Springs

[jeff57]

Hello all,
Is there an advantage to having single leaf springs vs. multi-leaf springs? I ask because the right rear single leaf spring on my camper (with a little over 27K miles on it) broke on the way home yesterday, so I am in the market to replace all springs.
Thanks in advance,

[NH_Bulldog]

There are pros and cons to both. In a travel trailer, the mono-leaf is lighter in weight and is going to give you a smoother and quieter ride on average roads. The multi-leaf versions are heavier and will give a stiffer ride and movement of the leaves will create squeaking noises over time.

Depending on how long you plan to keep the camper, you might consider upgrading to cushioned equalizers, wet-bolts and multi-leaf springs. Just be mindful that anything you add will increase the weight and might alter the geometry of the running gear.

If you are not comfortable with the job, you could consult with a spring and chassis shop who could help "steer" you in the right direction

[jasin1]

whatever springs you go with may change the height off the ground…i replaced worn springs on a utility trailer with higher rated springs and had to adjust my hitch height so keep that in mind although not a big issue

[markdol1]

Originally Posted by jeff57

Hello all,
Is there an advantage to having single leaf springs vs. multi-leaf springs? I ask because the right rear single leaf spring on my camper (with a little over 27K miles on it) broke on the way home yesterday, so I am in the market to replace all springs.
Thanks in advance,

HI jeff i may have just what you need. This july i upgraded my suspension on my 2023 cougar half ton with 5500 miles on it. I have the 4- 4 leaf springs and the 2 equalizer that connect them. I think the axle spacing from centerline is 35 inches and the spring width is 2 inches. My camper is 8800 lbs empty and 10800 loaded. I will do research on your camper setup tomorrow if you may be interested.Jeff etrailer website has what you need at a price thats cheaper than shipping you the heavy springs i have. Good luck.

[fjr vfr]

You might consider staying with the single leaf and adding the cushioned equalizers, wet-bolts and sumo springs. That would give your suspension more strength and only a little more added weight. And wouldn't break the bank. Also wet bolts would be a good addition. Lots of options to think over.

[Peto]

I know I could google but what is a 'wet bolt'?

[fjr vfr]

https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Wet+Bolts

[NH_Bulldog]

Originally Posted by Peto

I know I could google but what is a 'wet bolt'?

Simply a replacement bolt with brass sleeve inserts and a grease fitting on the end instead of plastic sleeves and no grease fitting. With a dual axle setup, you need 7 per side. I would get the complete MorRyde kit linked above with thicker shackle plates. Lippert and Dexter also have them. L

[markdol1]

I went with the dexter kit with side plates bonze bushings and wet bolts. Easy install then i traded in the camper. Nice for the next owner !

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by jeff57

Hello all,
Is there an advantage to having single leaf springs vs. multi-leaf springs? I ask because the right rear single leaf spring on my camper (with a little over 27K miles on it) broke on the way home yesterday, so I am in the market to replace all springs.
Thanks in advance,

There are several "discussions about broken leaf on the mono-spring setup that Keystone uses. Most have reported that the mono-springs are not the typical 25.25 inches "eye to eye"... They are longer and in most places are difficult to locate replacements. One member reported having to leave his trailer where the spring broke, travel home and then return "weeks later" after a replacement spring could be located and installed on his trailer.

So, measure your broken spring/ the other springs on your trailer. If they are 25.25 inches "eye to eye" then you can replace them with multi-leaf springs or with mono-springs, depending on your preference... On the other hand, if your trailer is like the ones reported previously, the mono-springs are a different length, hard to find and usually will need to be ordered, which may mean a substantial delay in repairs....

I'd urge you to crawl under your trailer and determine the spring length and go from there.

GOOD LUCK !!!!!

ADDED: Here is the link to one "mono-leaf saga" https://www.keystoneforums.com/forum...=broken+spring and in post #8 in that thread is a link to yet another broken mono-leaf....

[jeff57]

Thanks to all of you for passing along this valuable info! Hopefully my issue can be resolved without the hassles and issues previous folks on the forum have encountered. Finger crossed! Unfortunately for me, this happened 130 miles from home. However, there was as RV dealer about a mile away so I didn't have to drive my camper very far.

[rlh1957]

Talking about wet bolts, I agree replacing with wet bolts is a good move.

Changing out to wet bolts or just replacing the existing bolts you’ll discover the nylon sleeves factory installed are deformed, cracked or worn out… they should always be replaced. Wet bolts come with the bronze bushings needed.
Just a replacement bolt should have nylon bushing changed to bronze bushing.

My 2020 Keystone 29RKS half ton nylon bushings were trashed after 3000 miles