Help today leaf springs broke/fell off

[purduepete97]

Always great to hear about exceptional customer service.

I had a similar experience recently with O'Reilly Auto Parts. Check engine light came on when we were still 1,500 miles from home. O'Reilly in Holbrook AZ get me hooked up to check out the error code - EGT sensor. They didn't have it in stock, but their Winslow store (about 30 minutes away) did.

Instead of making me drive there to get it, they brought it to Holbrook within about 50 minutes. They even loaned me tools to do the replacement. Not surprisingly, I was unable to remove the old sensor, so one of the employees came out to give it a try. He too was unsuccessful (which made me feel slightly better about my masculinity), so he sent me to a local mechanic who was able to get it out with an impact wrench in about 30 seconds.

All in all - a 3 hour ordeal that could have been a trip destroyer if not for great customer service.

Pete

[swj]

Drove to camping world. Repairs in progress. New axles, stronger spring, new bushing, new everything. The spring Nappa sent me did more Match the sku number I ordered. Nappa tells me there sku # are different than Lippert. Turns out the Nappa spring was a 26 inch. And yes my mechanic installed the spring. Look at the pic of the 26” spring installed after drive. Correct spring was a 24” spring.

[MR.M]

Did you get the correct weight spring ? looks a little flat and spring pack does not seem as thick . did you replace all 4 or just 2 ? when both of my rears broke at the rear mounting hole i replaced all 4 but should always replace in pairs min.

[swj]

Maybe, gave NAPPA Lippert sku. Tried to verify sku on pickup and they said they had different sku # on there systems.

[D W]

Originally Posted by MR.M

Did you get the correct weight spring ? looks a little flat and spring pack does not seem as thick . did you replace all 4 or just 2 ? when both of my rears broke at the rear mounting hole i replaced all 4 but should always replace in pairs min.

OMG, yes! Something is not right there. One spring is flat, the other is arced. The equalizer is cocked toward the arced spring. Either it's the wrong spring, or that axle is severely overloaded. In that condition it will snap again.

[swj]

Lippert tells me the axle replacement, springs, (dust cap to dust cap) # 045004309981 is a 5-8 week delivery window. Camping World has stepped up, sourced local product and is replacing every part they can, as well as new bushings for the parts they cannot. I gave them the okay to whatever they need to do to get me back on the road. Going forward I’m going to travel with 2 springs, install nuts and ubolts.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by D W

OMG, yes! Something is not right there. One spring is flat, the other is arced. The equalizer is cocked toward the arced spring. Either it's the wrong spring, or that axle is severely overloaded. In that condition it will snap again.

The OP indicated in post #42 the temporary replacement that was installed was a 26" spring vs the OEM 24" spring. That will definitely cock the equalizer and sit awkward.

[D W]

Originally Posted by 5picker

The OP indicated in post #42 the temporary replacement that was installed was a 26" spring vs the OEM 24" spring. That will definitely cock the equalizer and sit awkward.

And with that, that spring and axle is carrying all the weight.That spring has just about reached it's deformation point. Not a matter if it will snap, but when it will snap.

[pdqparalegal1]

Originally Posted by swj

Weld old spring and reinstall?

Springs are heat treated. Thats how they flex and return to original position. Most likely would break again at weld. Never heat a spring.

[aircommuter]

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

Springs are heat treated. Thats how they flex and return to original position. Most likely would break again at weld. Never heat a spring.

Welding is possible on a spring for temporary repairs. The key is the proper method. I have been doing it for over 40 years.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by aircommuter

Welding is possible on a spring for temporary repairs. The key is the proper method. I have been doing it for over 40 years.

X2 and I'll add the "for temporary repairs" disclaimer as well... but...

I have an old utility trailer I welded a main ply spring about 30 years ago as a temporary fix. It is still in use today and gets loaded fairly heavy most times it is used!

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by aircommuter

Welding is possible on a spring for temporary repairs. The key is the proper method. I have been doing it for over 40 years.

You're absolutely correct, but here's another option if you can't weld:

[swj]

Camping World used locally sourced parts to put together a new suspension for my TT. CW install (2) Dexter 3500 axles, (4) four piece leaf springs, new hardware and a Dexter equivalent to Lippert equal-lite. Cleaned drums, packed bearings, new wiring and connections. Repaired trailer underbelly. CW knew I was coming. 24 hours turnaround. TT tows great. Seems to sit up a bit on new suspension. Smooth and tracks great. I wanted Dexter axle kit, everything new from dust cap to dust cap, buy delivery time was 6-8 weeks.

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by swj

Camping World used locally sourced parts to put together a new suspension for my TT. CW install (2) Dexter 3500 axles, (4) four piece leaf springs, new hardware and a Dexter equivalent to Lippert equal-lite. Cleaned drums, packed bearings, new wiring and connections. Repaired trailer underbelly. CW knew I was coming. 24 hours turnaround. TT tows great. Seems to sit up a bit on new suspension. Smooth and tracks great. I wanted Dexter axle kit, everything new from dust cap to dust cap, buy delivery time was 6-8 weeks.

WOW!! Camping World comes through! This goes to show that not all Camping Worlds are the same.

It broke my heart when my cousin sold his RV dealership in Boise, Idaho to Gander/Camping World. His dealership had a great reputation for sales and service for decades, and I thought for sure that legacy would go down the tubes with this acquisition. Apparently, though, that dealership has maintained its good reputation and held onto the values and ethics my cousin maintained there for his entire life.

EDIT: I just did a Google search and found this dealership maintains a 4.3 out of 5 star rating. That’s excellent!

Bruce

[5picker]

Originally Posted by nomad297

WOW!! Camping World comes through! This goes to show that not all Camping Worlds are the same.

It broke my heart when my cousin sold his RV dealership in Boise, Idaho to Gander/Camping World. His dealership had a great reputation for sales and service for decades, and I thought for sure that legacy would go down the tubes with this acquisition. Apparently, though, that dealership has maintained its good reputation and held onto the values and ethics my cousin maintained there for his entire life.

EDIT: I just did a Google search and found this dealership maintains a 4.3 out of 5 star rating. That’s excellent!

Bruce

I agree... kudos to Camping World! (at least this one)

We hear LOTS of horror stories about them so props for them when they finally do good.