replace springs?

[Wtrskier]

We have a 2022 Avenue 32rls bought new in July 2023. We got back from Arizona in early April. When I parked the trailer I noticed the left front tire had been rubbing a bit on the wheelwell trim piece. There is definitely not as much clearance as the other wheels. All springs look fairly flat but this one seems the worst. Since the dealer is about 2 hours away and there seems to be lots of incidents where the customer gets caught in the middle regarding who is going to cover the repairs(if anyone is) I am willing to just replace them myself.
The springs on the trailer are 4 leaf and mounted on 6K axles. Neither etrailer or Lippert list 4 leaf for 6K axles on their sites. Etrailer has 6 leaf and Lippert shows 5 leaf and 6 leaf available. Either of these should help clearance issue and raise trailer ride height a bit.
If anyone has changed these out was there an increased harshness to the ride with the additional leaf in the new spring pack?
Any other solutions to consider would also be appreciated.

 

[Bozo]

If the springs have flattened, they are shot. I would go to a heavier spring, go by the rating, not necessarily number of leaves. Also replace in pairs as a minimum if not doing all of them. I replaced springs on my previous campers due to flattening.

 

[CornCrib]

My 32rls built in March/April 2022 had this issue. Alliance authorized a replacement with 6 leaf 6500# springs to fix the issue. (pre and post fix pics below)

 

[BryanValRox]

We have a 2022 Avenue 32rls bought new in July 2023. We got back from Arizona in early April. When I parked the trailer I noticed the left front tire had been rubbing a bit on the wheelwell trim piece. There is definitely not as much clearance as the other wheels. All springs look fairly flat but this one seems the worst. Since the dealer is about 2 hours away and there seems to be lots of incidents where the customer gets caught in the middle regarding who is going to cover the repairs(if anyone is) I am willing to just replace them myself.
The springs on the trailer are 4 leaf and mounted on 6K axles. Neither etrailer or Lippert list 4 leaf for 6K axles on their sites. Etrailer has 6 leaf and Lippert shows 5 leaf and 6 leaf available. Either of these should help clearance issue and raise trailer ride height a bit.
If anyone has changed these out was there an increased harshness to the ride with the additional leaf in the new spring pack?
Any other solutions to consider would also be appreciated.

I would agree with Bozo that it would be in your best interest to replace all 4 springs at the same time, given the equalizer between the two axles. Additionally, it should provide a level setting trailer and distribute the weight more evenly.
I would also suggest equipping your new springs with wet bolt kits so you can keep them greased and working smoothly. One last point, double check your over trailer height to ensure you have bridge clearance.

 

[Wtrskier]

Thanks for the replies. I did not even approach the dealer or Alliance about the issue. The dealer is 2+ hrs away and would involve 2 return trips to get this done. Also, there are lots of stories about people having to wait until they decide if it will be a warranty issue or not, so I just replaced all 4 with new 5 leaf springs rated at 3000 lb each. The trailer is still under warranty since we bought it new last July.
My springs looked exactly like the picture posted above.
I thought about the 6 leaf that were available and rated at 3500lb each but I was wondering if the ride would be noticeably harsher moving up from a 4 leaf to a 6 leaf. Right now the trailer rides well and not a lot of stuff moves around while traveling.
The trailer has wet bolts already.
The trailer looks to have at least a 1/2" more clearance between the tires and the wheelwell trim piece now and the new springs have an arch to them so I think it has been successful. Heading out on a trip tomorrow so we will see how it handles. I will probably book an alignment at the spring shop I purchased the springs from after our next 2 short trips. Currently about a 3 week wait for an opening in the shop.

 

[CornCrib]

@Wtrskier , I forgot to add that I also installed Sumo Springs about 6 months after the leaf upgrade, with the thought that would also take some pressure off the leaf springs. So far, its working good. Judging from the shape of the interior space after multiple 1000+ mile trips, it seems to be smooth, as things are not jostling around inside.

 

[BryanValRox]

Thanks for the replies. I did not even approach the dealer or Alliance about the issue. The dealer is 2+ hrs away and would involve 2 return trips to get this done. Also, there are lots of stories about people having to wait until they decide if it will be a warranty issue or not, so I just replaced all 4 with new 5 leaf springs rated at 3000 lb each. The trailer is still under warranty since we bought it new last July.
My springs looked exactly like the picture posted above.
I thought about the 6 leaf that were available and rated at 3500lb each but I was wondering if the ride would be noticeably harsher moving up from a 4 leaf to a 6 leaf. Right now the trailer rides well and not a lot of stuff moves around while traveling.
The trailer has wet bolts already.
The trailer looks to have at least a 1/2" more clearance between the tires and the wheelwell trim piece now and the new springs have an arch to them so I think it has been successful. Heading out on a trip tomorrow so we will see how it handles. I will probably book an alignment at the spring shop I purchased the springs from after our next 2 short trips. Currently about a 3 week wait for an opening in the shop.

You have peak my interest regarding the comment on alignment.
Without, cut, bend and weld tactics, how would one align the axles?
Spring hangers are welded to the chassis, spring eyes are fixed, equalizer is fixed and spring center bolts control their location to the axles. Without any adjusters, cut, bend and weld tactics would be the only options in my mind, none which are good.

 

[CornCrib]

I did not even approach the dealer or Alliance about the issue. The dealer is 2+ hrs away and would involve 2 return trips to get this done. Also, there are lots of stories about people having to wait until they decide if it will be a warranty issue or not, so I just replaced all 4 with new 5 leaf springs rated at 3000 lb each. The trailer is still under warranty since we bought it new last July.

Here was my experience:

Dealer submitted to Alliance, who submitted to Lippert, who ultimately approved and provided the replacement leafs. (At Lippert's request, I provided my dealer with a CAT scale receipt to show the trailer was not overweight) That approval process took about 3 days, and 3 phone calls by me to Alliance and Lippert (you are your own best advocate, and if you take some time to act as the project manager, with a pleasant demeanor, things go much smoother). Leafs arrived at dealer in 3 more days (Central Indiana), and I had to wait my place in line at the dealer for about 2 weeks .. all in, maybe 5 phone calls and 3 weeks. I was pleased with that outcome.

However ... leafs are not terribly expensive, and had I encountered a hurdle, I would have just purchased on my own and proceeded that route.

 

[Wtrskier]

I had an alignment done on my previous trailer after putting on her tires. No cutting or welding. Lots of bending tweaking as required. Mine was close and required minimal adjustment.
I bought springs and installed them over a weekend. Took trailer out for a few days And it is sitting better and all of the springs look much better than they did.
I looked into sumo springs but did not have enough clearance between frame and axle to meet their specs. Talked to their 800 line and they recommended not installing.
Thanks for your input

 

[Socal-Paul]

I notice your springs are on top of the axles is this something you did or was it that way from the factory?
Thanks

 

[Wtrskier]

Mine are the same as the ones shown. Came that way.

 

[Socal-Paul]

Mine are under thinking of moving them to the top in order to level the ride with the truck, any thoughts?

 

[Wtrskier]

I do not have any experience with flipping axles. I know I have seen that people have done it on other RV forums. It may be worth looking into.