Suspension Observations

[hohenwald48]

2015 Open Range 216 #7,800 loaded weight with #900 TW
2013 Nissan Armada TV
Eaz-Lift WDH (#48057) with #1,000 bars
2 Curt friction sway control units
Westlake ST 225/75R15 Load "D" tires w/20K miles


As I reported in other posts, on a 4,000 mile trip out west I had a leaf spring (front axle, pax side) break the last leaf. Due to the rusting pattern, I suspect all but the longest leaf was broken for some time (maybe since purchase in 7/15) and I suspect I towed it with the leaf completely broken and axles cocked for as much as 250 miles. Lippert stepped up and sent a mobile tech to the park and changed both springs on the front axle. #2200 springs from the factory attached to #4400 axles.

On my return home, I replace all four springs with brand new #2500 springs on the same axles. At the same time I installed a MorRyde heavy duty wet bolt and shackle kit.

Last week, on our 1,500 mile trip from Nashville to Florida and points between, I could not believe the improvement in handling from these modifications. I now have no proposing, no sway and the rig just handles significantly better and it wasn't bad before. It could have been the replacement of the original broken/weak spring, the installation of heaver springs or the MorRyde upgrade. I don't know what did it but I sure like it.

[hohenwald48]

myredracer wrote:
Hard to imagine springs breaking on a TT that is that new, but it does on occasion. The OEM plastic bushings can be totally shot in just a couple thousand miles and it's a good idea to replace them with something better from the start.

Did you replace just the shackles or the equalizers also? We installed the Dexter E-Z Flex equalizers and they made a huge improvement. If you think it's good now, you oughta try adding shocks to the TT too. We have 4400 lb springs/axles and along with a Reese DC cam WDH and shocks, it handles like a sports car on the endless twisty & hilly roads in the western states. The Bilsteins on our truck also help. If it were me I'd weigh the TT to see if one side is much heavier than the other and see how that compares to the load capacity rating on those LRC tires.

I really believe all the layers of the leaf spring except the longest layer were broken when I picked up the trailer. I'm basing that on the rust on the broken ends of layers 2&3. Who inspects leaf springs as part of the PDI? Maybe we should start.

The plastic bushings were shot. It already had Lippert EquaFlex equalizers from the factory. Not sure how they differ from the Dexter version but they seem to be work just fine and already had bronze bushings.

I've been thinking about shocks but don't see how they could help much as there is absolutely no problems to solve right now other than my worn out tires from going down the road at an angle. I am going to up them to load range E but I'm sticking with ST tires. I've read all the ST vs LT threads and think STs are the way to go. Other opinions may vary. My tires and my TT so my opinion wins. 🙂

In my OP is said load range "C" tires but that's a fat fingered mistake. It actually has load range "D" tires. Sorry.

[time2roll]

hohenwald48 wrote:
Last week, on our 1,500 mile trip from Nashville to Florida and points between, I could not believe the improvement in handling from these modifications. I now have no proposing, no sway and the rig just handles significantly better and it wasn't bad before. It could have been the replacement of the original broken/weak spring, the installation of heaver springs or the MorRyde upgrade. I don't know what did it but I sure like it.

This might be a better suggestion for sway issues vs things like getting LT tires on the tow vehicle.

[DutchmenSport]

myredracer wrote:
Hard to imagine springs breaking on a TT that is that new, ....

I've always said, if you're going to have problems, it will show up right away. Plug in the first time ... dead! You've got a problem. Plug in and it runs, it will probably run forever! Seems there's no in-between.

Actually, a broken leaf spring is not so strange. I broke one on our pop-up when it was less than 1 year old. I had to have the pop-up towed on a flat bed. I replaced it myself in my driveway, but the manufacturer paid for the part.

[myredracer]

Hard to imagine springs breaking on a TT that is that new, but it does on occasion. The OEM plastic bushings can be totally shot in just a couple thousand miles and it's a good idea to replace them with something better from the start.

Did you replace just the shackles or the equalizers also? We installed the Dexter E-Z Flex equalizers and they made a huge improvement. If you think it's good now, you oughta try adding shocks to the TT too. We have 4400 lb springs/axles and along with a Reese DC cam WDH and shocks, it handles like a sports car on the endless twisty & hilly roads in the western states. The Bilsteins on our truck also help. If it were me I'd weigh the TT to see if one side is much heavier than the other and see how that compares to the load capacity rating on those LRC tires.