Leaf Spring Replacement

[TECMike]

Is it necessary to replace leaf springs on a travel trailer as preventive maintenance?

Our small Sunnybrook travel trailer is twelve years old, been a joy to own without any major problems. I estimate my wife and I have pulled it about seventy thousand miles since we bought it new.

Should I give consideration to replacing its leaf springs? They seem to be fine, other than being old. But I do not want to have a spring to fail in the middle of nowhere.

Would appreciate advice from seasoned RVers. Thanks in advance.

[time2roll]

As long as they look good with no cracked steel and have a good arc you are good for a long time.
Although anything can happen on the road you should not worry about your springs.

[TECMike]

Thanks Huntindog, for the response. I had wet bolts installed when I bought the trailer, so perhaps that has helped, along with the Equaflex suspension. No sagging at all, just old OE springs with a lot of miles on them. Yes, perhaps the steel was better back in 2009.

[Lwiddis]

I agree. Not in my opinion.

[Huntindog]

TECMike wrote:
Is it necessary to replace leaf springs on a travel trailer as preventive maintenance?

Our small Sunnybrook travel trailer is twelve years old, been a joy to own without any major problems. I estimate my wife and I have pulled it about seventy thousand miles since we bought it new.

Should I give consideration to replacing its leaf springs? They seem to be fine, other than being old. But I do not want to have a spring to fail in the middle of nowhere.

Would appreciate advice from seasoned RVers. Thanks in advance.

IMO, no it is not necessary. In fact I have seen more fairly new springs fail than old ones. It all has to do with the quality of the steel they were made of. With the use you describe, it appears yours were made with good steel... Now all springs will eventually wear out and sag. But that is not a failure that will sideline the TT. I would just watch for sagging and replace them when/if it occurs. Of course the bushings will wear out as well, and that is a more common issue.