Bottom damage

myredracer wrote:
Sounds like the TT got a good workout! :) Unfortunately, TT manufacturers typically use the lowest rated and least substantial components possible. 5K miles on a TT is nothing...

I would suggest RV scrim tape there. It's a lot thicker than gorilla tape and should be tougher for a location like that. Wash the darco fabric with soap and water then use alcohol to get it good and clean so the tape adheres well.

Tires look way too close. Original size tires I assume? The usual cause of this is springs that have flattened out and isn't uncommon. Hard to tell in the photos but one set of springs does look flattened. What is the TT GVWR and what are the axle ratings? There should be a white sticker on each axle that will give you the rating. Have you ever taken the TT through a scale to get it's weights?

Do not use a 2" lift. Need to determine why so little clearance. This is a standard frame, axle, spring and tire setup and nothing unusual.

The damage to the darco fabric looks different from front to rear tire. Is the TT level to slightly nose down when hooked up?

While in there inspecting things:

I would inspect the plastic spring bushings because they can wear out in as little as a couple thousand miles. Check spring hanger holes because they can get ovalized. Perhaps check the axle tubes to see if they still have the correct camber/arch. Check for unusual tire wear as it could be an indication of a bent axle or misalignment. A pair of Dexter EZ-flex equalizers would be a good idea (along with their wet bolts).

*IF* it turns out the axle tubes have lost their camber (not unusual either), you might look at using the optional 3" dia. tube instead of standard 2-3/8". Al-ko has good tech. info. here on what's available. Stronger springs might be a good idea but don't know if they're directly interchangeable.

A set of shock absorbers can help prevent this. We installed them on our TT and help a lot.

We put a "test" on it! Given the really poor condition of some interstates we traveled we were very lucky.

Thanks for the good suggestions! Right, it's a standard Coleman TT, Lippert components. See my other post WRT GY tires and weights.

I like the idea of installing shocks and will investigate further.