What Causes Trailer Leaf Springs To Break Continuously

Question

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

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.

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

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 ;)

See All (13) Replies to Francis ∨

Answer 1

Hey Frank, thanks for reaching out! Yes, when the axle is located under the leaf springs that is considered "overslung" so the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs #TSS-107-40 are exactly what you need. Be sure to get one kit for each axle!…

view full answer...

Answer 2

I recommend using the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs #SS26MV on your 2021 Grand Design Momentum 395M. These springs are rated for use on axles with a capacity of 5,000-8,000lbs and are mounted below the leaf springs. Your Momentum has three…

view full answer...

Answer 3

We do have a solution for your 2015 Keystone Hideout 27DBS's sagging leaf springs. They are called SumoSprings and they provide progressive load support that gives you additional support as needed. They work great to balance off center loads like…

view full answer...

Answer 4

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…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hey Tyler, For a 3,500lb axle SuperSprings International has you covered with their SumoSprings Helper Spring line, you'll just need to see if the axle is above or below the leaf springs. If the axle is below the leaf springs you have an…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Nope it's correct. As a pair they are rated at 500 lbs at 50% on the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket item #TSS-107-40. This kit is designed for 3,000 lbs - 5,000 lbs overslung axles with springs sitting above the…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hi James! I was able to find one whole picture of the underside of a 2024 Grand Design Momentum MAV 27MAV (insert a sigh here), but no actual axle info. However, with the fully loaded weight being right at 11,000 pounds, you most likely have 5,200 to…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Based on my research, your 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX-7 183RB Baja has a single 3,500 lb axle which is overslung - meaning the leaf springs sit over the axle. Knowing that, the correct SumoSprings for your trailer are the SumoSprings Trailer Helper…

view full answer...

Answer 9

It is possible to upgrade the leaf springs on a trailer to a higher rated set but I do not recommend this as it can create a rough ride. The better option would be to install the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs part #TSS-107-40 for overslung or…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey Jeff, the best option would be the part #e94SR which is a 26 inch long leaf spring designed for 6k trailer axles. This would be a little higher rated than what you have now but the performance would still be great.

view full answer...

Answer 11

Thanks for your question, Bryan! Sometimes it can be hard to get an exact measurement on the leaf springs. I'm not sure if you jacked up the trailer to let the axle hang when you took your measurement, that would be the ideal method, but it's…

view full answer...

Answer 12

You will want to use a single Diode #RM-790 for connecting your rear utility lights as reverse lights also. You will be able to place this diode near your existing light switch and run the wiring from your 7-way to there. This will eliminate having…

view full answer...

What Causes Trailer Leaf Springs To Break Continuously

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching