Suspension damage, check periodically
While adjusting the brakes on our fiver, my attention was immediately drawn to the springs and shackles that attach the springs to the equalizer in the middle. The bolts had eaten their way through t...
Forum Discussion
TucsonJim wrote:
Wow! How many miles do you think you have on the rig? Good catch.
Don't know the mileage, but we've been on three long trips out west. The fiver is a 2005 Keystone Cougar, so it is 9 years old.
I would say that with average use, a person would probably need to check the suspension at the 5 year mark. That's not a scientific conclusion, just a gut feeling. It depends on a lot of factors, but it is not an uncommon problem, so checking them might save a serious headache.
I think the trouble with checking them is that if you just glance at the suspension, it may not be obvious. I would say that the best way to determine if there is damage developing is to take the bolts out and check closely. This won't be something that many people will want to undertake. An impact wrench is needed sometimes, and careful jacking up of the camper. I have that tool, and my camper has an electric jack system(Ground Control Jacks) which makes is easy for me to lift the whole thing up. Then I use a bottle jack under each axle end to manipulate the springs for positioning the shackle assembly.
Keep on Rving(safely)
Tom
