Replacement Springs for a 2004 Coachman Cascade

Question:

i have a 2004 coachman cascade with the trailer on the ground the spring measures 261/8 from center to center i want to replace the springs with a 5 or 6 leaf spring you sell that is 251/4 center to center im looking to raise the trailer a little the springs on the trailer now are only 3 springs and they are just about straight with a load on them i also want to replace the bolts with wet bolts and i know i will need to replace the u bolts they have to be longer.. thanks for your help

asked by: kevin p

Expert Reply:

The eye to eye measurement needs to be taken when there is no load on the springs. The trailer needs to be jacked up so that the wheels are not touching and the springs are bearing no load. If they are measuring 26-1/8 with a load on them and they are nearly flat, I would imagine a 25-1/4 inch spring would be too long. Something like part # e64SR would probably be a more appropriate spring, but please measure the spring when you can get the trailer off the axle.

If the springs are almost flat, then either they are severely worn, or you are exceeding the weight limit of the suspension. It would be worth checking the GVWR of the trailer and taking the trailer a scale and make sure you are not exceeding the GVWR. Replacing the springs with heavier ones would help, but you still do not want to exceed the GVWR as you may be exceeding the axle or spindle weight capacities. And if you replace with stronger springs, the axle and spindle will be forced to bear the overload and that can become a big problem.

We do carry wet shackle bolts, the one you will need is probably part # 126B2.

expert reply by: Patrick B