Replacing leaf springs on Sunset Trail 5th wheel

[st.rodder2]

Has anyone replaced the leaf springs on their trailer? Do you know the length of the spring? I going to go to a 6 leaf spring instead of the 4 leaf. My current springs are measuring 25 3/4 long loaded. Not sure if I should go with the 25 1/4 or 26" length. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John

 

[Jimbo57]

I’m not a leaf spring expert but why are you switching to 6 leafs. Is this to make ride stiffer or handle more weight. If more weight can the axles handle more?

 

[st.rodder2]

The 4 leafs are flattened out and I want to raise the trailer a little so it is level to the truck.

 

[Jimbo57]

It’s a TT so I’d add a drop hitch on truck to keep trailer frame level and center of gravity low as possible

 

[st.rodder2]

I have a 5th wheel so I need to raise the trailer.

 

[Jimbo57]

Sorry when I looked 2015 sunset trail SF32 Rl it came up with travel travel, maybe I typed something wrong

 

[st.rodder2]

Early 2015 is when they discontinued this model.

 

[Jimbo57]

Very nice, forget the drop hitch idea. In the old days we would add spacers between springs and axles with longer u bolts

 

[txlarz]

I'm no spring expert either, but I did replace both leaf springs on one axle of my Trilogy 5th wheel (selling now that I've bought a Magnitude -- wish me luck).

I was very careful to measure and get the correct length of spring bolt-center to bolt-center. It was difficult enough getting the new springs back in without worrying about an extra 1" of length. I would *think* the only way to raise the trailer would not have much to do with adding leafs (unless it removed enough sag).

Looking at the "before" photo on mine below (you can see the spring is collapsed at the rear). I don't see how I could get another inch in there. A longer spring in my case would just push the shackles closer to the equa-flex.

I know this was zero help, good luck, post pics (trailer and bruised knuckles).

 

[Jimbo57]

Did the leafs shift allowing the top to bend

 

[st.rodder2]

No, I believe it's just that they have worn out. I have over 15K miles on the trailer. I replaced all the bushings and wet bolts last year and notices the eyelets were starting to ovalize. Figured it's time to replace springs. And as I said earlier, The tires are hitting the tops of the wheel wells.

 

[dagst1]

The second spring either shifted or broke off allowing the top spring to sag.

 

[DavisK]

I used to have a 2014 Sunset Trail SF270BH. When I added wet bolts, I noticed that the springs were mounted in the upper holes in the spring mounts. If you notice in txlarz's photo his spring is mounted in the lower hole in the mount on the left. Mine were originally in the upper holes and lowering them added about 1.5 inches to the height.

 

[st.rodder2]

Mine only has 1 mounting hole. Talked to Lippert and found that the springs are 25 1/4" unloaded. Ordered replacement springs and U-bolts. Just waiting for them to arrive. Thanks everyone for your help trying to resolve this. Happy camping and safe travels.

 

[Jimbo57]

Thank you for giving us closure to your question

 

[txlarz]

FYI - My picture is not the OP, just a reference for my reply. Don't want to distract the OP's topic.