leaf springs and axles

[thegumbos]

I was surprised to look under my 3280rl and see that one of the leaf springs had totally broken and was dangling from its mounting bolt!

I'm trying (without much success) to determine what replacement leaf spring to order. The companies that list leaf spring options request axel capacity and axel diameter, and they offer 4-, 5-, and 6-leaf options. Unfortunately, the placard on my 15 year old Montana is now totally unreadable so I can't see the axle capacity. I called Keystone and they say my GAWR is 6000lbs. So, my questions are:

1. Does GAWR = Axle Capacity?
2. Should I order a 4-leaf spring to replace MY 4-leaf spring or would it be better to order a 5-leaf or 6-leaf? Do more springs equate to more strength/safety?

Thanks!

[Carl n Susan]

Most likely you have 6K axles (5200 lb axles were used then on the smaller rigs) but to be sure you could look on the axle itself. The weight value will be stamped on it, usually in the middle.

I don't know a lot about replacement springs, but I would go with something equivalent to what you had originally unless you had a obvious unbalanced load before. Typically this appears as a lean to one side or another (before the broken spring caused a "lean"). If you go stronger the ride may suffer. Smaller and you likely will have another spring failure shortly.

Most any trailer shop has the springs or can get them in short order.

[thegumbos]

Thanks! I'm planning on replacing all 4 sets of springs since, if one failed, I'm concerned about the life expectancy of the others. I'll check out the rating on the axle and may upgrade from 4 to 4 leaves. I'll have to think on it some more.

[jcurtis934]

As carl said, look at the center of an axle and on its back side. The stamping will be close to ten inches long or so. Imagine you'll have to wipe off a lot of grime after that many years. John

[Art-n-Marge]

Just so you know, GAWR stands for Gross Axle Weight Rating, hence Keystone confirmed you have 6000 lb rated axles. Just like my rig, I have two axles with a GAWR of 6,000 lbs each. This means the tires of my trailer carry up to 12,000 lbs. But wait, My GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is 14,040. This means the remaining 2,040 is carried by the pin when being towed or by the front legs when set up. I did confirm some time ago my axles carry about 5200 lbs and the remainder is at the pin.

[lostshakerofsalt]

These are likely the springs you need. I have ordered springs from Etrailer.com to replace the springs on my 2009 3400RL. I used 7000lb axle springs (3500# each).

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Sus...SP-111275.html

[thegumbos]

Thanks, everyone! Steve confirmed what I thought I'd order. I just need to remove one of the existing springs to measure the unloaded length.

[2Wanderers]

I carry one of those springs with me as a backup. Broke a spring (SOB) in Montana and it was going to be a week before the local dealer could get one shipped in. Had a local blacksmith build me one. Now I carry a spare as it is cheap insurance.