What Causes Trailer Leaf Springs To Break Continuously

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Question:

We have been full-time in a 2011 Landmark 39foot 5rh wheel for nearly 8 years. 2 years ago had broken leaf spring after hitting very bad pothole. Replaced all 4 at that time. Now just broke one, replaced with spare , and 2 days later broke opposite side. Have not changed weight load at all. Still 1000 miles from our winter location, so nervous it will happen again. Will pick up another spare, and lucky husband is very capable of replacing. Any ideas of what might be causing all of a sudden?

asked by: Norma

0

Expert Reply:

Yes, leaf springs must be replaced in pairs which is why one side left go and then the other shortly after. In regards to the stent you get on a full set of leaf springs, there are really a ton of variables present here so it is hard to predict. However, if you are a full-timer then odds are your trailer is going to be subjected to harder conditions and most likely more weight than the average trailer therefore your suspension components will wear faster.

I have attached our leaf spring selection for you below. If you can give me your axle capacity as well as your center to center eye measurements I can get you setup with the correct ones but you might also think about going up in capacity. Also, the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs part # TSS-107-40 (leaf springs over axle) or part # TSS-106-40 (axle over leaf springs) could be added to each axle as well which would serve as not only a fail safe but also work to reduce wear on the leaf springs allowing them to last longer.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Francis

9/21/2024

I have a 20' car hauler trailer "Pace Outback". Double axle with electric brakes and I think the max GVW is 7500 lbs. I have about 3000 lbs of car and tools in the trailer so not heavily loaded. I broke a leaf spring about 4 years ago and replaced all 4 leafs and the trailer repair shop added a elastomer damper on the link between the front and rear leaf to take some of the shock loads off the leaf. I broke another leaf 2 weeks ago on a long trip. It was a huge hassle finding a shop on the road and get that broke leaf replaced. I did get a spare leaf though. Can the Sumo Springs prevent future breaks? Are there higher quality springs made in the USA? Thanks Francis

Reply

Jesse M.

9/23/2024

@Francis Hello Francis. Sumo Spring helper springs certainly can help reduce the stress on your leaf springs and help prevent them from over-flexing and breaking. A slightly higher rated spring might also be something to consider. We do offer a few USA made leaf springs from Dexter. If you can share the weight capacity of each acle and the eye-to-eye length of the unloaded leaf spring I am happy to look into it and see what we can offer you.

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Francis

9/23/2024

@JesseM the spare leaf spring I have is 25 1/4" eye to eye and it is made by Dexter 07-025-00 AH another marking is NH China 2403-0331. Between the Sumo Spring helper and replacing all of the leaf springs, which is more safe to prevent future leaf spring breaking? Both broken leaf springs are on the right side of the trailer, which hits a lot of pot holes. The axles are above the leaf springs, so can you send me the part number for the Sumo Springs. Thanks Francis

Reply

Jesse M.

9/23/2024

@Francis The Dexter 07-025-00 shows up as a spring for a 5,200 lb axle. Can you confirm that your axles are indeed 5,200 lb rated? If so, the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket # SS26MV is the correct kit. Keep in mind you will need 2 kits for a tandem axle trailer. One option might be to go with a higher rated spring like the 5-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long # e34SR. The only potential downside of this is the higher rated springs creating a more rough ride. We also offer a direct replacement for your Dexter spring part # DX45CR, if you need to replace a broken one. If it were me I would replace the broken springs with part # DX45CR then try the Sumo Springs. They are such an easy add on. If you put them on and somehow still break a spring, we could look at higher rated springs. For now just try to avoid those potholes too ;)

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See All (13) Replies to Francis ∨

Answer 1

Hey Jim, Leaf spring ratings are listed as the axle's capacity which would mean that a pair of the #DX73CR would be rated for 2,800lbs. A single #DX73CR would only be rated for 1,400lbs. Since you have 3,500lb axles you'll need to make sure…

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Answer 2

Hello Derek; unless the leaf springs you have now are worn out and flat you aren't going to be gaining any real height from other leaf springs. If your leaf springs run under the axle (underslung) you could move them to the top (overslung) using…

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Answer 3

Hey Phil! Thanks for getting back to me with those measurements! We have a leaf spring that is an exact replacement but I am guessing it's the pricey one you referenced. It is the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,400-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4"…

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Answer 4

If all of the suspension components of the trailer are in good working order and it isn't being overloaded the springs shouldn't be breaking. How much does the trailer weigh total? Are the roads you are traveling rougher than most? What…

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Answer 5

What's up, Chuck? You can definitely use higher-rated springs for your trailer, and for that I recommend checking out the 25-1/4" Long 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,400-lb Trailer Axles #DX95CR. Be sure to change out the leaf springs on…

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Answer 6

You have a Lippert 3500 lb axle with 10 inch brake assemblies/hub drums. We can't order custom axles, but we do offer a Dexter #7359765-EB off-the-shelf axle that's very similar, the only difference is that the leaf spring seat center to…

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Answer 7

Hello Ivan. Thanks for all the information. 4K axles are not all that common now a days. If you are not loading the trailer at full capacity then you will definitely be safe using the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" -…

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Answer 8

Persistent leaf spring breaking is typically caused by a leaf spring that isn't rated high enough so you might verify that the springs you are installing are rated high enough. And you might also verify at a scale that your trailer doesn't…

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Answer 9

Hey there Ken, that's a good question and the answer is yes, per the nice folks at SuperSprings, you can go ahead and trim the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs #SS26MV. They will still work for your trailer to give your trailer a much more…

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Answer 10

You definitely can cut the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs #TSS-107-40 to fit your application if you don't have enough room. We have confirmed this with SuperSprings on multiple occasions. You might also want to make sure that you haven't…

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Answer 11

The picture with the torn up bushing looks like the eye of your slipper spring. Is that correct? If so, it is coming undone and probably the reason you're having this problem. It should be enclosed and not look similar to the hook on the end of…

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Answer 12

Hey Brian, thanks for reaching out! The measurements you have are similar to the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,400-lb Trailer Axles #DX95CR so it sounds like your leaf springs aren't flattening out as of yet. If you drive on some pretty rough…

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What Causes Trailer Leaf Springs To Break Continuously

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