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

32 Replies

  • 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.
  • 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.