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Old 06-18-2021, 12:18 AM   #1
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Leaf Spring size and replacement

Hello,

I am looking to replace the leaf springs on my 2016 Dutchmen voltage 3200. I believe I had the load in the cargo area unbalanced and it cause the springs on the passanger side to bend.

I measured the springs from eye to eye and they appear to be 26.25", however, I am not able to find any double eye leaf springs in that size. All I can find are 26". Maybe mine are 26"?

I'm not sure exactly what size I need and at what capacity?
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Old 06-18-2021, 01:46 AM   #2
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Try a spring shop like Chicago spring and leaf your profile shows Chicago area ,or any commercial truck leafspring repair shop they will have far more knowledge than an rv shop without the guessing game here in Tampa Bay Area we have Tampa spring, all our best central Florida
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Old 06-18-2021, 02:32 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ovalvw View Post
Try a spring shop like Chicago spring and leaf your profile shows Chicago area ,or any commercial truck leafspring repair shop they will have far more knowledge than an rv shop without the guessing game here in Tampa Bay Area we have Tampa spring, all our best central Florida
I'm currently in Nashville but I will call the local truck and spring shops to try and find out if they can help me.

I'm not sure if I will be okay to drive it back to Chicago (about an 8 hour drive) in its current condition.
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Old 06-18-2021, 03:01 AM   #4
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It was likely not the way you loaded it but rather the inadequate/low quality factory leaf springs that Voltage or more specifically Lippert specs for our trailers—especially us two axle guys.

Several of us have replaced them. If you do a search you can find a few threads on this exact issue.

I had mine replaced with 7 leaf American made springs by Triangle. They are manufactured in Fontana, CA and they are far superior to the Chinese garbage our trailers come with. Another member went with 8 leaf springs on his rig from the same manufacturer.

Again, this is way too common on the two axle 40’ foot toy haulers. The 3-axle trailers don’t seem to have this issue as the load is better distributed across an additional axle and another set of leafs. Also, many replace the shackles and bolts with heavier grade stuff.

I do not recommend the wet bolt replacement set up either as they don’t seem up to the task on the three axle trailers. For that matter you probably need to avoid truck tires too as they don’t seem to have the load capacity as the proper trailer tires.
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Notice the difference in the factory spring and the one from Triangle I replaced it with (all four). Only one more leaf bit a much greater arc. Two and a half years later and they are holding up well.
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Old 06-18-2021, 06:47 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dsol View Post
It was likely not the way you loaded it but rather the inadequate/low quality factory leaf springs that Voltage or more specifically Lippert specs for our trailers—especially us two axle guys.

Several of us have replaced them. If you do a search you can find a few threads on this exact issue.

I had mine replaced with 7 leaf American made springs by Triangle. They are manufactured in Fontana, CA and they are far superior to the Chinese garbage our trailers come with. Another member went with 8 leaf springs on his rig from the same manufacturer.

Again, this is way too common on the two axle 40’ foot toy haulers. The 3-axle trailers don’t seem to have this issue as the load is better distributed across an additional axle and another set of leafs. Also, many replace the shackles and bolts with heavier grade stuff.

I do not recommend the wet bolt replacement set up either as they don’t seem up to the task on the three axle trailers. For that matter you probably need to avoid truck tires too as they don’t seem to have the load capacity as the proper trailer tires.
Attachment 6904

Notice the difference in the factory spring and the one from Triangle I replaced it with (all four). Only one more leaf bit a much greater arc. Two and a half years later and they are holding up well.
Thank you so much for the information.

Right now I'm trying to determine my leaf spring size. I measured from eye to eye and I'm getting 26.25", however, looking online I don't see any double eye leaf springs that are that size. I'm only seeing double eye that are 26".

Do you know if there are double eyes that come in 26.25" in size? Maybe I'm not measuring correctly and my size is actually 26". Id like to order from triangle but I'm worried about delivery time as I am a full timer and need this fixed asap.

Here is what I'm thinking of installing until I can get parts from triangle:
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Universal-Group/SP-053275.html
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Old 06-18-2021, 08:11 PM   #6
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A couple of thoughts:

Perhaps the difference is flex. Not sure.

I really like etrailer but suspect those leafs will be the same low quality ones that came on your trailer. Perhaps fine for short term and not terrible to throw $75 as a short term solution but I would call Triangle or am install shop and ask them what they suggest. Something tells me our leaf springs are all a standard length.

I think the reality is these factory springs are not up to the task of our two axle toy haulers. Might be fine for a three axle but not a two axle.

You also need to replace the hangers too. They are too thin and will stretch out and then break. In less than a year and maybe 6 loaded trips the hangers were stretched out and beginning to oval out. They were very close to breaking and others have had them break.

I replaced the fancy mohrryde suspension with very basic heavy duty stuff that is up to the task. I threw the factory stuff in the garbage. Again, might be fine for less weight but poor application here.

Do this once and do it right. Not cheap but relative the price of your trailer and the cargo that you might be carrying it is very cheap!
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Old 06-24-2021, 03:11 PM   #7
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I got my springs at Northern Tool. They were a lot heavier springs than original and worked well. Being a little thicker spring, I also had to replace the u bolts with longer ones.
4 leaves
25 1/4in. eye center
1 3/4in. wide springs with 9/16in. double eyelets
Sold individually Model # SW4.
Hope this helps!
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Old 06-24-2021, 03:13 PM   #8
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I got my springs at Northern Tool. They were a lot heavier springs than original and worked well. Being a little thicker spring, I also had to replace the u bolts with longer ones.
4 leaves
25 1/4in. eye center
1 3/4in. wide springs with 9/16in. double eyelets
Sold individually Model # SW4.
Hope this helps! Mine is a 2016 Kodiak 279RBSL.
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Old 06-24-2021, 07:05 PM   #9
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All of these replies are right on in reference to the lack of quality regarding the stock suspension. I had to replace all suspension parts on my 3605 40'. I included bracing the leaf holders to the frame and installing two Ibeams from side to side near the spring holders due the flexing of the trailer. Lippert mobile repair performed the work at my house. Very pleased with the work and I can now tow without worrying about suspension failure at 65mpg.
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Old 08-19-2021, 12:26 AM   #10
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My springs on my 2018 3605 are flattened out. I am wanting to replace with something better. Would anyone know how to order the correct spring from Triangle. Maybe a part number or length of spring etc.
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Old 10-18-2024, 08:46 PM   #11
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dsol, You happen to have a part # for those? I am trying to order from Triangle via a dealer here in houston. need these bad boys for my 2019 Dutchmen Voltage 3705 toy hauler. Broke the stock leaf.
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Old 10-19-2024, 11:23 AM   #12
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I have to say, I have been around enough trailers in my life, and have never seen springs bent that bad. I can't believe the factory springs to be that inferior. I would definitely weigh your trailer for overloaded weight. A person doesn't realize how quickly thing add up with loading trailers, especially campers. Also more careful on rough roads and bumps.
As bad as those are bent, a precise accurate measurement would be difficult. They likely are 26", as that measurement is quite common on trailers.
I would strongly suggest you go to a reputable trailer shop for diagnosis and proper repairs. Good Luck
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Old 10-22-2024, 08:21 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rodeoclown007 View Post
dsol, You happen to have a part # for those? I am trying to order from Triangle via a dealer here in houston. need these bad boys for my 2019 Dutchmen Voltage 3705 toy hauler. Broke the stock leaf.
I just found my receipt and see a description of TBT-106 and TBT-104. I think they separated these stacks to make 10 leafs. I assume 106 is 6 leaf and 104 is 4 leaf but not sure.

I am not sure if those are Triangle part numbers or some internal number.
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