Leaf springs - should they look like this?

[ttvibz]

Leaf springs shouldn't look like that. When they do, they will not perform as intended. I think Rustic Eagle is right in that RV manufacturers build them this way, so you'll find a lot of TTs with the same problem. If you only tow over smooth asphalt, you'll probably be fine, but if you're headed to some place with frost heaves, you'll likely have trouble.



We towed our 2016 White Hawk 27DSRL from California to Alaska. Our trailer came with the same 3,500# axles and springs. Plus back then the wheels were 14" and the tires were crummy 4-ply. By the time we got to Fairbanks, we needed to replace a bent axle and springs. We opted to upgrade everything to heavier axles, springs, bigger drums and brakes. We tossed the wheels and tires too - upgrading to 15" wheels and ST 225/75R15 10-ply tires. We're very happy with the upgrade.
The trailer tows beautifully. The only thing I have to remember is the trailer is 3 1/2" taller than it used to be.

[skids]

It is a cryin shame. When I wen to college for engineering, there was a "factor of safety" in case of material defects or accidental overloading. There is no excuse for design at impeding failure! It really is criminal!

[bono]

Thanks! Can you share specs of you upgrade? Axle 5,200 or 6,000 lbs? Leaf springs rating?

Thanks a lot.

Originally Posted by ttvibz

(...)

We towed our 2016 White Hawk 27DSRL from California to Alaska. Our trailer came with the same 3,500# axles and springs. Plus back then the wheels were 14" and the tires were crummy 4-ply. By the time we got to Fairbanks, we needed to replace a bent axle and springs. We opted to upgrade everything to heavier axles, springs, bigger drums and brakes. We tossed the wheels and tires too - upgrading to 15" wheels and ST 225/75R15 10-ply tires. We're very happy with the upgrade.
The trailer tows beautifully. The only thing I have to remember is the trailer is 3 1/2" taller than it used to be.

[ttvibz]

Our suspension upgrade is basically replacing everything but the two Lippert equalizers, since they are oddballs and nobody had anything to replace them with. We now have a pair of Dexter D52 straight sprung axles (5.2K springs per axle), 655 hub/drums with electric brakes. The Dexter website has a lot of information available. The other real plus is, with the exception of the goofy Lippert equalizer, everything is standard stuff that should be in stock or easy to get from anybody who works on trailers. Nothing is specific to RVs.



I hope I figured out how to attach the photos...

[bono]

Thank you!

Did you order custom axle or a standard one? I was told that my current Lippert axles are 86/68.5 and from what I am seeing Dexter comes 85/70 (6'0) as the closest size.

I have this equalizer installed. https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea.../LC314336.html

Thanks!

[ttvibz]

According to the shop that did the work, my axles are standard dimensions. As I recall, when the trailer shop measured the OEM setup, they told me that the overhang was at the max allowed per specs, but too long in their opinion.



I'd recommend standard parts because if you need repairs while on a road trip, especially in far away places, you'll get on the road again in much less time. For us, all the parts were in stock and we had them the next day. Custom parts would have meant our TT would still be in Fairbanks waiting, and we would have had to fly home.

[ttvibz]

[QUOTE=bono;793300]Thank you!

Did you order custom axle or a standard one? I was told that my current Lippert axles are 86/68.5 and from what I am seeing Dexter comes 85/70 (6'0) as the closest size.



I measured my spring to spring dimension, its approx 68 1/4". The label on the axle shows it to be a D60 with a HF dimension of 87". Parts came from Six Roblees.

[bono]

The project dropped from my radar for a while, since I was busy with work... and camping.

I would like to finalize the purchase this week. I think I will do custom order form Dexter, since they do not have 86/68.5 axles in stock. I could get 87 inches axle, but the spring mounts would not be at 68.5 point and modification would be needed (that means additional costs).

The only things I am not sure about is whether to order 5200 or 6000 lbs axles. The price difference is ca. $60 per axle. 6000 lbs axle is thicker and has bigger bearing. Even 5200 lbs axle is more than I need, so I am not sure if I need 6000 lbs...

Any thoughts?

[bono]

I thought I knew everything I need...

I decided on 6,000 lbs axles, never adjust brakes, 2,600 lbs leaf springs, light tube wall (medium is standard).

However, when going through the options, I learnt there is an option to have never lube bearings ($180 per axle). First time I heard about it. It is interesting option. Service is my area is ca. $250 for 2 axles. Therefore, the break even is in 1.5 yrs or so. I did a quick online research - there are people reporting failures. However, I think many are happy.

Any voices to stop me from ordering this option?

Also, in relation to the tube - light vs medium. Given that I do not need very robust axle, do you think medium would be enough?

Thanks!

[bono]

Talked with Dexter technician / engineer earlier today. He said that he would not expect any major issues when using 6k axles instead of 3,5k axles in relation to uneven tire wear. He said that there is an option to order the axle with "half camber" and I may consider this.

He also recommends the thinker wall for the tube (medium vs. light). The thinker wall should not affect tire wear (related to not sufficient load on the axle).

He confirmed what I read online - oil bath lub is not really a good option for travel trailers as these tend to stay for a longer period of time in one place without moving. This results in moisture getting into the bearing, seals getting dry. Therefore, I will go with nev-r-lub option (5 yrs warranty / 100k miles).

I am waiting for a local shop to get me a fee quote for the hyraulic brakes install (i.e. everything apart from the axles). However, given that the install would be above $1k, parts would be $1k+, I think I will pass on the upgrade.

I will keep you posted on the progress of the upgrade.

[bono]

Finally, placed an order. 6k axles, 5,2k springs. Never adjust brakes, never lube bearings. A few weeks to receive it.

The cheapest option I could find was https://bendtrailers.com/

They have a nice online order form, from which I learnt about never lube brakes.

[NY Buckeyes]

We did the same as ttvibz after having a bent 3500lb rear axle. Two D60 (5200lb) axles, 2400lb springs, ST225/75R 10 ply tires. Had to invest in new wheels also due to the change to 6X6.5 hubs. This takes me from 92% axle capacity to 65% capacity at GVWR of 7750lbs. This is something that shouldn't have to be done but I feel much better knowing we aren't pushing the envelope.

[Lucho]

Originally Posted by skids

It is a cryin shame. When I wen to college for engineering, there was a "factor of safety" in case of material defects or accidental overloading. There is no excuse for design at impeding failure! It really is criminal!

it really is, I have one and will have to upgrade... but as we know. money talks