Replacement Leaf Springs for a 2008 Crossroads RV Zinger Series M-26 BH

Updated 10/23/2018 | Published 10/22/2018

Question:

I have a 2008 Crossroads Zinger ZT26BH. Dry weight is 5517 lbs with cargo of 2096 lbs. Gross around 7600 lbs. Tongue weight of 915. I bought the unit used in great condition, however after a leaf spring failure this summer I believe the leaf springs are either not original or greatly under-sized. There are four 26 double shackle four leaf 1,000 lb. springs on the trailer. The axles are 3500# each and the tires are new Carlisle Radial Trail 205/75 D15. So I broke a leaf spring this summer after noticing that it had a slight kink where the main leaf and the second leaf met. I found two springs and replaced just one while on the road due to difficulty finding the replacement. Upon arriving home - 1200 miles on the new spring...it has a slight kink in the same location. Wear on the other springs, shackles and bolts seems to be minimal...with some surface rust. Ive included some pictures. One with the newly installed spring and one of the broken spring. Note: If I look at my equalizer in the picture it does not look like other pictures Ive seen. I appreciate any help as I am fairly new to the travel trailer scene.

asked by: Daniel

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the leaf springs you have now are far too understated for the weight of your 2008 Crossroads RV Zinger Series M-26 BH. The pair of leaf springs will need to be rated for at least the weight capacity of the axle. For example, if you have a 3,500 lb axle then each leaf spring would need to be rated for a minimum of 1,750 lbs or 3,500 lbs for the pair. You can certainly add a higher rated leaf spring but exceeding the axle capacity by too much is going to create a stiff ride.

If the double eye leaf springs on your trailer measure 26" long now while loaded, they are likely around 25-1/4 while unloaded which experience has lead me to believe. Therefore, I recommend using the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring part # e57SR which are 25-1/4" long eye to eye with a 2,000 lb per spring or 4,000 lb per pair weight capacity. The numbers of leaves does not really matter.

expert reply by: Conner L