Forum Discussion

lgbrotz's avatar
lgbrotz
Explorer
Jun 06, 2014

Maintenance hint

I know we all check tire pressures, wheel lug torque, grease bearings, and the normal maintenance items on our RV's, but recently I had an incident that I have never seen in almost 60 years of trailers and towing. I grew up in a shop that built farm trailers and other equipment so I am not new to trailers, but on a recent trip, the main spring bolt of the lead axle on one side of my fifth wheel apparently broke out, letting the leaf spring come apart, and the lead axle slid back, tire contacted the rear axle tire, and the trailer jerked sideways into a bridge abutment. Total cost of repairs over $6,000. Two new axles, two tires and wheels, springs, spring hangers, brakes and wiring, side panel for the trailer, paint,etc. Add the spring bolt to your yearly check list.
  • A member posted on the Montana Owner's Club forum of having a shackle wet bolt break in half a bit ago. Everything stayed together though. I've read of others having spring end bolts go, but not having as catastrophic a result. Suspension is one of the things I routinely check!
  • Happened to us in the mid 90's on the way to Wally World.

    About 3 am on I95 near Savannah I hear a noise like a tire iron hitting the pavement. "oh oh, that can't be good". Exited immediately. Turned out pin sheared and I lost one leaf. Tires didn't jam up until I hit the brakes in the gas station parking lot. Had to jack it up and move the axle forward. Mechanic Tightened the shackles and on the way. Said I would make it to Orlando. Called Camping world. They wanted $$$$ to repair. Removed spring. Found a spring shop, and $20.00 later I was out the door with a repaired leaf assembly.

    FYI. This was on a very under sprung Holiday rambler Aluma-lite. When we got home I had all the springs replaced/upgraded.