Springs

[runriver]

I have a 2011 28' Sunset Trail, and have a broken spring on the right rear axle. The repair shop says that the springs are inadequate. Has anyone else had trouble with broken springs, and should I consider heavier ones? We pull a lot of miles - like 30k a year, mostly interstates. Thank you.

[Hamops]

A broken spring is somewhat unusual but it does happen. Normally the springs are sized to match the projected GVWR of the trailer less the tongue or pin weight. If the spring shop people say that the springs are inadequate, they may be, but I doubt it. I suspect that you had a defective spring from the beginning and it took all those miles to destroy it.

You can consider heavier springs but you also have to consider the axles as well. If you have heavier springs, the axles take a greater pounding and will flex more and are more likely to bend out of alignment.It's only my opinion, but if you were able to go as far as you did on the original springs, then replacing them with similar sized springs would be your best bet. Replacing four spring sets is considerably cheaper than replacing an axle.

Edited by: Hamops

[Stan]

I was once told that a lot of the original springs are from the East(China) and are made of inferior steel. Buying a US made spring may be all that is needed.

[Hamops]

Originally Posted by Stan

I was once told that a lot of the original springs are from the East(China) and are made of inferior steel. Buying a US made spring may be all that is needed.

I don't know about the spring being made in country, makes that much difference because usually the steel that is used is from off-shore.