Solution for a Trailer Bottoming Out on One Side

Updated 07/17/2025 | Published 07/15/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs

(1099)

$268.02

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(821)

$96.35

Question:

I have a 2022 Forest River XLR Micro Boost 25LRLE. I am currently on a 6 week trip to the Northeast from Florida. I have encountered some very rough highways along my travels. My driver side suspension seams to be bottoming out at times and the tires tear the waterproof membrane under the unit. I make a repair using tape and it happens again next travel day. This only happens on the drivers side. Nothing appears to be broken. Do you think I need stiffer leaf springs or a higher suspension? Or both? I replaced the Chinese original tires last year with Goodyear Endurance of the same size, wondering if they might be a bit taller? Thank you for your input.

asked by: Dave G

Expert Reply:

Hey Dave. Yeah, you're definitely rubbing quite a bit. It could be from a larger tire diameter but it could also be your suspension. Could be a combination of both.

Your new tires could be inflated at a different PSI causing them to be taller than the Chinese ones but seeing as how you replaced them with the same size I wouldn't think that's the issue. It would be worth double checking though.

I recommended taking a look at your suspension. You can definitely replace the leaf springs, I would just need to know the distance between the mounting holes on your springs. You'll want to jack one side of the trailer up to get an accurate measurement as they do stretch out.

Another option is to flip your axle. If your springs are underneath your axles you can install item # K71-385-00, which will mount your axles underneath the springs giving you close to a 6" lift. This kit works on 3" diameter axles so you'll want to confirm that's what size you have.

Do you have any slideouts or are you loading your toy hauler more on the driver's side?

expert reply by: Jerred H

Dave G.

7/17/2025

Thank you for your reply. I do not have any slide outs. The springs are already mounted on top of the axels and my motorcycle is located a bit to the passenger side of the trailer. The new tires are inflated to the same setting as the old ones. I haven’t measured them. I guess this pretty much leaves me with suspension issues. Am I asking for problems if I under inflate the tires for the rest of my trip? I probably have around 1500 miles left in my trip? Thanks

Jerred H.

7/17/2025

@DaveG I know you can adjust the PSI on some Goodyear tires so you'll want to refer to their website for guidance on that. I strongly recommend not going below the recommended PSI though.