Can Bad Leaf Springs Cause 2018 Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser Travel Trailer to Lean

Updated 08/16/2022 | Published 08/13/2022

Question:

I have a rv that weighs 3300lbs , single axle. It leans lightly to one side. I did raise the camper to let the axle hang and measured eye to eye on the leaf spring and it comes to exactly 25.25. Does this mean that the spring is ok? Or is it possibly going bad?

asked by: Rick

Expert Reply:

The spring measurement you have doesn't indicate if the spring is bad or not. That is nothing more than the length of the leaf spring. Leaf spring lengths also vary within the same capacity, so a trailer that weighs the same could have 26" leaf springs and nothing would be wrong with it.

I would inspect the leaf springs with your trailer on the ground and see what they look like. If that leaf spring looks completely flat then I would replace it with one like the # e57SR. It is recommended to replace leaf springs in pairs so you want to replace both sides. If it has a slight arch still then it could be a different problem.

Another thing to consider is how your trailer is loaded and designed. Any heavy equipment or cargo on one side could cause it to lean. If the leaf springs seem alright it could also be other suspension components going bad or an issue with your axle and I would recommend taking it to a local shop so they can check it out.

expert reply by: Robin H