Leaf Springs on my Sierra

fchief4 · 07-08-2012, 08:20 AM

I have a 2009 Sierra 356RL 5th wheel. It has a GVW of 14,075#. About two weeks ago I had returned from a weekend trip and before I ran the slides in I decided to lube the slide rails. While under the slides I noticed that the tires had been hitting the bottom of the trailer; enough times to rub holes in the protective covering exposing the trailer floor. I took the trailer back to the dealer to see what was causing it and a few days later he called and stated that the leaf springs were bad. This doesn't make sense. The trailer is only 3 years old. I have never come close to maxing out the weight. However, Forest River also agreed that the leaf springs were bad. After further investigation, Forest River built this trailer, as well as other heavy models, with two 6,000# axles with 6,000# leaf springs to go with 'em. If the trailer is rated at 14,075 GVW, why are they putting 12,000# of axles on the trailer? Am I missing something here? Has anyone else had this problem??
Thanks

Twisty · 07-08-2012, 09:49 AM

About 20% of the gross weight is on the pin. Subtract the pin weight from the gross weight and you should have 12,000 lbs or less on the axles.

fchief4 · 07-08-2012, 12:51 PM

Thanks. What you say makes sense but why would the leaf springs wear out in just 3 years? Any ideas?

Dave_Monica · 07-08-2012, 11:09 PM

The manufacturer usually determines the campers GVWR by adding the dry pin weight to the axle ratings...6000 x 2 + 2075 = 14,075 lbs.

Does it appear that the springs have lost some of their arch? Is camper sitting lower now than before?

Dave

fchief4 · 07-09-2012, 05:41 PM

Well, the trailer has always rode low. I always had a hard time getting the tire covers on cause there wasn't room to get my hand between the tire and trailer. Plus the tires have been hitting the bottom of the trailer. The mechanic did say that my trailer has 3" hangers and all the new ones have 4". I went ahead and had the mechanic put 7,000# springs on it cause I'm going on a long trip this weekend. There is a noticeable difference in towing and it raised the trailer about two inches maybe more. Forest River also looked at pics we sent and they even said the springs looked bad. It's 3 years old! They shouldn't be bad.

Snotrocket · 07-10-2012, 05:38 AM

****** SAFETY ALERT ******

If you own a Forest River Camper with 3500 lb. Axles and your tires are wearing like they are underinflated or overloaded - CHECK YOUR SPRINGS !!!

Contact gmyers@forestriverinc.com immediately if you have concerns.

I will post about my experience with Forest River and my 2011 Wildwood 26DDSS with flat springs soon. Bottom line - If you want to a headache buy a Forest River.

**Herk7769** · 07-10-2012, 05:50 AM

Photos please. Why are the springs bad?

Snotrocket · 07-10-2012, 05:52 AM

I have a 2011 Wildwood 26DDSS with 3500 lb. axles we bought new last fall. My tires were almost wore out last fall so this spring I was checking things out and that is when I noticed the same bottoming out you were explaining. Started looking and found all my springs were flat. Contacted my dealer immediately and they said they had sold another one with the same problems and they had 3 brand new units on their lot with flat springs. I think they are cutting corners relying on that 20% and they end up being overloaded. If you have concerns talk to gmyers@forestriverinc.com. He'll jerk you around and around making you despise Forest River.

fchief4 · 07-10-2012, 05:29 PM

My dealer has the pics of the springs. I'll get them tomorrow and try and post them.

OldCoot · 07-10-2012, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herk7769

Photos please. Why are the springs bad?

I would venture a guess that the axle mfg got a batch of springs that missed a heat treat or the wrong material that couldn't be heat treated. Happens more frequently than you would imagine. Have dealt with similar problems for years in the mfg industry.

The axle mfg needs a better receiving inspection system and should require material certifications and certified heat treat results.

pwrplay · 07-20-2012, 06:51 AM

I started a post in the Coachmen Thread about my springs being flat as a pancake and my trailer is only 3 months old. I just noticed them this past weekend when checking under the trailer before our trip this weekend

Here's a link to my thread which has pictures of the springs.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...out-26355.html

The trailer is at the dealer right now. Lippert told them they where 2200lbs springs on my 3500lbs axles. The dealer is replacing them with Dexter 3000lbs springs

and I'll be picking it up tonight. Should help with towing performance as I found the trailer seemed to bounce more than it should have on uneven pavement.

He told me yesterday when I dropped it off that they have been having alot of issues with Lippert axles recently and that they are also very hard to deal with for warranty claims.

TURBS · 07-20-2012, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwrplay

I started a post in the Coachmen Thread about my springs being flat as a pancake and my trailer is only 3 months old. I just noticed them this past weekend when checking under the trailer before our trip this weekend

Here's a link to my thread which has pictures of the springs.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...out-26355.html

The trailer is at the dealer right now. Lippert told them they where 2200lbs springs on my 3500lbs axles. The dealer is replacing them with Dexter 3000lbs springs

and I'll be picking it up tonight. Should help with towing performance as I found the trailer seemed to bounce more than it should have on uneven pavement.

He told me yesterday when I dropped it off that they have been having alot of issues with Lippert axles recently and that they are also very hard to deal with for warranty claims.

Just so I'm clear whats wrong with 2,200 lb springs on 3,500 lb axles?

OldCoot · 07-20-2012, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Just so I'm clear whats wrong with 2,200 lb springs on 3,500 lb axles?

1,300# short on capacity

TURBS · 07-20-2012, 07:36 AM

Last time I went to school 2,200 plus 2,200 = 4,400 ?
So are they really 1,200 lb springs?

pwrplay · 07-20-2012, 07:44 AM

There is nothing wrong with 2200 lb springs on 3500# axles, as long as they hold the weight. Mine where not holding the weight and failed ( Trailer axle was 6500lbs at the CAT scale). Realistically they only need to have 1750# springs on these axles. Maybe they may have gotten a bad batch of steel? I don't know, but my dealer was telling me that they push the limits on the capacities to save weight and cost.

When the dealer said Lippert was sending them new ones, I asked my dealer if they where higher rated ones and she said she didn't know. At this point I got the dealer principle involved and because the Lippert ones wouldn't be in before our trip, he procured the 3000lbs Dexter axles which he said ( and I have read) are better.

I do know that I will replace these Lippert axles with Dexter axles if they end up bending or failing down the road.

pwrplay · 07-20-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Last time I went to school 2,200 plus 2,200 = 4,400 ?
So are they really 1,200 lb springs?

LoL I don't think he realized I meant each spring, not combined.
Lippert said they are definitely 2200 lbs springs.

I wonder how many springs out there are running flat due Mfgs pushing capacity limits? I bet it is more than we think as I doubt majority of people would know what to look for.

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