How to Select Replacement Leaf Springs for 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 06/24/2021 | Published 12/19/2016

Question:

Im am wondering how to tell if I need to replace the leaf springs on my 32 foot 5th wheel. My rear driver side tire is wearing on the outside edges. I always keep the tires properly inflated. The bottom leaf in the spring pack on this side is twisted out of the pack by at least half an inch. I have some pictures i could send if that would help. Thanks.

asked by: Gary C

Helpful Expert Reply:

It does sound like you have found some clear damage to your 5th wheel trailer's leaf springs that will require attention.

Uneven tire wear can be caused by a number of things - incorrect pressure, inadequate weight on the axle or a visibly damaged component like a leaf spring that has allowed the suspension geometry to change. It sounds like the broken driver-side spring is letting the axle hang too low on that side, which brings the tire's outside edge into more contact with the road than the inside edge of the tread surface.

As noted in the linked article on trailer maintenance leaf springs ideally will be replaced every 12K miles. I also linked our main page for replacement leaf springs. You will want to remove one spring so that you can measure its length without the weight of the trailer affecting it. You can then use the linked page to all leaf springs to select your type (slipper or double-eye), length and axle capacity.

expert reply by: Adam R

Frank H.

2/22/2020

When. You talk about 25-1/4” long leaf spring are you talking center to center or over all. And how do you measure that. I Owen a 2016 reflection by grand design 27rl and have replace all 4 leaf springs. As i replaced the they said the are stronger. But no mention of how much weight they can hold. They are still 4 leaf spring . I am wondering if i should have had 5 leaf springs instead of 4. Or is it possible. Can you use a caliper to measure the thickness. Or it does not make a difference it matters on how may leaf springs.

Chris R.

2/24/2020

When we measure trailer leaf spring length we are going from the center of one "eye" to the center of the other. The 25-1/4" length on # SP-111275 is measured in this manner. To obtain an accurate measurement this should be taken with the trailer jacked up so there isn't weight bearing down on the springs. As long as the capacity of the springs match (or exceed) your axle capacity, the number of leaves doesn't matter.

Helpful Links

faq-Double-Eye-Trailer-Suspension-Review.aspx

Jay P.

6/23/2021

Chris, since the securing points for the spring are stationary, the spring measurement will be the same...loaded or unloaded. Just measure center to center if spring is already off and broken. Otherwise it doesn't matter. ALSO,Chris, spring steel just doesn't "stretch" over time or bc of use. Otherwise the 1960s trucks with leaf springs, that are still rolling with OEM springs, would never have made it if they stretched...mounting points just don't move to accommodate the stretch soooo.no stretch. Thanks.

Jon G.

6/24/2021

@JayP You should have shackle straps that the leaf springs secure to which do have some movement in them. And leaf springs can stretch over time. The old springs will still fit (which is why your example of the trucks makes sense), but they are worn out and need replacing. They won't stretch (or flatten out) much but it is possible.

Steven W.

6/7/2020

My measure on my leaf spring for my 2015 Sabre 26-3/4, I need to replace.. one of my springs have flattened. It has 4 leafs currently, do you have any suggestions ? I already have the flex- system by TrailAir..

Brian H.

7/9/2020

I have a FR Wildcat 5th wheel, 38’, 333mk, dual axle. The back tires are wearing heavily on the inside, the drivers side the most. While inspecting the undercarriage, I found the front passenger side leaf spring broken. The two front tires are wearing evenly. Are these issues related? If not what is causing the rear tires to wear so bad on the inside?

Chris R.

7/14/2020

A broken leaf spring will certainly affect the trailer's entire suspension setup, so there's a good chance this is what is leading to the uneven tread wear on the tires. Replacing the leaf spring ASAP is definitely a priority. I've linked our full selection below.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-Trailer_Suspension_Parts-sf-Leaf_Springs.aspx