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Old 04-24-2022, 09:56 PM   #1
Maks
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New trailer spring advice req'd

We have a 2018 Montana 3790rd and after almost 30,000 miles it looks like I need to replace the suspension springs. A couple years ago I noticed some bad wear on one of the tires and it was eventually sourced to suspension misalignment due to a broken spring.
It was replaced in short order. Now 8,000 miles later, I notice that one side of the trailer rides a couple inches lower than the other. I checked underneath and saw that the three springs that were not replaced are flatter than the new one.
So I plan to replace all four with new springs, wet bolts and U-bolts.
My question is... Are springs available that are stronger than the standard 7000 lb axle springs and that would fit? I will freely admit that on occasion I run a bit overweight. (The 3790rd has lots of storage space....and with more space, more "stuff" seems to accumulate.)
Any feedback is appreciated.
 
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Old 04-25-2022, 04:23 AM   #2
RMcNeal
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I'm not sure about getting springs that are stronger and still fit, however, you can get something like Sumo Springs to add to the mix. They offer a bump stop type of spring for trailer/RV axles.
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Old 04-25-2022, 08:33 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by RMcNeal View Post
I'm not sure about getting springs that are stronger and still fit, however, you can get something like Sumo Springs to add to the mix. They offer a bump stop type of spring for trailer/RV axles.
Our 2022 model HC came "over sprung" with 3500 lb springs on 6K axles. Thinking that might well have made a somewhat rougher ride for the fiver, I added the SumoSprings. Though I can't tell much difference in the ride from the truck, the fiver seems to ride flatter in the curves and in about 2500 miles now haven't seen the first sign of molding or trim pieces coming the least bit loose. Speculating the fiver itself is indeed getting a smoother ride.
Just food for thought.
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Old 04-25-2022, 08:48 AM   #4
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Maks, we broke springs twice on our 2010 Big Sky. The second time was in Anchorage, Alaska. Our 2015 and 2021’s had IS added and obviously we liked it so much on our 2015 that we added it to our 2021. On the 2015 we added disk brakes as well. The 2021 had disk brakes standard. You can beef up your springs, but it will ride rougher. Best of luck with the repairs. Watch the torque on all your suspension components.
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Old 04-25-2022, 03:27 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by RMcNeal View Post
I'm not sure about getting springs that are stronger and still fit, however, you can get something like Sumo Springs to add to the mix. They offer a bump stop type of spring for trailer/RV axles.
We went with Sumo springs also after our suspension failed. They act as shock absorbers and limit the travel of the springs.

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Old 04-25-2022, 07:35 PM   #6
Hblick48
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I had 2 springs crack on two different occasions. Fun finding a shop to repair when "in transit". Also, a set of tires lasted 7,000 miles because inside edge of all 4 were almost worn down to the cord. Rig has 6,000 pound axles with 2,500 pound springs (from the factory). I replaced all 4 with 3,000 pound springs (1 extra leaf). New set of tires and no more abnormal tire wear.
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Old 04-26-2022, 08:25 AM   #7
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Been cobbling together a "go box" of spare regular size fuses, the odd ball size Maxi fuses, circuit breakers, washers, pex fittings and such. Now contemplating whether or not to go ahead and source a spare spring to carry onboard prior to heading out full time. My list appears to keep getting longer and longer.
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Old 04-26-2022, 09:01 AM   #8
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yep

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee-CI View Post
Been cobbling together a "go box" of spare regular size fuses, the odd ball size Maxi fuses, circuit breakers, washers, pex fittings and such. Now contemplating whether or not to go ahead and source a spare spring to carry onboard prior to heading out full time. My list appears to keep getting longer and longer.
I carry 2 sets of spare springs,2 sets of greased wheel bearings in a Tupperware container I stole from my wife, 2 greaseable shackle bolts, 4 brass spring bushings and a spare MoRryde SRE 4000 suspension unit, this tore the rubber out 1/2 way home on a trip and the trailer leaned like crazy, had one over nighted to the next camp ground we stayed at. (that was very expensive given the weight) Given the number of people that report a suspension failures on the road I`m trying not to get stranded like they were. All this can be replaced on the side of the road if necessary. Yeh, I know were dose it end.
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Old 04-26-2022, 07:59 PM   #9
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I have towed 131,000 miles. I have never broken a spring or any suspension parts. I will probably have a wet bolt go bad soon since I said that and they are 4-5 years old. Fingers crossed.
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Old 04-27-2022, 06:00 AM   #10
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With the exceptions of bolts, bearings, fuses and such, I'm more in the camp of "source it when it breaks". You can tie up a lot of money and haul a ton of weight trying to guess what you will need.
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Old 05-01-2022, 01:27 PM   #11
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I recommend getting under the Monty and getting the data of the Dexter axle label. Then call Dexter and ask if they have a spring rated higher than yours that will fit into the hangers. With a 7,000 lb axle, that tells me that you have 3,500 lb springs. My Monty came with 6,000 axles and 3,000 lb springs. After I broke a spring, with the assistance of Dexter, I upgraded to 3.500 lb springs. In addition to giving me peace of mind about the weight, it raised the coach about 3/4" due to an extra leaf and another 1/4" because the new springs don't sag as much under load. That helped to level out my rig without a significant increase in ride height.
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Old 05-01-2022, 01:28 PM   #12
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You absolutely can use 4K springs on 7k axles. We do that standard now on all new Montana’s.
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Old 05-15-2022, 12:28 PM   #13
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Update: We made it home to northern Canada a couple days ago. Since I am replacing all 4 springs due to them being "flattened", I crawled under the trailer to confirm measurements. I was shocked to find that one of the springs had broken. 2 of the 6 leafs had snapped. Looks like I was very lucky to get home with no damage and no noticeable tire wear. I was checking the springs everytime we parked for the night on our 2600 mile trip home. Must have happened on our very last day.....which happened to be Friday the 13th. Not sure if I was lucky or unlucky but I'll go with lucky.
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Old 05-15-2022, 05:09 PM   #14
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Thankful you folks made it back home safe and sound, as well as nothing appears to have fallen from the spring pack. Looks like you have some work ahead of you now. Again, glad to hear you had safe travels.....
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Old 11-14-2022, 12:22 PM   #15
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I'm a late comer on this thread but here goes...
We broke a spring over the summer. I replaced it.
Now that we are home I want to replace all the springs and hardware. The springs look kinda flat. 3 years old and 36,000 miles.
My axles are 7K Dexter axles with Lippert Road Armor Equalizers (factory installed).
With 3,500lb double eye 6 leaf 24, 7/8" long.

I bought 4 new 3,500lb 6 leaf springs at a local shop BUT they are 25 1/4" long.

My question is, will they fit properly being 3/8" longer each, which comes to 3/4" longer per side.

Or will the slack in the swing of the Shackle take up the extra 3/4"???
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