Broken Leaf Spring

[DD716TED]

How difficult is it to replace a broken leaf spring on a dual axle fifth wheel? Local RV shops are booked through June! I've seen it done in a campground before but on a travel trailer.. Jack up frame, block it up/ remove spring shackle ???

[bobsallyh]

If you are handy you can do it. I have replaced them on the road, cg, and at home in the driveway. Don't let the RV stealership hold you hostage. Just make sure the eye holes on the new spring are the same distance apart and the number of leafs are the same as the old.

[valhalla360]

No real difference from a travel trailer.

We had one go a couple years back and a mobile tech replaced it on the side of the road (amazingly he had the right size on his truck because he was going to replace the ones on his boat trailer that day).

After that we had the rest replaced (figured if one broke, good chance the others aren't far behind) and they did it at a camp site.

[rockhillmanor]

DD716TED wrote:
How difficult is it to replace a broken leaf spring on a dual axle fifth wheel? Local RV shops are booked through June! I've seen it done in a campground before but on a travel trailer.. Jack up frame, block it up/ remove spring shackle ???

You do NOT 'have' to take it to an RV dealer!!

Just take it to any local auto or truck repair shop that will work on leaf springs.

All RV's can be serviced at regular auto repair shops. Save your money and quit thinking only an 'RV' shop can repair an RV. :C

[time2roll]

It is a physical effort more than technical. I bought four 12-ton jack stands at HF to rest the frame. Then a floor jack to support the axle as you unbolt the springs.

I also installed the Dexter wet bolt kit while it was off. I definitely recommend replacing all springs. Go up a bit in weight rating too.

http://www.stengelbros.com/trailer-suspension-parts/trailer-leaf-springs/

[NMDriver]

Another vote for doing all the bolts.

A 4 1/2 inch Harbor Freight grinder with a steel cutting wheel is handy to have for this job. Remember to hold the new bolt heads steady when tightening the nut. The bolt has teeth that bite when seated. You do not want the bolt to turn as you tighten the nut or you will strip the teeth. AT least that is how my instructions said to do it.

[joebedford]

Been there, done that. It's not difficult. Get lubable bolts and bronze bushings while yer at it. Be ready to replace shackles too. Dexter has a kit.

[wa8yxm]

I have done it.. Once on a Trailer and several times on cars and vans.

The hard part is the nuts and bolts may be rusted. We had to cut one of the bolts on the trailer.. Jacks (multiple) and air powered impact wrenches really helped.

We got the spring pack, broken one and all, out.. Took it to a spring shop.. Went to lunch, Picked it up, and put it back all in one day 2 people working together There is some fun getting the bolts to line up but nothing too hard.

[Joe417]

It's not too bad of a job. I replaced all 4 springs, all bolts, and all bushings in less than a day. I increased the individual spring capacity from 1900# to 2500#.

As Mex said, you may need to use some Liquid Wrench. Or just cut them off and replace.

I used a hydraulic roll around floor jack, make the job much easier.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Jack stands for the rig. Jack and stands for the axle. Tight shackle bolts. Placing the spring and jamming the bolts through the shackles is not really a one man job. Unless a person walks on their knuckles.

Save time. Soak the spring U bolts for three days with Liquid Wrench. WD40 is useless.

The axle MUST be raised or lowered to clear the spring slowly and carefully. This is for the benefit of the spring on the other end. Careful with the trailer brake wiring.

I had a set of jackstands that were modified. I had a piece of 2" angle iron welded on each stand's pad. Super sturdy axle support.

[Mandalay_Parr]

Might take it to a truck repair place or get a mobile tech.