Forum Discussion

ScottMT's avatar
ScottMT
Explorer
May 08, 2023

Broken Leaf Spring

I just got this used 5th wheel, it is a 2004 forest river cardinal 31 bunk model. It has been sitting at my folks place until I finished the hitch install, this was the first tow. It is a big awkward parking it at my house, but it seems while I was hitting a low spot, while the trailer was tilted someone to that side, it snapped front leaf spring... so down the rabbit hole I go.

Based on the sticker on the side of the camper, these are the capacities (much of it was faded, but the numbers were still there)

GVWR 5520kg, 12170lbs (the math works out)
Per axle weight rating: 2304 kg, 5080lbs

The dry weight of this RV is a touch over 9800 lbs... the 5080 lbs axle rating had me confused, but as I searched I found that the manufacturer figures in the weight supported by the hitch pin and the truck.

I'm thinking that if I replace one spring, I should replace at least both sides of that axle, and if replace them on one axle, shouldn't I replace them all? These springs are 20 years old as far as I know.

...and if I'm replacing them all, shouldn't I perhaps go to a heavier spring in hopes to avoid breaking another one, perhaps 6k springs (3k per spring)? Based on how this sits on my truck, another inch or two in height on the RV would be helpful as well to level it out.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Scott
  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    May 08, 2023
    I would replace all the springs on the trailer.

    I would not try to put heavier springs on it. Springs are wearable parts, yours are worn out, and they gave you 20 good years of service. The new ones will too.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    May 08, 2023
    First question: How much will you actually use it? You have to decide how much you want to spend.

    Personally I would go to the 6,000 lb. springs. Also I would install a wetbolt kit, and the EZ Flex equalizers from Dexter. That's going to make you trailer as good riding as you'll get without spending large amounts of money. Like I said, it just depends on how much you're going to actually use it.
  • ScottMT's avatar
    ScottMT
    Explorer
    May 08, 2023
    fj12ryder wrote:
    First question: How much will you actually use it? You have to decide how much you want to spend.

    Personally I would go to the 6,000 lb. springs. Also I would install a wetbolt kit, and the EZ Flex equalizers from Dexter. That's going to make you trailer as good riding as you'll get without spending large amounts of money. Like I said, it just depends on how much you're going to actually use it.


    This seems like path I want to take... 6K springs, and wet bolt kit (with heavy shackles). I don't know what the flex equalizer is, so I'll have to look into it.

    In the summer, we hope to use it a lot or at least as much as weekend warriors can. Many weekend trips with a couple 4-9 day trips. I'll also probably use it in the fall for hunting season. I'll be on the road each trip most places being 1-4 hours away, and maybe a 10-16 hour trip to the coast now and then.

    In the winter, it'll stay parked. October would be the last realistic month I could use it starting up again in late April/early May.

    Regardless of how often we use it, I want it to be reliable and safe.
  • ScottMT's avatar
    ScottMT
    Explorer
    May 08, 2023
    The axle spacing center to center on this appears to be 33", does that definitively tell me what length springs I should be using?

    Also, I'm looking at these now:
    https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter/K71-654-00.html

    This rig does have shocks built into the suspension system, are the dexter flex systems still of value if I already have shocks?
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    May 08, 2023
    The springs should be marked. Markings should be on the right end of axles.
    After identifying your axles get the exact replacement for all.
    You could upgrade some if all other components are done.
  • spoon059's avatar
    spoon059
    Explorer II
    May 08, 2023
    OP, I broke a spring while enroute to Vermont fall of 2021. Replaced that one spring on the road, replaced the other 3 when I got home. Fairly easy to do at home with a jack, some jack stands and hand tools. While I was at it I replaced the shackles with a wetbolt kit. I also upgraded from a 4 leaf to a 5 leaf and gained a couple hundred pounds per spring capacity.

    Springs weren't very expensive, neither were the wet bolts. Unless your axle is damaged, I wouldn't waste the time or effort replacing those. Springs and shackles are wear items, axle isn't.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    May 08, 2023
    ScottMT wrote:
    The axle spacing center to center on this appears to be 33", does that definitively tell me what length springs I should be using?

    Also, I'm looking at these now:
    https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter/K71-654-00.html

    This rig does have shocks built into the suspension system, are the dexter flex systems still of value if I already have shocks?
    If it were me, I'd measure the distance, eye-to-eye, of your present springs. Most likely will be between 24 3/4" to 26". Probably need 24 3/4" eye-to-eye unloaded length, and 26" eye-to-eye loaded.

    Even with the shocks, and no telling what kind of shape they're in, the Dexter EZ Flex is an excellent equalizer to smooth out the rough patches like bridge approaches, and frost heaves and such.
  • ScottMT's avatar
    ScottMT
    Explorer
    May 09, 2023
    Is etrailer a good spot to buy all the suspension parts?

    I got my B&W gooseneck and companion hitch from them and it was a good experience...
  • ScottMT's avatar
    ScottMT
    Explorer
    May 09, 2023
    So far I've added the dexter flex eq, shocks, and leaf springs to my cart.

    The most expensive item so far is the **** shocks at $75 a pop.

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