: Itinerant
45K miles on them all accross the US. Certainly rough roads but good ones too. I suspect the springs were up to the task but over time it took its toll.
I probably should do the other side.
One thing to note is the is the kitchen slide up above those wheels, maybe have something do with it too.
I probably should do the other side.
One thing to note is the is the kitchen slide up above those wheels, maybe have something do with it too.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,707
Likes: 12,846
From: Wyoming
My local trailer repair/sales facility had spring upgrades for my old trailer. Also the exact Dexter brake assemblies I wanted. Better prices than I could find online (when taking into account shipping costs). Parker Trailer in Parker, Colorado.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
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I am surprised my trailers springs haven't broken. I-39 is one rough SOB, that broke my rear refrigerator. It became airborne, broke nearly every plastic bin and bent the heavy gauge metal shelf it was on. Surprised it still works after that trip. I did replace the bolts with a wet bolt kit and swapped the ( mind fart) metal piece between springs with a cushioned one. That probably helped a little bit.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
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Replacing mine is on the winter "to do" list. My model camper has a history of flattening out the springs then eventually breaking due to them using leaf springs that were slightly undersized. I plan to upgrade to a heavier leaf spring to resolve that.
Did you have to jack the entire camper up, or just the tire where you were replacing the spring?
Did you have to jack the entire camper up, or just the tire where you were replacing the spring?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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When I took the spring shackles out to lubricate the bolts and bushings, I lifted the left side and took everything apart. When I got done on the left side, I went ahead and did the right. Assuming you got a dual axle, you need to unload the tension on the springs so both axles would have to be unloaded.
If you can raise the entire trailer at the same time, I suspect that would be easier.
If you can raise the entire trailer at the same time, I suspect that would be easier.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
Replacing mine is on the winter "to do" list. My model camper has a history of flattening out the springs then eventually breaking due to them using leaf springs that were slightly undersized. I plan to upgrade to a heavier leaf spring to resolve that.
Did you have to jack the entire camper up, or just the tire where you were replacing the spring?
Did you have to jack the entire camper up, or just the tire where you were replacing the spring?
To put them back on, I put the front bolt in, then jacked up the equalizer to bring the rear spring in line with the holes to retain it.
Ubolts were pretty straight forward with tighening in sequence to draw it up. Then I place a jack under it for the final tighening. About an hour job once you have done it
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 712
When I took the spring shackles out to lubricate the bolts and bushings, I lifted the left side and took everything apart. When I got done on the left side, I went ahead and did the right. Assuming you got a dual axle, you need to unload the tension on the springs so both axles would have to be unloaded.
If you can raise the entire trailer at the same time, I suspect that would be easier.
If you can raise the entire trailer at the same time, I suspect that would be easier.
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From: Frederick, MD
I just leveled the trailer as always, I did raise them to their maximun and take the tires off the ground.
I just took alot of the load off and viewed it also as a safety measure since that axle with completely disconnected from the frame.
I just took alot of the load off and viewed it also as a safety measure since that axle with completely disconnected from the frame.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,410
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Yeah mine is a pull behind, my levelers aren't rated for lifting my camper, however I have a couple jack stands I planned to use to get tires off the ground. Could grab a couple others from my dad but if I can get by doing one side at a time I can just use what I have.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
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Down force jacks can carry the weight of the RV, Scissors type and side load jacks don't, those are the ones not recommended for lifting the trailer. I can tell you though, there is a reason NOT to use them to lift the trailer. Slopes! Once that tire leaves the ground, there is nothing to keep the jacks from twisting, at least on the ground there should be a wheel chock or two to prevent movement, but once that tire leaves the ground, the chock wont do a damned thing and the trailer can move downhill and twist right off.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,707
Likes: 12,846
From: Wyoming
I lifted the entire trailer using jack stands on the frame. Yeah, no floor jack, bottle jack, etc. Lowered the tongue down as far as reasonable, placed jack stands under the frame behind the rear axle, raised the tongue high enough to make contact with the jack stands and provide clearance for another set of jack stands under the frame in front of the bumper.
I put a bottle jack under the axle, only to take the weight off of the shackle bolts to make them easier to remove/install.
I put a bottle jack under the axle, only to take the weight off of the shackle bolts to make them easier to remove/install.
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