Suspension Hangers

[TDeakins]

I’m seeking insight here. I recently discovered a missing suspension hanger for the rear connection to my double axle leaf spring. (I have a 2018 Montana 3791/ fifth wheel) the hanger appears to have been welded and bolted to the frame. There also appears to be some level of violence that occurred which removed the hanger from the frame apparently shearing the bolt along with it. I did not discover this, until after the fact, when I was inspecting my tires, and determined that the rear axle was wearing more than the front axle. At first, I thought I had an axle problem. On closer inspection, it turned out to be the missing hanger. I had an on-site welder come and replace the hanger and the bolt welding it all back to the frame. Not an inexpensive repair. I haven’t tested it yet to see if it’s going to hold. When I contacted the insurance company (Good Sam/NGIC), they denied the claim, stating it was a “maintenance item“ and / or “ a failed component“. Both of which appear not to be covered. (So much for Good Sam insurance) I would be curious if anyone else has had this experience, and if there’s any insight as to what might’ve caused it, other than than a collision with some unknown object on the highway. There was no other apparent damage other than the underbelly cover being ripped open slightly forward of where the suspension hanger was. Axles are fine.

[AZ Traveler]

Tony,

Broken spring hangars are not particularly unusual. Your should regularly torque the bolts and check for broken/cracked welds. Tight turns, particularly backing put a lot of strain on them.

It is not something everyone will go through but you will find several examples as you read through the forum.

[Daryles]

We broke a right rear leaf spring hanger this year. Discovered it when we were getting ready to leave. Spent an extra week in Moab Utah waiting for a mobile welder. Went hiking everyday while we waited.
I now do an "arrival" inspection on all suspension after we setup.
I'll also be installing hanger braces this winter.
I believe new rigs come with this installed now.

[TDeakins]

Originally Posted by Daryles

We broke a right rear leaf spring hanger this year. Discovered it when we were getting ready to leave. Spent an extra week in Moab Utah waiting for a mobile welder. Went hiking everyday while we waited.
I now do an "arrival" inspection on all suspension after we setup.
I'll also be installing hanger braces this winter.
I believe new rigs come with this installed now.

Where are the weld points? …. just where breach meets frame or are there welds from brace to hanger? Also, there’s a bolt that runs through the hanger into the frame. The brace would obstruct access to it but I’m not sure that matters.

[bshgto]

Originally Posted by TDeakins

Where are the weld points? …. just where breach meets frame or are there welds from brace to hanger? Also, there’s a bolt that runs through the hanger into the frame. The brace would obstruct access to it but I’m not sure that matters.

X- Factors simple, effective

[Mikendebbie]

Originally Posted by TDeakins

Where are the weld points? …. just where breach meets frame or are there welds from brace to hanger? Also, there’s a bolt that runs through the hanger into the frame. The brace would obstruct access to it but I’m not sure that matters.

TDeakins - based on what I have read here in the forum concerning spring hanger brackets - there is no bolt going thru the spring hanger bracket into the frame. In the sketch below - the dotted red line (representing a bolt into the frame) does not exist. The hanger bracket is welded to the frame.

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Just happened to us as well…. $370.00 repair.

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...7&postcount=23

It’s been a problem for years. Were it on our tow vehicles they would undoubtedly have been a recall. But somehow the rv industry gets away with it and we get stuck with the bill. I’m just glad I found ours while in a campground and before it totally let go.