Leaf Spring Problem (Broke)

[jackandh2o]

Don't know what it is called but the bracket that both springs attach to failed and the front of the rear spring is resting on the frame. Is this common?

I have read about wet bolts but I thought they were addressing where the spring meets the frame.

[HamRad]

Ray,
I'm sorry to hear of your troubles! Unfortunately this is not an uncommon occurrence. The entire package of support and attachment pieces is at risk. The springs, the spring hangers, the bolts, etc. are something one has to check at least once or twice a year. Thankfully it is not the most expensive part of the rig. If you are a DIY person and I think you are you can probably take care of this yourself and save some money. Or any good truck stop or RV repair outfit can fix you right up.

A couple of years ago a fellow MOCer broke a spring on his way to Quartzsite. He called and had a couple of new ones sent to him in Q and installed them himself.

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Dennis

[snfexpress]

See this thread.

The most important thing here, though, is that if you get new hangers, make sure you gusset them as recommended by Lippert.

[jackandh2o]

Once I get it jacked up and supported I will have somebody besides myself check the hangers, but the issue I am having now is that cast? piece that the rear of the front spring and the front of the rear spring attach to. Do I order that from Montana or can I buy it online along with all the necessary nuts and bolts. I need to check with my neighbors about wood blocking or something to set the frame on once I get it jacked up.

snfexpress, thank you for that link.
Dennis, I thought I was checking the suspension but apparently not good or often enough. We just got back from a week at Trailer Village in Castaic, visiting a relative that is in the hospital down in the San Fernando Valley, and all was OK then. I can tell by the way my roto-choks hook up. Well, such is life.

Ray

[dieselguy]

I believe what you are refering to is a spring equalizer bar if it's cast iron. For illustration only ... http://www.easternmarine.com/Equaliz...Bolts-Bushings

About any trailer supply house, Atwoods, Orschlens, or Tractor Suppply carries them. Just measure what you have. If you are interested in wet bolts, now would be the time to order them and do the install. If you do go the full route, leave the fiver hooked up to the truck ... it makes things easier and safer.

[HamRad]

Ray,
If you're talking about the equalizer then I've never heard of one of them failing. I'm sure they do but they do not seem to be one of the items on our Montanas that fail. Just about everything else does! We used a lot of wood blocks to support the rig when we worked on ours. And the idea of the truck being connected is a good safety factor. No brain surgery but lots of "grunt" type work. If you haven't already upgraded to the Heavy Duty shackles now would be a good time to do that too. Best of luck. Dennis

[jackandh2o]

Thanks Dennis. I was thinking about going to Home Depot and buying some cinder block and some wood for the top to set the rig on. It is on pretty level dirt/rock so it should be pretty secure. Does that sound OK or am I mis-thinking.

Again thanks

Ray

[H. John Kohl]

quote:Originally posted by jackandh2o

Thanks Dennis. I was thinking about going to Home Depot and buying some cinder block and some wood for the top to set the rig on. It is on pretty level dirt/rock so it should be pretty secure. Does that sound OK or am I mis-thinking.

Again thanks

Ray

I would check with someone before you use cinder blocks. I am not sure they have the load bearing capability. I use jack stands and solid wood blocks

[dieselguy]

I'm with John ... the 3 hole cinder blocks aren't a very reliable support. Perhaps solid pavers like I used when I did mine a few years back. Check out this link.
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=23847

[HamRad]

Ray,
I agree with John and others that you should NOT use cinder blocks. Either wood or metal. We did like John and used wood and metal jack stands. Good luck. Dennis

[jackandh2o]

Checked with one of my neighbors and he has heavy duty jack stands and lots of lumber pieces so when??? the wind stops I will start on this project.

Thanks all for the advise

Ray

[Wheelhouse]

I agree with the others, not to use cinder blocks. Rule of thumb, if it has a minute crack, it will fail and you could get seriously injured. Just look at the sides of the hollows and imagine a collapse. Wood blocks are best best. cinder blocks, bad idea.