Suspension Maintenance

[berridge]

In the not too distant past I learned that a "visual inspection" of the suspension recommended by the axle makers every 6000 miles means more than just looking under the rig. I had a shackle let go while travelling along an interstate causing the trailer chassis to drop down onto the outside wheels stopping them from turning! It was a life altering experience to say the least but I was able to pull off to the roadside safely and with only minor damage. My 5er was not a Montana but had the same make of axle on it. It was not overloaded weighing just over 8500 lbs on two 5000 lb axles. However it had over 40000 miles on it in only 3 years. I have been advised by good RV Techs that the spring should be detached from the hangar or shackle at each end and the bushing pulled for inspection. Any wear on any of the components signals that replacements are needed. The job is quite easy to do and the small cost will add to your/my safety. You can be sure that when my new 3075 has the 6000 mi on it that I will be having this often neglected maintenance job done.