How Much Longer Can a Leaf Spring Be And Work Safely on a Tandem Axle RV Trailer?

Question

Question:

Hello How critical is the length of a replacement spring on a dual axle R.V. trailer? The replacement I have is 1 ½ inches longer than the OEM. Would this work? Any help would be much appreciated Thanks Ken

asked by: Ken

0

Expert Reply:

A leaf spring being 1-1/2" longer is going to be to much of a difference to work properly for the trailer suspension. While it may bolt up the positioning of the axles will change by quite a bit and may bind up as the suspension travels through its range of movement. Typically I do not like to see more than 1/2" difference in the length of the leaf springs when you replace them if you are unable to find the same size. If you can let me know what length springs you have and how you are measuring and the weight capacity of each axle I can see if we have the correct leaf spring.

expert reply by: Bud M

0

Ken

5/6/2024

Hello again I am looking for a leaf spring for an r.v. Trailer. the dimensions are 1 3/4 wide 3/8 thick Center to center of the eyes straight across Dexter axle 5200 pounds Would you have one Thanks Ken

Reply

Bud M.

5/7/2024

@Ken You're length measurement did not show up. Ideally we have the 5,300LB Spring # e76SR which is 24-7/8" long. Otherwise we would have to go up to one of the 6,000lb axle springs from the list below. 25-1/4" Long # e34SR 26" Long # e94SR 25-1/8" Long # e47SR Do understand the length measurements on all these springs is with the spring relaxed and no weight on the spring. The distance will get longer with weight added and the springs tend to never return to their manufactured length over years of stress.

Reply

Answer 1

The easiest way to accomplish this would be to start on one side of the trailer and get the springs in place before bolting the axle to the springs with the u-bolts. Have the axle up on jacks or blocks so its weight is not bearing on the springs.…

view full answer...

Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 3

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 5

To correctly measure a leaf spring, you'll want to jack the trailer up on jack stands so the axle is hanging freely, then measure directly across from the center of one spring eye to the other, as shown in the provided diagram. The height of the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hey Philip so while we don't carry the exact spring you are looking for it does match the specs of the #e59SR so this would be a great solution. It's correct length at 23-1/8 inches and is for a 3,500 lb trailer axle like you have as well.

view full answer...

Answer 7

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hey Roy, The only U-bolt kit we currently only offer for 1-1/2" square axles is part #CE23102, which only has a 3-3/8" length so it likely wouldn't be the best option for you. Instead you'll want to order the 1-1/2" Square…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package #BWRVK3775 you're looking at will work fine with your new Chevrolet Silverado. This hitch has 3 height adjustments so you'll be able to set the hitch height…

view full answer...

Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

view full answer...

Answer 11

I definitely recommend replacing your 3,500 lb 26 inch leaf springs with the 26 inch 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles #e22YR. The 4,500 lb would be too stiff and your ride would suffer so the better option by far are the 4k…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Since Grand Design is kind enough to list certain parts for their trailers I can confirm you have a 33" wheelbase on your 2020 Grand Design Transcend 27BHS. This means the MORryde Rubber Equalizers #MR87ZR will fit your trailer. Although I'm…

view full answer...