2022 Cougar 29RLI – Sumo Spring Install

[Ewad-29RLI]

Has anyone installed Sumo Springs on their 5th wheel with 5100 lb. Dexter axles?

If so, which model did you install:

1. TSS-107-40 (Blue) (3K - 5K) or

2. TSS-107-47 (Black) (5K – 8K)

Please share your experience relating to the sumo performance.

Thanks in advance.

[chuckster57]

Are your spring packs ABOVE the axle as required? And do you have the correct gap?

[Ewad-29RLI]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Are your spring packs ABOVE the axle as required? And do you have the correct gap?

The gap from the I-Beam frame to the top of the spring plate is 6".

When you ask about ABOVE, are you talking about weight rating more than the axle? or spring pack on top of the axle?

Good Question: I’m thinking it’s a Lippert Trailer Axle Double Eye 4-Leaf Spring Kit with U-Bolts - 9/16" Eye Diameter, For 5,200-lb. Axles – Its connected to a Lippert Road Armor Shock Absorbing Equalizer Kit.
• Number of Leaves: 4
• Width: 1.75"
• Length (from center to center of the eyes): 25.25"
• Eye Diameter: 9/16"
• Type of Bushing: Nylon
• Weight Capacity: 2,600 lbs.
• Axle Capacity: 5,200 lbs.
I’ll need to verify with either Keystone or Dexter with VIN and/or axle Serial Number.

PS: Retired Wisconsin LEO, 24 years as Chief.

***I've tried to rotate the photo three times, and it will not save as rotated.

[JRTJH]

Your axles are "overslung" (springs above the axle beam), 5200 pound axles.

The "blue SumoSprings" are rated for axles 3500-5000 pounds. The "black SumoSprings" are rated 5000-8000 pounds. While it's "only 200 pounds over the blue rating", the correct ones are the black ones.


Your axles should have a tag/decal on the center of the beam. That tag will have the Lippert or Dexter part number (not the Keystone order number) and that Lippert or Dexter part number should have either a 52 or a 5200 as the prefix or the suffix. The 52/5200 will denote a Lippert or Dexter axle built to 5200 pound GAWR standards. On some Keystone trailers, the factory will use 5200 pound axles and "derate them" to 4400 pounds so they can install cheaper tires (smaller size/load rating) to cut costs.

The Dexter part number is your "key to what the axle is rated"...

[fjr vfr]

I had 5200lb axles on my trailer and installed the black Sumo springs a couple years ago. They have worked very well for me and were simple to install. They come with instructions which were easy to follow. They are well worth the money imho.
I think you will love them.

[Ewad-29RLI]

Thanks all for the info/replys – It sounds like y'all have experience with the Sumo Springs.

So the axle sticker (and hard-stamped) shows the D52 you referenced, but it also shows the capacity at 5100 lbs. – Does that mean they “derated” the axles by 100 lbs.?

I’ve posted two pics of the axle data.

The weight on both axles is 8700 lbs. which is about 1500 lbs. under the 10,200 for both axle-spring ratings.

So, if the Black Sumo’s (5K – 8K) are recommended because the axle rating is 100 lbs. over the Blue Sumo (3k – 5K) limit of 5000 lbs. -- That is a spread differential of 2900 lbs. per axle.

I am concerned, if there will be enough camper weight on the sumo springs that are rated up to 8000 lbs. (per axle) to avoid a harsh response because they are too rigid or stiff and does not allow the proper (progressive) compression.

Lastly, I am trying to figure out if the Black (stiffer) Sumo Spring will support too much weight and limit the 2600 lb. 4-leaf spring packs from functioning as intended.

Am I making sense here?

[JRTJH]

Honestly, I think you're getting "too deep in the weeds" by overanalyzing the situation. To me, what you're asking is similar to the person who replaces his LRD tires (2540@65PSI) with LRE tires (2830@80PSI) to gain more capacity, then airs them down to 65PSI (2540 pounds) to get a smoother ride at the loss of any additional tire capacity.

The question I think you're asking is: Are the black springs too harsh for my trailer and will they damage it? Or, should I install the blue ones which are rated lower and might work better for my trailer weight?

Have you considered calling SumoSpring Customer Service and asking that question? Their phone number is: (805) 745-5553.

You might want to "call twice and talk to different CS Reps" to see if the first one is the same as the second one or if there's a "winged personal opinion" with one or the other. Or, you could call a major supplier like e-trailer.com and ask them to get your second opinion.

[fjr vfr]

You are WAY over thinking this!
Get the black sumo spring install them and be happy
They worked great for me with a similar size trailer and axles

[Ewad-29RLI]

Thanks for sharing your end-user opinions and thoughts. That's what I was looking for.

[cougar23]

I considered Sumo springs for our camper but elected to install Roadmaster shocks instead. Sumo springs only work in one direction while shocks work in both directions. Check reviews for Sumo springs. The Roadmaster shocks were about $100 more than Sumo and a lot more difficult for this 80 yr. old to install but I got it done.