Sagging springs on 2 yr old TT ??

[Ltrip]

I took our trailer to a shop for a wheel bearing repack. They have done work for me before and have good ratings. I think I can trust them.

As part of the service, they checked the springs. They said the springs were sagged out of spec and need to be replaced.
The trailer is 2 years old and I have about 10,000 miles on it.
I am skeptical.

I have a 2018 Arctic Fox 25Y TT. GVWR = 10,000lbs. Net carrying capacity = 3147 lbs.
No, I have not weighed it loaded as we normally load it.
It is my wife and I...no kids or pets.
I find it difficult to imagine that we load 3000 lbs into the trailer.

Does this sound possible? Sagging springs after 2 years and 10k miles?
I have an extended service contract. I have not asked yet, but is something like this normally covered?

Thanks!

[C_Schomer]

Who's specs... Theirs?! Do YOU think anything is wrong? Are they all arched the same? Do they bottom out... Look for marks on the frame. Do the tires show any odd wear? Does the trailer track straight... more of an alignment issue. Any broken leafs? I'm on my third Sunnybrook, all with Dexter 3500, 5200 or 6000 axles and spring/equalizers. My 98 rode terrible from it bottoming out... the axles were hitting the frame and it would literally toss gallon jugs of water out of the sink and onto the floor. When it was 8 y.o. I bought new springs, the exact replacements, and they turned out to have exactly the same arch. Just an example of how good springs DONT sag easily.
FWIW, on Dexters advice, I replaced the original 2600 lb springs with 3000 lb and more arch and that made a totally great riding rv out of it. Craig

[B_O__Plenty]

If you find they are sagging, just change the, yourself. Did all four on my fifth wheel in 4 hours. Had some outrageous quotes.
B.O.

[Ltrip]

Thanks all for your comments!!
I am going camping tomorrow. Not ignoring it, but dealing with it later.
I got under and snapped pictures. I am no expert...obviously....but the springs are NOT flat. They still have a bow to them.
I sent an email to my dealer. Good guys. I expect an honest answer. I will call Northwood next week to discuss.
Probably wont be able to respond here until the weekend.
Cheers,

[Lynnmor]

Sure, just ignore it, maybe it'll go away. :R

Photos

[RJsfishin]

I'd say if it is not causing a problem, you don't have a problem, and I'd bet warranty will say the same thing. And you dint have a problem till someone told you that you did,.....someone who stands to profit from a problem that you didn't have

[Camper8251]

"US MADE" sure but where is the metal coming from to make those? Willing to be China as there are less and less

Call AF and see what they say. Never heard of that on an AF product...

[ppine]

AF is a great brand with a lot of carrying capacity. Unless you have been collecting rocks and bringing your tools, get another opinion.

[Second_Chance]

This issue has become more and more common with both Lippert and Dexter suspension systems. The cause is rooted in the use of inferior quality steel for the springs (possibly from China). If the springs have anything other than an elliptical shape, there is an issue. If the springs have flattened, you certainly want to replace them (with something other than Chinese steel) before you have one break and do damage. This has nothing to do with Northwood quality as they are vendor-supplied parts.

Rob

[Lwiddis]

“I honestly wouldn't worry about it. I'm guessing the shop is trying to make more money off you.“

I would. Guessing can get expensive. Have your extended warranty provider check it. That “covers” you should something happen since you now have knowledge of a possible issue. Keep the paperwork!

[richclover]

Yep, my springs on a nearly new Coleman, since traded. After a 5200 mile trip last year I found damage to the bottom above each tire. Local tire shop ordered uograde springs, made in the USA, from these guys. Raised the trailer, more curve, so I had to adjust the WD hitch. Search the "Bottom damage" thread.

http://www.aaaspring.com/

[BobsYourUncle]

I would be skeptical too, very skeptical.

Arctic Fox is a good brand and known for quality.

However, having said that, they don't make the springs themselves, they likely outsource them from who knows where.

2 years old, I would contact Arctic Fox and explain the situation to them and respectfully request input before just going with one shops diagnosis. At the very least, get a second opinion.

No way I would just put new springs on a near new trailer.

[deltabravo]

I've been around Northwood forums for many years and have NEVER heard of springs sagging.

Never heard of it on Dexter Axles either.

I honestly wouldn't worry about it. I'm guessing the shop is trying to make more money off you.

[Camreal]

Sounds unusual. I looked the Artic Fox years ago but considered it way too heavy for my needs.

[Lynnmor]

Yes, it is possible. Posting a photo and let us see the springs in question. If a spring has a noticeable flatness or reverse bend, it is bad. The quality of suspension components on trailers is poor.