Replacing old Trailer Rubber Bushings Inside of Serrated Bushings on a 1965 Holmescraft RV

Question:

I have a 1965 Holmescraft 18foot RV with a single axle. It has a very heavy 5 leaf spring. Odd length too Everything was pretty well rusted. In taking it apart, the springs, double eye and hangers all have rubber bushings with steel s with serrated edges that gripped the hangers and shackles. I havent seen anything like this. On one side the movement caused the hanger to rip loose from the frame. I guess my question is that with all the eyes rigidly mounted to the hangers and shackles via the serrated bushings, nothing other than the torsional load on the bushings can move when the spring flexes. This doesnt seem right or am I missing something? I would think you would want full movement on the steel sleeve in the rubber bushing to move freely on the shackle/hanger bolts. Should I replace the bushings with bronze?

asked by: Jerry U

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have an antiquated suspension design or it was installed that way aftermarket at some point. Replacing the bushing with bronze ones such as # D014-077-00 would help the bushing to last longer but may not completely solve the issue. You may want to consider a new suspension set up. I have included a link to the suspension kit main page for double-eye springs as well as a help article on double-eye spring suspension.

It will likely also require new springs so if you can tell me the capacity of the springs or of the axle I can make some recommendations. I have linked the double-eye springs we carry as well.

expert reply by: Michael H