Suspension problem on 5th wheel

[rluft]

I have a 2004 Terry 5th wheel. Recently I had a shock mount fail causing the assembly to ride against and ruin a tire. On inspection it looked like all the upper shock mounts were showing signs of fatigue. When replacing the shocks I realized that the shock was nearly fully compressed when sitting in the yard, I imagine that the shocks were bottoming when driving down the road.



Besides the tire damage I had a broken mirror, the windows in the doors slipped down out of position. The TV and microwave no longer power up, which I assume is from the jarring ride. When new I could set the table and things would stay in place, now everything ends up on the floor.



I have removed all the shocks to prevent future damage. A shop inspected the springs and didnt think they were bad. I am not sure what to do next. thinking about changing equalizer with a more/ryde or other brand of rubber isolated equalizer. One that would give me additional height so I can reinstall the shocks.



Has anyone had a similiar problem? Has anyone used any brand of equalizer with rubber isolation? Any other suggestions?

 

[bmoeller]

Almost sounds like the springs need to be heavier and/or re-arched.

 

[HBarlow]

Many travel trailer owners are very disappointed after a couple of years of use to learn that their trailers were built on Lippert or other low cost, cheaply-built frames using the lightest possible frame members, springs, and axles.

You can improve the situation by replacing the axle assemblies and springs with higher rated components from SouthWest Wheel in Dallas. Complete axle assemblies are not real expensive. See their website @ Southwest Wheel Company Steel and Aluminum Truck Wheels.

If your TT has five lug 15" wheels and tires it probably has 3500# axles under it. If it has six lug 15" wheels it has 5,200# axles. Upgrade to at least the next weight rating for improvement or to 6,000# axles using six lug 16" wheels and tires and you'll have reliable suspension and tires for the remainder of the life of the trailer . . . if you use a 16" light truck tire of a good brand name.

 

[DMcGalliard]

Sounds like the problem with my Teton, the shock brackets were welded on at the wrong place and there was no shock travel, two of the top brackets broke off before i figured out what was wrong. I did the repair but Teton paid me to do it. I pulled the axels and moved the brackets. I don't understand in your case how the assembly got against the tire. The shocks should be (at min) in the middle of their travel when setting in the lot. I have not had any trouble since and the trailer rides better. I probably pulled mine 15k miles before the first shock broke off. It took awhile to show Teton what was happening. I reinforced the top brackets too. Hope this helps. Teton later admitted that there were more Tetons on the road with the same problem.
Dave Mc

 

[rluft]

The top shock mount on front axle drivers side broke the welds from the frame and then fell outward against the tire. Thanks hbarlow, that sounds like good advice. I am certain new heavier springs would be a good idea at the least, whole new axle assemblies would be the end all of problems.