Robert6401
Gilbert, SC
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Joined: 02/07/2009
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The leaf springs on my 5er have begun to sag to the point that the tires have rubbed through the undercarriage covering exposing the wood. This isn't an older rig, it's a 2009 model. I'm pretty aggravated by this, but was planning on lifting the 5th wheel a few inches to compensate for the height of my truck's rear-end anyways. Should I go ahead and lift the 5th wheel using a subframe welded above the spring hangers, or would I benefit better from going to a spring shop and having them install some newer springs? Can they add height with springs, or would I still need to do the subframe lift, too? I'd rather accomplish the needed raising at one time if at all possible.
2003 Ford 7.3 Superduty
2009 Forest River Sierra 335QBQ
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CANAMKID
SAINT CLOUD,MN.
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Joined: 05/16/2012
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Wow I woudn't think the spring should be failing so soon. Hopefully
you are not over weight or could it be very rough roads?
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Robert6401
Gilbert, SC
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Not overweight, just had the rig weighed and I have just over 10k lbs on two 6k lb axles.
Edit to add - and yes, the rig was loaded fully for a trip.
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maniac007
South Carolina
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Joined: 03/12/2009
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Check with Columbia Spring out on Bluff Rd. They can re-arch, rebuild, or put a spring to your specifications. They have done a lot of work for us over the years. I haven't been down there is a couple of years. They can remove and install.
02 F350SD 7.3 CC DRW, 06 Cougar 314EFS
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wandering1
Texas
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Have you weighed the trailer to see if you are over loaded? Thats the first place to start.
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Robert6401
Gilbert, SC
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Maniac - thanks for the suggestion, Columbia Spring was the shop I had in mind if I decide to go that route. Can they add height with the springs?
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Ozlander
Rose Hill, Kansas
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Joined: 04/23/2003
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Why don't you ask the spring shop. They SHOULD be able to answer all of your questions.
Ozlander
06 Yukon XL
2001 Trail-Lite 7253
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Robert6401
Gilbert, SC
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Alright Ozlander, I guess the better way to ask the question is has anyone heard of using springs to raise the 5th wheel as opposed to the subframe method or blocks?
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gitane59
Ontario, Can
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Joined: 02/21/2004
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I don't think re-arching the existing springs will buy you much for very long if at all.
I would carefully look over your existing springs with a bright light as you may have a broken leaf or 2. Broken leaves are hard to detect underneath the trailer without a bright light shining on the springs.
Take a look at my picture library to see what happens when broken leaves are ignored.
If you are going to the trouble of putting a subframe lift in to accomodate your truck height For the cost of 4 new 3500lb 6 leaf springs and a wet bolt kit it would be the perfect time to do the upgrade and then you would have no further worries about your suspension at all.
Pictures of Newmar Renovation
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maniac007
South Carolina
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The best thing is to call and make an appointment to meet them with the unit and explain that you want 1"-2" more than what is factory ride height. They did good work and it was ready when they said it would be. Normally if they arn't to busy, they can do it in a day.
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