Broken Leaf Spring

jhqpzjg · April 25

Hi Folks,

I have a 2015 Gulfstream (Ameri-Lite) Kingsport 198BH travel trailer with a broken leaf spring. The trailer is several hours away and I don't have a way to get measurements on the spring to find a replacement part. I have already left a message with Gulfstream, who is unfortunately experiencing 'unusually high call volume'. I haven't had much luck with finding dealers that can answer my question, either. What I need is specifics on the spring, such as length, number of leaves, etc. so that I can locate a replacement. I know the axle has a 3500 lb rating, and I have the VIN and SER# for the trailer, as well. Anyone out there have this trailer, or know of a resource for finding this info?

Thanks,

Jason

bobsallyh · April 25

Jason, don't know if this will help, but. Go to www.etrailer.com and hit on leaf springs for 3500 lb. axles. If the trailer is close to Tractor Supply or a place similar, I'd chance it. Or get one locally with the ability to be able to return it.

Ray,IN · April 25

Some spring mfgrs. sell individual leafs for springs, you need the same information + the length and thickness of broken spring. The downside is, when the leaf broke, the rest of them were probably over-stressed.

Pages 25-26 of this Dexter catalog explains how to measure and order springs: https://www.dexteraxle.com/user_area/content_media/raw/2020.05_LIT-122-00.pdf

Edited April 25 by Ray,IN

hiljoball · April 26

At minimum, change the leaf spring on the other side of that axle. If the leaf spring is even slightly different than the original, it will affect the wheel alignment of that axle.

John

TXiceman · April 26

AS a minimum, change the total spring pack for both side of that axle. Personally, I'd change the springs on both axles if it is dual axle. But first, I would get the weight on the axles to make sure you are not overloaded.

Ken

jhqpzjg · April 27

Thanks for all your responses. The biggest problem is that I don't have the measurements and can't get them without a 5 hour round trip drive. I have had no response from Gulfstream as of yet, and their dealers have not been able to help either.

I do plan to change both sides. Makes complete sense to me.

I have heard some suggest installing a spring with a higher weight rating for better ride. I would be concerned about this creating a stiffer ride, more vibration, and hence more wear. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Jason

Ray,IN · April 27

I agree, a heavier spring rating might cause a very rough ride for dishes, TV's, etc. inside.

I did that with the MorRyde suspension on a 5er we owned; uprated to a higher load rating. The rough ride, IMO, contributed to a broken aluminum frame wall weld near the top, just aft of the rear axle. I should've stayed with the factory design.

rpsinc · April 27

Have you checked etrailer.com for springs? I have bought some in the past from them.

Hill_Country · April 28

I upgraded the 3 leaf 3k springs on my fiver to 6 leaf 3500# springs. IIRC, I got the spring measurements off the Lippert web page and ordered the springs from Amazon. Lippert customer service had no problem with upgrading the springs by 500#. As far as it providing a rough ride, no difference than unloading 500# of cargo.

As long as you're doing springs, you might consider the Morryde shackles - huge improvement. I also did disc brakes, a one size tire upgrade, Roadmaster shocks, and a Morryde X brace.

jhqpzjg · April 28

Thank you all for your replies. I finally heard back from the manufacturer who indicated a 26", 4 leaf, double eye 2200# spring. I've got springs and installation hardware on the way.

Thanks again,

Jason