suspension problems
Okay, so I will try to make this as short and to the point as I possibly can. I recently purchased a used 2013 Forest River XLR Thunderbolt fifth wheel toy hauler. I must say it is a massive upgrade...
Forum Discussion
Your spring hanger dimensions dictate what combination of shackle link, equalizer, and spring are needed for your suspension. Forest River, using the trailer VIN, should be able to provide information on what combination of parts are installed. Upgrades are possible but they need to be of the right dimension or combination of dimensions to work properly.
Also, need to remember that the original suspension was probably not specified to carry the full GVWR of the trailer. Springs installed were probably specified to carry the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) as found on the Federal Certification Tag on the trailer left front side.
You are correct about the limited selection of springs available from Axle Manufacturers. They pre-engineer suspension/axle packages -carrying only the parts necessary to make these pre-engineered packages work.
A much larger selection of springs is available in the aftermarket. Check out Stengel Brothers webpage for many more options. There are places like Stengel Brothers all over the US....
http://www.stengelbros.com/trailer-suspension-parts/trailer-leaf-springs/
The generalities spoken about axle spacing are that -just general in nature - the devil is in the actual details. Be careful putting to much spring on the trailer as the axles will not carry more weight than their rating.
Also, need to remember that the original suspension was probably not specified to carry the full GVWR of the trailer. Springs installed were probably specified to carry the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) as found on the Federal Certification Tag on the trailer left front side.
You are correct about the limited selection of springs available from Axle Manufacturers. They pre-engineer suspension/axle packages -carrying only the parts necessary to make these pre-engineered packages work.
A much larger selection of springs is available in the aftermarket. Check out Stengel Brothers webpage for many more options. There are places like Stengel Brothers all over the US....
http://www.stengelbros.com/trailer-suspension-parts/trailer-leaf-springs/
The generalities spoken about axle spacing are that -just general in nature - the devil is in the actual details. Be careful putting to much spring on the trailer as the axles will not carry more weight than their rating.
