Suspension upgrade

[Ozz]

I got my springs yesterday.
I am installing 4,000# springs on the kitchen/drivers side of my 3400RL, and 3,500# on the passenger/super-slide side.
Should carry all my 'stuff'.

[CamillaMichael]

Ozz, wouldn't having mismatched springs on your fifth wheel cause problems with tire wear??? Don't KNOW that for a fact, just seems that the extra stiffness on one side might cause problems.

[Ozz]

I researched this, many members have reported up to 1,000# difference between sides, I know my kitchen side is way heavier than the other side, so this should equalize things.
I guess we will find out

[pineranch]

Ozz,
Noticed you have one turned the wrong way in the picture, uniformity please.
Additionally, will this make it a 3400 1/2 ??????????????????
Mike

[Ozz]

Ha! I just hope when I get it on the road I can afford fuel!

[NCFischers]

I'd send that one mis-matched spring back. It's got the keeper on the wrong side. It's obviously for a different trailer faced in the other direction.

[Ozz]

If I put them back in package and get them back out, maybe it will fix it...

[2 for Him]

I just can't understand it Ozz, how are you ever going to get by the Weight Police. I've never seen them, but I heard they go around campgrounds weighing rigs against their GVW stickers.
Good luck on the install, we all know you will do a bang up job.

[Ozz]

Thanks Tom and Georgia, I will take my pen along and re-certify my rig, I guess I will keep my reciepts...

[SlickWillie]

What's on there now? 3000 lb ones? Seems like a good idea to me. I can't see any tire wear issues myself.

[Ozz]

Yes Will, 3K. The specs for a 7K Axel is 3500 springs (and bigger brakes I hear) so I will have 3500 on e side, the heavy side 4K.
The only way I could see a tire wear problem is if they were not aligned, or not aired up right.
I now have the heavy duty tires and wheels.

[helmick]

Ozz
Do you have 6,000LB or 7,000LB axels on your 2007.
Ron

[Ozz]

Ron,
Here is the post explaining the Axle weight rating. But to answer your question, 6K. BUT the upgrade to 7K is brakes and suspension only.
I will have 7K axles except the brakes, I will look at that later.
Same axle tube (Rating) there heavier tubes, but my tube is rated for 7,000#, same hubs also my 6K are the same as 7K.
Here is the post with Dexter's reply to my question:

What did Ozz think it takes to upgrade from 6K axles to 7K axles.
Why, new axles, or course..... WRONG
The Axel 2006 original tube I have on my 6K rated 'Axel' is rated for 6 or 7K#. I did not know that. This is the tube only.
The hub on a 6K Axel is only rated for 6K#.... WRONG it is rated for 7K#
So, I asks myself what does it take to re-rate my 6K Axel from 6K# to 7K#?
New springs and Brakes. Yep.
Now, they do have a heaver wall tube, but the thinner wall is still rated for 7K.

I have got so much conflicting information on axles and weights, my head was starting to ignite. I spent all morning on the phone with Dexter dealers here in Kansas City, and also with Rick Capsa, product manager with Dexter.
Here is a copy of his last email to me on my unit. (I emailed him the axel ID number. Stamped on it about a foot from the passenger side, centered)

Jim:
To upgrade to 7000 lbs components you would need to change the brakes and the leaf springs. The part numbers for new brakes that are self adjusting is K23-464-00 LH ($112.08 each) and K23-465-00 RH ($112.08 each). You would need one of each per axle. You would also need to change the leaf springs from the current ones that are rated at 3000 lbs each to leaf springs rated at 3500 lbs each. The part number for the spring is 072-027-00. The price for the spring is $79.60 each. You would need 2 springs per axle. Based on 2 pair of brakes and 4 leaf springs the shipping cost would be around $72.00. If you have any questions please let me know.
Rick Kapsa | Product Manager
Dexter Axle - Company Headquarters
rkapsa@dexteraxle.com ~ direct tel: (574) 296-7386
fax: (574) 295-1069 ~ main tel: (574) 295-7888
2900 Industrial Parkway East ~ Elkhart, Indiana 46516, USA
Dexter | a Tomkins Company

[helmick]

Ozz
Our 2007 came with 7,000 LB axels, we did upgrade the brakes to self adjusting. At the Goshen Rally last year Dexter had a special on the whole brake setup for $35.00 per wheel. Our old brakes were still good but we went ahead and changed because of the great price.
Ron

[Ozz]

I will look at the brake issue, but don't know when.
You were lucky to get such a good deal. What is the difference? (brakes)

[Phil P]

Hi
I have a question? Does your trailer lean or sit straight? Do you think it will lean the other way after installing the springs? I am thinking of putting the 7,000 lb. axels under mine.
Phil P

[Ozz]

Hi Phil,
It does sit low on the drivers side, many do with the weight on one side. I think this set-up will work good, but you never really know..

[Ozz]

Getting all the gear ready for the Springs and wet-bolt work.
I took an I-Beam support pole, cut it in sections and welded feet on 2 of them so I can use them to hold up the Monte, I have 2-3ton adjustable supports also.
I figured 24" to the frame, if I'm off, I have plenty of plywood squares for shims.

[brenkco]

Hey Jim,
I know you are looking forward to hitting the road soon. I was just checking the photo with the jacks noticed the items in the background. Are you planning on hauling all that "stuff" along with you? Perhaps you'll need a second story on the Monte???

Ken

[pineranch]

I need to see his MSDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike