Spring Replacement
One of the leaf springs broke just as we turned on to our street on the way home form our last outing. I decided to replace all 4 springs since the 5th wheel is 19 years old. I ordered the parts from Arrow Trailer Supply in Ontario, California (knowledgeable, very good price and customer service).
I'm a shade tree mechanic and have amassed a large collection of tools and equipment over the years. This was a good opportunity to use those tools and gain a feeling of accomplishment if I was successful in changing out the springs. Arrow Supply quoted a price of $312 to do the work but it would mean I would have to brace the axle with the broken spring and then tow through Los Angeles traffic about 30 miles to the shop. It was tempting but the Mr. FixIt in me decided I could do it.
Last Saturday with full intentions of replacing the springs on both sides, repack the bearings and have everything done before days end, I went to the storage lot. I had to use a stack of 2X4s three levels high to get my jack stands to stabilize the frame.
Long story short....it took the whole day to do one side and I was so sore and tired on Sunday that I decided to wait until this Saturday to do the other side. I'm thinking the $312 is a pretty good deal.
But my Mr. FixIt is still telling me to think of the pride and accomplishment when both sides are done and I can say "I did it myself"....
Saturday you will find me under the streetside of the 5th wheel.
I'm a shade tree mechanic and have amassed a large collection of tools and equipment over the years. This was a good opportunity to use those tools and gain a feeling of accomplishment if I was successful in changing out the springs. Arrow Supply quoted a price of $312 to do the work but it would mean I would have to brace the axle with the broken spring and then tow through Los Angeles traffic about 30 miles to the shop. It was tempting but the Mr. FixIt in me decided I could do it.
Last Saturday with full intentions of replacing the springs on both sides, repack the bearings and have everything done before days end, I went to the storage lot. I had to use a stack of 2X4s three levels high to get my jack stands to stabilize the frame.
Long story short....it took the whole day to do one side and I was so sore and tired on Sunday that I decided to wait until this Saturday to do the other side. I'm thinking the $312 is a pretty good deal.
But my Mr. FixIt is still telling me to think of the pride and accomplishment when both sides are done and I can say "I did it myself"....
Saturday you will find me under the streetside of the 5th wheel.
