Recommended Upgraded Leaf Springs for a Trailer Travel Trailer That Has Rubbing Tires

Question:

We recently had a break down where the 2 drivers side tires started to rub against each other and destroyed both. A long story but ultimately the dealer replaced all four spring and Lippert adjusted the location of the hangers. Pics show the breakdown when tires were touching, then after the repairs before traveling. Final pics 250 miles later at home, the spacing between the tires moved to about 1/2 inch apart. A mobile tech thinks the new springs are too flat and recommends going from 7k to 8k axles springs. So the question is can the springs go flat and allow the tires to rub constantly or is there something else possibly causing this like a frame flex issue. The trailer is not overloaded and had only the 250 miles on the new hardware? It looks like the height of 8k springs is less than the 7k springs and different length hangers would be needed. I really dont want to move the unit for fear it will cause a repeat of the initial breakdown.

asked by: Bill

Leaf Spring Issue
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Bill, sorry to hear about all the trouble you're having but after looking at the pictures you sent in I'd have to agree with the tech. I think you're going to need to up your springs to a beefier set like the 7-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 8,000-lb Trailer Axles # DX74XR.

These springs, since they'll be bigger than the ones you have now, shouldn't go flat causing your tires to rub. The only way these would flatten would be if the trailer is overloaded, but since you're saying the trailer isn't you should be all set.

If you can let me know what your current springs measure using the diagram below and I'd be happy to help.

expert reply by: Bryce D

Leaf Spring Measurements
(click to enlarge)

Bill

4/1/2024

Thanks for the info Bryce. My dimensions match your 7k springs. Background: This problem occurred on a 5th wheel that was less than 1 year old and is under warranty. It has been 7 months since the breakdown and is not fixed correctly yet. I cannot do repairs on my own as it would void the warranty. Clearly the wheels did not touch when we purchased the unit and for 10 months afterward until the breakdown happened, at the end of our vacation about 250 miles from home. Lippert moved the hangers as their location was out of spec from the factory and Dexter supplied the springs. The dealer nearest to the breakdown did the repairs. I would have thought based on the age of our unit that if it was a spring issue the problem would have been resolved. I still waiting for the manufacturer to decide what they are going to do next. I have a technical background and don't claim to be an engineer, but I am of the opinion the frame should be thoroughly inspected before upgrading the axles and springs. But people don't seem to care what I think or what is logical. There are a lot of 5th wheel RV's on the road by this manufacturer with the exact same frame and running gear as mine just different "Brand/ model" names. I am curious to know if other folks are experiencing similar problems. Obviously, I am omitting the specific manufacturer details for legal reasons.