Source for new/used springs

[Grunt]

I'm looking for a source to buy new or used springs for my 5th wheel.

The primary leaf on left rear spring broke





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causing the primary leaf on the left front to straighten out enough to break the secondary leaf





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Luckily the rear part of the rear spring caught on the front part which caught on the bottom of the frame. there was @ 5/8" of over lap on each.

 

[Wally]

any trailer supply will have and they are not that much $$

 

[keimmmo]

Been there done that..... Don't care to do it again.



Yes, they are a common item. Any larger travel trailer dealer will have them.



Now, the root of the problem. I averaged about 2000 miles between broken springs down here in Mexico until I put shock absorbers on the travel trailer. I now run YEARS between broken springs! Shocks take the "whip action" out of the suspension, which is what breaks the springs. If you load heavy, I can give you some other tips.



Steve

 

[Brand-X]

These people treat me great

 

[HBarlow]

Grunt:



Replacement springs won't cost more than approximately $25/each. Probably not a good idea to purchase a used spring.



Another excellent source is: http://www.southwestwheel.com



Harvey

 

[Joe G.]

I got some springs from sothwestwheel. Good stuff and quick delivery. The springs are here: http://www.etrailerpart.com/doubleeyesprings.htm



It's a good idea to replace all the springs at one time.

 

[Grunt]

Thanks guys for the info/advice and links



keimmmo... any info on shock install would be greatly appreciated

 

[keimmmo]

Installing shocks is entirely custom work and it seems like every trailer is different. On my Aluma-Lite, there was room between the frame and tire to install the shocks outboard of the frame. On my Jayco, I had to install them inside the frame. When you go inboard, all sorts of things like holding tanks tend to get in the way!



Personally, I like the shocks with "stud" type mounts on both ends. I build a bracket out of 1/2 inch plate to replace the lower plate that goes under the spring and extend it out and to the side slightly. I drill a 5/8 inch hole for the shock stud and grommets. For the top, I usually build something out of 1/4 inch angle iron with the 5/8 inch hole. I have run the shocks straight up and down on most trailers, but I have installed than at an angle too. Straight up and down give better control, a little harder ride, and are usually easiest to build. Angled shocks give a better ride, allow using longer shocks that are easier to find, but are not possible to install on some models.



You have to take into account the full suspension travel to make sure your new shocks and mounts do not hit on anything... like the sidewall of a tire. Also make sure there is enough travel in the shocks so they do not bottom out on top or bottom when the suspension is moved to it's limits. I recommend you get an idea of how long a shock you will need and then go buy your shocks. Based on what you buy, make the final decisions for where to put the top mounts. I recommend small diameter standard shocks. I find heavy duties are just too stiff for a travel trailer and the larger diameter make them harder to install.



Shocks I have used include from the front of a 70s Dart or Aspen, Front from old International pickups, and front from late 50s-early 60s Ford and Dodge pickups. A good parts store will have a listing of the specs of all the shocks they sell. A little study time should get you something that will do the job.



Take your time and THINK IT THROUGH before you weld anything into place! It is a major problem to cut things apart and change them later!!!



Steve

 

[HBarlow]

Grunt:



A couple years ago when I was chasing replacements for the shocks on my 1987 Avion I contacted Dexter, the manufacturer of the suspension system and shocks. I learned that Dexter sells something they call a shock absorber kit (I think that is what it was called). I think you can find it on Dexter's website. It was a little pricey as I remember but it included the shock absorber as well as the top and bottom bracket. I think the top bracket was like an "ear" and was designed to be welded to the trailer frame. The lower bracket was designed to replace the bracket that secures the two "U" bolts at each end of the axle which attach the axles to the springs.



Harvey

 

[Paychk]

Is this the one?



http://www.dexteraxle.com/inc/pdetail?v=1&pid=1171

 

[HBarlow]

Paychk:



Yep, that's it.



Harvey

 

[Grunt]

Thanks guys!!







Joe G. I ordered 4 springs from the site you gave me... forgot to order U-bolts so will check locally.

I ordered 6 leaf springs vs the 3 leaf I had as I've been wanting to raise my trailer @2"... the springs will give me an additional

1 3/4 "



I'll spend some time under there figuring how to fabricate shock mounts now that I have a semblance of an idea how to go about it