09 3400RL & Leaf Springs

[8e3k0]

We've owned our 3400RL about a year and a half and I keep noticing that the drivers side of the Monty sits lower on its springs than the right side. In other words, it does list to the left side. Each time we park the unit on level ground we have to shim up with approximately 1 1/2 inches to get the unit level. With leaf springs being the same count on each side (none broken) and the 3400RL having the majority of its weight on the left side (kitchen, entertainment center, etc) its understandable why the above is happening. I know some owners have added a leaf on the heavy side on both axles. Any comments; or if you added a leaf, what was the outcome? Appreciate any feedback, as I will likely have our local spring shop add a leaf. I'll be doing the work of remove and reinstall. Thanks.

[skypilot]

Don't remember any posts on this forum about this but several on another brands forum -- seems they had a bad batch of springs and they have flattened. Contact your dealer (or Montana direct) and give them your VIN and information. If they do as the other brands CS did, you will get new springs for both sides shipped to your dealer for installation.

[gregh9999]

I actually have higher rated springs on the driver's side after discovering a difference in the gap between the tires on both sides. The springs were simply flatter on that side, assuming due to the weight distribution of the trailer. After following the lead of another 3455SA owner, Dexter sent me the heavier springs. They tested the original springs after I returned them, and told me that they met specs. They had already contacted Montana engineering to discuss what appeared to be a growing issue.

Do a search on 3455SA Suspension

[exav8tr]

We own an '06 3400 and have noticed that we have to place boards on that side to level the trailer, almost without fail. We have the MorRyde Independent Suspension so no springs. I think it is strictly a weight distribution problem with that side being the heavier. Just my opinion....

[jackel1959]

Ellis,
We had the same problem on our 3455SA.....I think I might have talked to you about it while at Quartzsite. Here is a link to my original post and what was done to rectify the issue: http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...25&whichpage=1 Bottom line, we did replace the two 3500 lb. rated springs on the driver's side with two 4000 lb. rated springs and it took care of the problem.

Having said that, Dexter did examine the springs that were removed from our rig and found them to be within specs. They (Dexter) stated it was a design problem in that Keystone has placed all the real heavy stuff on the driver side. Our layout is very similar to yours with entertainment, kitchen and pantry on that side. I doubt you would be able to get Dexter to replace the springs free of charge any longer, but replacing the springs should take care of the problem. We had ours replaced in Nov 2009 and have not had any further problems to date.

If I can give you any other info let me know. I can probably still dig up the Point of Contact at Dexter I was dealing with if you would like.

Jack

[8e3k0]

Thanks Jack, hope all is well, and yes now I remember the conversation and if I am correct they simply come out with an extra leaf for that side, correct? We have a very good Spring company here in Edmonton so I will likely take the spring pack in to City Spring to test and up the rating by adding a leaf. Have had literally no time to spend on the Monty this summer and yet we have put it over some pretty rough highways up here so it is time to get it ready for our winter trip to Arizona later this fall. Again, thanks for the info.

[jackel1959]

quote:Originally posted by 8e3k0

Thanks Jack, hope all is well, and yes now I remember the conversation and if I am correct they simply come out with an extra leaf for that side, correct?

That is correct....as far as I can tell, the only difference between the standard 3500 lb. spring and the replacement 4000 lb. is the extra leaf. Like I said, I have been keeping an eye on things and since the replacement and 8500 miles, everything still looks good.

I have to guess there are others out there that are having the same problem, but maybe just haven't noticed it yet. Let me know how everything works out. Take care and travel safe....looking forward to Quartzsite!!!!
Jack

[CasaDelSol]

Does anyone know when the Montana line went to leaf springs instead of shocks? We just had a neighbor stop by and ask us about our shocks. DH told him that we have leaf springs. He spoke of an incident with a friend who had a problem with their Montana's shocks letting go and destroying a tire while trying to stop. We are just curious when they switched over.

[priceml]

Joanie and Dave My 2003 2955RL has both leaf springs and shocks.And I think it is time to change the shocks.