Leaf springs - should they look like this?

[bono]

Hi Guys,

I am planning to change my 3,500 lbs axles with 5,200 lbs axles. One of the things to consider is what leaf springs to use. I am happy with the ride on the current leaf springs and would prefer not to upgrade the springs, if not needed. However, I looked under the trailer and I noticed that the springs are fairly flat. Is this how they should look like?

[ynpmoose]

No, that it not how they should look. If you look closely at the left side of the first pic, the leaf appears to be in a low "W" shape. Not good.

I have the same problem on on side of my trailer. My tires only have about 1-1/5" clearance to the underside of the fender and have actually left rub marks at some point.

[bono]

Thanks. What you are planning to do with this? Install higher capacity leaf springs? Do you think that the equalizer I installed could be a reason? I do not think so, but happy to hear any input in relation to this. I believe this could be just result of marginal capacity parts. The left rear tire has uneven wear (inner edge is worn). This is exactly where you noticed W shape leaf.

[ynpmoose]

Mine is a 2012 that I just got this summer. I can't be sure it wasn't overloaded etc. I'll probably just replace the spring and install wet bolts and see how it goes. I just replaced the drums and brakes, so changing the axles size would be throwing some cash out the window for me.

[Midnightmoon]

That "W" shape could be an indication of an overloaded and/or bent spring. Bono, is there any markings on your spring that show the spring weight rating?

[RogerR]

I would suggest going to a generic trailer spring repair place and having an expert look at it. I broke a leaf spring on one of mine several years back and got next day service at what I thought was a very reasonable cost. (By generic, not an RV place but one that works on any trailer, truck, auto springs)



Even if you decide to do it yourself it should give you expert knowledge of the cause and repair needed.

[bono]

Thanks Guys. I am fairly sure that ca. 7,200 lbs was the heaviest trailer I've ever towed (7,500 lbs is max gross weight). I am convinced that the axles and leaf springs need to be upgraded in my trailer.

[Rustic Eagle]

bono,

Reference: My CAT loaded axle weight was 6,100lbs (hitched/WDH engaged) with a 7,200lb gross loaded weight.

Took the following pics of my 24RBS (7,500 GVWR) axles about an hour ago, TT loaded at campsite (unhitched). I also have 3,500lb rated axles and OEM 15" rims.

Actual "pics" axles weight at campsite probably around 5,900lbs due to WDH being disconnected. Back-in-the-day Dexter Axle (prior Lippert) specified that axles/leaf pack should allow for 3" clearance top of tire to wheel well in an "unloaded" condition.







Are you noticing any unusual tire wear?

Bob

[bono]

Midnightmoon - sorry, I missed your post. I will take a look whether there is any springs rating.

Thanks Bob. Your leaf springs look very similar to mine. Do you think this is "normal" that they are not more U shape?

Yes, I have uneven tire wear - pls see my post here. My research started with the observation that the rear axles wear unevenly.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...res-67525.html

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by bono

snip....... Your leaf springs look very similar to mine. Do you think this is "normal" that they are not more U shape?.......snip

IMO this is a normal "loaded" condition with the 3,500lb rated axles and a 7,500lb GVWR TT combination. Like other RV suspension component ratings RV manufactures always seem to play close to the weight game (TV supporting tongue weight, etc.).

Jayco in 2018 went to 15" rims and "D" rated load range tires (Goodyear Endurance) on the Jay Flights......, I believe your 2017 came with 14" and "C" rated tires (?). I plan to go "E" when I replace.

I'm not sure if the Lippert specified axle rating includes the associated 'leaf pack' rating or just the axle...., one component must trump the other at some point (?).

If your considering going to a higher axle rating I would want to know if using your existing leaf pack would compromise the higher axle rating.

Just thinking out loud here.

Bob

[RAurand]

Went out and took a photo of mine. You can see the U shape of the springs.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by RAurand

snip.....You can see the U shape of the springs.

I bet your 28BHBE (GVWR 9,250lbs) doesn't have 3,500lb rated axles...., I wonder if your leaf pack is also rated higher?

Bob

[bono]

Interesting. I do not understand reason why leaf springs pack for 3,500 lbs would not keep U shape as 5,200/6,000 lbs does.

I will drop an email to Jayco to ask whether this is what they expect on 3,500 lbs vs. 5,200/6,000 lbs pack. I will report back.

[Rustic Eagle]

bono,

I bet Jayco refers you to Lippert.

I would contact Lippert tech support via email, they are normally pretty good for tech feedback when I've contacted them via email.

Include the different axle pics from this JOF thread.

Also, RAurand's axles may not be under load (ready to camp).

Bono....., referencing your original pics I noticed that your shackles are at more of an angle with your upgraded equalizer......, mine are more vertical with the OEM equalizer. Not sure if this has any differing effect on the leaf pack.

Bob

[SkiSmuggs]

I had the same problem as the OP and noted my tires were hitting the undercarriage on bumps. The 4400 lb leaf springs were flat. Since I was at a destination for a while, I found a well rated spring shop and suggested replacing the 4 leaf with 5 leaf (5200 lb). He was out of those and installed 6 leaf (6000 lb). It rides like a stone and rearranges the interior as much as the ties hitting the undercarriage. The I discover that one OEM axle replaced by Dexter 4 years ago was a 3500 lb. So now I will do the entire suspension to 5200 lb which gets me bigger brakes as well.
To the OP: the Equalizer can make a difference. Some come sized bases on hub to hub distance. Found out when I replaced my MorRyde CRE3000 with Dexter EZ Flex and tires hit the undercarriage. Replaced those with CRE3000.

[bono]

As you expected, Jayco said contact Lippert. Lippert just responded. I do not know why they are asking some many questions...

Good afternoon,

Thank you for contacting LCI. The springs are flat and will need replaced.

We value your time. Please reply to this email with the following information:

Unit Information:
• Full 17 Digit Vehicle Identification Number:
• Date of Manufacture:
• Date of Purchase:
• Manufacturer:
• Make:
• Model:
• Retail Owner Address and Phone Number:

Photos Requested:
• Axle Serial Tag/Sticker(s) From Center Rear of Beam
• Equalizer
• Leaf Spring Eye to Eye
• Tire Wear with location labeled
• Frame Serial Sticker/Tag(s)
• Under-side Rear of Unit Facing Forward Full View
• 4-6 ft Level Held Under Axle Beam
• Full View
• Front of Unit
• Rear of Unit
• Both Sides of the Unit

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

bono,

I bet Jayco refers you to Lippert.

I would contact Lippert tech support via email, they are normally pretty good for tech feedback when I've contacted them via email.

Include the different axle pics from this JOF thread.

Also, RAurand's axles may not be under load (ready to camp).

Bono....., referencing your original pics I noticed that your shackles are at more of an angle with your upgraded equalizer......, mine are more vertical with the OEM equalizer. Not sure if this has any differing effect on the leaf pack.

Bob

[Jxfire]

Absolutely not! I just received updated (?) springs put onto my 2017 Pinnacle because they were, as the Lippert tech stated, flat. They were covered under warranty, which was helpful. I'm still concerned about how low the plumbing and jacks are on the unit. They maybe have 6-8" clearance from the ground.

[Rustic Eagle]

bono,

Originally Posted by bono

snip......I do not know why they are asking some many questions.........snip

Definitely respond as throughly as you can ......, Lippert sounds like they want to confirm if it's a warranty issue......, might have been an issue with a certain 3,500lb rated axle and/or leaf pack production run.

I'd be interested to know their response to your data.

Appears my 3,500lb axle assembly was manufactured in 8/23/17....



Bob

[RAurand]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

I bet your 28BHBE (GVWR 9,250lbs) doesn't have 3,500lb rated axles...., I wonder if your leaf pack is also rated higher?

Bob

Originally Posted by bono

As you expected, Jayco said contact Lippert. Lippert just responded. I do not know why they are asking some many questions...

Good afternoon,

Thank you for contacting LCI. The springs are flat and will need replaced.

We value your time. Please reply to this email with the following information:

Unit Information:
• Full 17 Digit Vehicle Identification Number:
• Date of Manufacture:
• Date of Purchase:
• Manufacturer:
• Make:
• Model:
• Retail Owner Address and Phone Number:

Photos Requested:
• Axle Serial Tag/Sticker(s) From Center Rear of Beam
• Equalizer
• Leaf Spring Eye to Eye
• Tire Wear with location labeled
• Frame Serial Sticker/Tag(s)
• Under-side Rear of Unit Facing Forward Full View
• 4-6 ft Level Held Under Axle Beam
• Full View
• Front of Unit
• Rear of Unit
• Both Sides of the Unit

I took a look, My axels are rated for 4400 lbs.
My trailer is loaded for camping minus food items.

[Bullitt6283]

OP:
While you're looking at your springs, take a good look at the welds where the spring brackets are welded to the frame. Your pictures do not seem to show continuous welds.


https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ger-64237.html


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