Suspension damage, check periodically

It is definitely something that you want to check each and every year in my opinion.

My rig had 11363 miles, not including the approximate 2200 miles in towing from the factory to the dealer, when the left rear leaf spring broke about 1 inch inwards from the rear eyelet. (Yes, I keep *extremely* detailed mileage and maintenance reports)

Thankfully it failed about 10 miles after the start of a trip so we could limp back to the storage yard and get the issue resolved. I'm also thankful that I had RIBs on the trailer, as I am quite confident the stock specification Marathon ST tires would have failed after rubbing on each other for a 1/4 mile or so at freeway speeds.

When replacing the leaf spring, I noticed the shackles in a similar condition to the OP. All of them. Mine were also twisted a fair amount, some so badly that a reciprocating saw was needed to cut the bolts off the hangers. Another 502 paranoid miles since, the wet bolt kit seems to have solved those issues.

I am the original owner of my rig. I've *never* curbed or dragged a wheel, run low tire pressure, put the trailer in a severe twist, run it less than 15% of GVWR, or otherwise done anything to make me think I did this kind of damage.

If you're towing a heavy 5th wheel around (say something over a 13k GVWR rating perhaps?), you *need* to look at your shackles and leaf springs on a regular basis.

I now look over the suspension every time I put on the tire covers after a trip (we're weekend warriors). The new leaf springs are of a higher rating and have less of an unsupported span between the outermost leaf and the eyelet. Those thick shackle plates and zerk fitted bolts also give me further peace of mind for sure, but as the saying goes, "Trust, but verify."

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

Wow! How many miles do you think you have on the rig? Good catch.