2 broken leaf springs / shocks

[jd1923]

Just now, rich.dev said:

Hey John, are you going with the Alcan 2750 5-leaf or 2400lbs 4-leaf springs?

On the recommendation of Lance, Steve, Art, those who upgraded early and from what I’ve read, Lew at Alcan the 5-leaf is what he in the business suggests.

Also, on this our first long highway trip, I’ve noticed how our hull waddles like a duck across RR tracks and other road contours. Less worried about vibration and other cited concerns.

[Geronimo John]

21 hours ago, Cort said:

I didn't envision a day long job though - darn! 

Likely you are a bit younger and more agile than this ROF    (Retired Ole Fart) and could get a both sides done a LOT faster.

While boondocking, do suggest a sheet of sturdy plywood for the jacks.  WIll make your life a lot easier than moving the floor jack around the sand/dirt without it.

GJ

[Geronimo John]

5 hours ago, John Dorrer said:

The main contributing cause for these 4 leaf failures, are living near the coast, driving on chemically treated roads, resulting in rusting.  

Corrosive conditions for storage and/or use certainly will accelerate the failure of such under-sprung springs.  The corrosive agents (Road chemicals and ocean salt) exposure would exasperate the corrosion at the grain boundaries resulting in even more earlier failure for sure.  As such I too believe that corrosive conditions are a contributing causative factor in early failures.  Especially so for metal that is over stressed or under designed.

We have established that OE2 Dexter 1750 springs (11 pounds) are "Under-Sprung" for full time loaded duty of our 6,000 pound class trailers.  They just are not enough spring for the job.  Hence overloading, over heating, and over flexure occurs thereby killing them young. Dependent upon the owners use, the Dexter PR4 and the Alcan's (4 or 5 leaf) all have enough steel to provided an expected 20+ year life.  The PR4B springs clearly do not.

Regardless of how we use our trailers (15% group/85% group), I anticipate that all OE2 owners with the Dexter PR4B (1,750 rated, 11 Pound) springs will experience flattening. and if ignored will fail.  Replacement of these springs on our OE2's is inevitable.  It is just a matter of when and where.  Hence inspection of them often and thinking ahead and choosing a time and convenient place to upgrade is just smart.  

We collectively on this forum have documented that well over 100  owners have upgraded their springs at a single vendor.  Plus at least another 20 others who went a different direction for their spring upgrades.  And the numbers continue to increase as time passes.  These failures clearly validate that there is a problem fleet wise with these springs.  

Moderators:  As such, it would be a wonderful public service for OTT to put out a Service Notice about how to inspect these springs and at what point they recommend upgrading to a heavier spring.   

GJ.  

[Geronimo John]

On 6/19/2025 at 7:02 AM, jd1923 said:

I believe the part number SW4B is all you need to order.
I ordered these from SW Wheel which you can see online for reference: 
SW4B-BR TruRyde® 4 Leaf 25 1/4" Double Eye Trailer Leaf Spring Bronze Bushings 1750 lbs
APUBR3BX Southwest Wheel® U-Bolt Kit for 5,200-7,000 lbs. 3" Trailer Axle - APUBR3BX

I would not recommend anybody replace their OE2's with any 1750 # rated 11 pound spring.

Just not enough steel.

GJ

Edited Sunday at 05:49 PM by Geronimo John

[Geronimo John]

On 6/19/2025 at 12:49 PM, jd1923 said:

Leaf springs need to handle the weight of the trailer regardless of conditions. Hitting an uneven bridge seam or RR tracks on a 65 MPH highway is a lot more stress on springs and shocks than the bumpiest road traveling <20 MPH.

I agree if the road is port to starboard level.

I have repeatedly made the distinction between the 15% and 85% group. WHY?

The 15% group are far more likely to "duck walk" their trailer.  This is hard on the springs and shackles.  But worse is when you transverse an area where the trailer and TV  are on a steep side-slope.  Doing so causes a LOT more weight to be transferred to the downslope side of the axle.  Doing so twists the spring pack and racks the shackle.  Now the springs and shackles pick up not say 1500 pounds, but likely many more hundreds of pounds extra load and worse the torque between the frame and axle moment.  This is when you really qualify as a 15%er and need those Alcan 5 spring packs.  

I than asked the question how many of our owners actually transverse gullies sideways, duck walk, or travel on side-slopes as part of their joy with an OE2?  My guess is 15%. 

The rest of us may boondock and use graded fire roads.  But we would not want the harsher ride of the super duty shackles/spring setup.

However, IMHO the 15%ers would benefit greatly by the stronger more torsion resistant heavy duty 5 pack suspension.

And Cord is very likely a 15%er!   

GJ

Edited Saturday at 01:23 AM by Geronimo John

[mountainoliver]

Also John if you tow either nose down or nose up (instead of level as possible) you will transfer extra weight to either the front or rear axle. Most of the time when I unhitch at home, the trailer will remain in that position until I reconnect. That puts extra weight on the rear axle for however long. I now level the trailer after unhitching. Of course while camping typically the nose is up a little to aid waste tank draining. I’m not totally sure but it does seem like there are a lot of broken springs on rear axles. We are actually on our (slow meandering) way to Grand Junction to replace the (humble opinion) undersized axles and the weak springs. Two less things to worry about. “On our way home” we’re stopping in Elkhart Indiana to have an Atmos 4.4 installed. There are bearing noises that I don’t like on occasion and I have to climb on the roof to oil the fan motor. Had to do that in 100+ deg heat last summer at Gilbert Ray campground. Not fond of doing that and the frequency is increasing. Time for a change. Okay three less things to worry about. 

[raye]

Cort:  Nancy and I in Boulder City, Nevada will be leaving here and passing through Flagstaff around noon or so.  Heading east.  If you have not resolved your Leaf Spring problem, as you know I travel with a lot of tools in the event... like yours.  Nancy is checking to see if she can find your cell number, but you may have it.  Will be towing the 2019 Oliver Elite... so easy to see Off the Grid, as well.  Nancy did not have your cell number and have no way to contact you, otherwise.  You met our Cattle Dogs and we can figure out if you need help, or not.  Once we leave here, we are pretty much Off the Grid.  Ray

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Geronimo John said:

I would not recommend anybody replace their OE2's with any 1750 # rated 11 pound spring.

Just not enough steel. GJ

First off, my suggestion re part # SW4B was to buy what's available in 1-2 days to repair and get home. Not to buy a set of 4 by all means!

Though I agree with GJ and Ken that side-to-side motion and leaning up or downhill adds to stress, still it’s not like 70 MPH hitting a pothole, uneven RR tracks, etc. AND there should be enough engineering tolerance for ALL of these common environmental issues that are common in trailers!

I talked to Alcan today and will post that on the LONG thread where we’ve been discussing these frequent SW4B failures.

@John Dorrer please don't think this will not happen to the newer hulls. I believe it’s older hulls like ours where the steel was better 10 years ago.

Lance’s failed on a 2021 and Rich’s 2023 “are already showing signs of flattening!”

Mine still look perfectly arced, but either way a year ago I purchased a set of OEM SW4B springs for a roadside repair if necessary! And I carry a bottle jack, jack stand, 1/2” drive sockets, breaker bar with 30” extension, new u-bolts, etc! 🤣

Edited Friday at 11:05 PM by jd1923

[jd1923]

54 minutes ago, raye said:

Cort:  Nancy and I in Boulder City, Nevada will be leaving here and passing through Flagstaff around noon or so.  Heading east.  If you have not resolved your Leaf Spring problem, as you know I travel with a lot of tools in the event... like yours.  Nancy is checking to see if she can find your cell number, but you may have it.  Will be towing the 2019 Oliver Elite... so easy to see Off the Grid, as well.  Nancy did not have your cell number and have no way to contact you, otherwise.  You met our Cattle Dogs and we can figure out if you need help, or not.  Once we leave here, we are pretty much Off the Grid.  Ray

Ray, you and Nancy are awesome!

Hey if I was not 1000 miles from home, I would have loaded the truck with tools and my replacement parts, 90 min out and @Cort would have been on the road in hours.

Your positive attitude, and those of others here, are what makes us Oliver owners a strong community.

I used to belong to car clubs where we had a national directory, including phone numbers like you mentioned. I’ve had to make that call broken down on the road and others had called me. Had the correct OEM starter motor sitting on the shelf when one member called in need.

That’s just great! 😂

[Cort]

Thanks Mountain Man, I will be in touch 🙂

It looks like ALCANS are in my future. 

 

[Cort]

21 hours ago, Patriot said:

Like others have said, sorry this happened and hope you get back up and running soon. 

Lew at Alcan will get you squared away with new springs and even a pair of 5200# never lube axles if you are so inclined. 

I suggest the heavy duty shackles and wet bolts that Alcan sells if you decide to go this route. 

Safe travels!

The heavier duty the better...:)

[Cort]

3 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Corrosive conditions for storage and/or use certainly will accelerate the failure of such under-sprung springs.  The corrosive agents (Road chemicals and ocean salt) exposure would exasperate the corrosion at the grain boundaries resulting in even more earlier failure for sure.  As such I too believe that corrosive conditions are a contributing causative factor in early failures.  Especially so for metal that is over stressed or under designed.

We have established that OE2 Dexter 1750 springs (11 pounds) are "Under-Sprung" for full time loaded duty of our 6,000 pound class trailers.  They just are not enough spring for the job.  Hence overloading, over heating, and over flexure occurs thereby killing them young. Dependent upon the owners use, the Dexter PR4 and the Alcan's (4 or 5 leaf) all have enough steel to provided an expected 20+ year life.  The PR4B springs clearly do not.

Regardless of how we use our trailers (15% group/85% group), I anticipate that all OE2 owners with the Dexter PR4B (1,750 rated, 11 Pound) springs will experience flattening. and if ignored will fail.  Replacement of these springs on our OE2's is inevitable.  It is just a matter of when and where.  Hence inspection of them often and thinking ahead and choosing a time and convenient place to upgrade is just smart.  

We collectively on this forum have documented that well over 100  owners have upgraded their springs at a single vendor.  Plus at least another 20 others who went a different direction for their spring upgrades.  And the numbers continue to increase as time passes.  These failures clearly validate that there is a problem fleet wise with these springs.  

Moderators:  As such, it would be a wonderful public service for OTT to put out a Service Notice about how to inspect these springs and at what point they recommend upgrading to a heavier spring.   

GJ.  

Whoa! Over a hundred owners have upgraded....Well, I was surprised to see these small springs underneath this big trailer.  They did make it for 6 years and apparently about 20,000 miles (past owner)  but it's no fun getting stuck like this.

I noticed when I changed the punctured tire that it was closer than usual to the fiberglass. That should have been a clue to look further but I was clueless.  If I hadn't found the broken spring on the left I never would have checked the spring on the right rear. I actually didn't check it to see if it was broken or not - I wanted to see what the spring was supposed to look like. Lo and behold, it was broken, and the shock was rubbing against the tire. A big lesson for me. 

I replaced the shocks a couple of months ago - I NEVER thought to look at the springs. 

Another learning experience 🙂

[Cort]

1 hour ago, jd1923 said:

First off, my suggestion re part # SW4B was to buy what's available in 1-2 days to repair and get home. Not to buy a set of 4 by all means!

Though I agree with GJ and Ken that side-to-side motion and leaning up or downhill adds to stress, still it’s not like 70 MPH hitting a pothole, uneven RR tracks, etc. AND there should be enough engineering tolerance for ALL of these common environmental issues that are common in trailers!

I talked to Alcan today and will post that on the LONG thread where we’ve been discussing these frequent SW4B failures.

@John Dorrer please don't think this will not happen to the newer hulls. I believe it’s older hulls like ours where the steel was better 10 years ago.

Lance’s failed on a 2021 and Rich’s 2023 “are already showing signs of flattening!”

Mine still look perfectly arced, but either way a year ago I purchased a set of OEM SW4B springs for a roadside repair if necessary! And I carry a bottle jack, jack stand, 1/2” drive sockets, breaker bar with 30” extension, new u-bolts, etc! 🤣

Yes, that's what I'm planning to do - replace the two broken springs and get back on the road -  and at some point upgrade. 

Edited Saturday at 12:38 AM by Cort

[Cort]

2 hours ago, raye said:

Cort:  Nancy and I in Boulder City, Nevada will be leaving here and passing through Flagstaff around noon or so.  Heading east.  If you have not resolved your Leaf Spring problem, as you know I travel with a lot of tools in the event... like yours.  Nancy is checking to see if she can find your cell number, but you may have it.  Will be towing the 2019 Oliver Elite... so easy to see Off the Grid, as well.  Nancy did not have your cell number and have no way to contact you, otherwise.  You met our Cattle Dogs and we can figure out if you need help, or not.  Once we leave here, we are pretty much Off the Grid.  Ray

Thanks Ray - good to hear from you. Left you a message. (My phone is 202 341 7536). I haven't started to work on it yet. Probably tomorrow I will try to get the old spring off and take it to the shop to get some new ones. 

Whether or not we meet up, happy travels to you and Nancy and the dogs. (I have two new ones :))

[Cort]

1 hour ago, jd1923 said:

Ray, you and Nancy are awesome!

Hey if I was not 1000 miles from home, I would have loaded the truck with tools and my replacement parts, 90 min out and @Cort would have been on the road in hours.

Your positive attitude, and those of others here, are what makes us Oliver owners a strong community.

I used to belong to car clubs where we had a national directory, including phone numbers like you mentioned. I’ve had to make that call broken down on the road and others had called me. Had the correct OEM starter motor sitting on the shelf when one member called in need.

That’s just great! 😂

Agreed!

[Geronimo John]

9 hours ago, John Dorrer said:

Starting in 2022 Oliver went to the 5200 lb axels. There have been few if any failures on the trailers from 2022 to present.

I believe the 5200 pound axles are a great upgrade.  When I need a brake job, I plan on doing mine. 

But their springs need to be upgraded as well.  I understand that some "Lucky" owners have the bigger axles  (YEA! for them).  BUT they have the 1750# springs.  In no way I can think of would they NOT have the same spring issue as all the 3500 # axles.  So inspections are in order for them as well.

[Geronimo John]

52 minutes ago, Cort said:

Yes, that's what I'm planning to do - replace the two broken springs and get back on the road -  and at some point upgrade. 

That leaves you with two more springs begging to fail.  Suggest if the cost of the ALCON's are a concern, then get four of the Dexter PR4's.  It is 2400 # rated.  

Edited Saturday at 01:19 AM by Geronimo John

[Geronimo John]

Mountain Oliver:

Also John if you tow either nose down or nose up (instead of level as possible) you will transfer extra weight to either the front or rear axle.

yes, but the EZ flex tends to "equalize" that a bunch.  Not a problem I think.

Most of the time when I unhitch at home, the trailer will remain in that position until I reconnect. That puts extra weight on the rear axle for however long. I now level the trailer after unhitching.  Of course while camping typically the nose is up a little to aid waste tank draining.

Your jacks will likely pick up much of the concerned extra weight.  Not a worry.  The damage to the springs per Dexter is partly the FULL TIME 6,000 dead weight.  I think that weight is greatly amplified by road conditions.  So when we hit a bump or a rise and drop (think elevated RR tracks) the G forces will easily add a couple of thousand pounds on bottom out.  Likely also leave witness marks on the frame.  This would greatly hasten the demise of the light springs.

I’m not totally sure but it does seem like there are a lot of broken springs on rear axles.

Yes the VAST majority are rears. I think this is due to the longer moment arm from the hitch ball to the center of axle.  Roads cause the Rears to "jump us and down" more than the Fronts.    

We are actually on our (slow meandering) way to Grand Junction to replace the (humble opinion) undersized axles and the weak springs. Two less things to worry about.

Congratulations!  Your 2017 Ollie is likely overdue for springs. Travel gingerly until you get to the shop.

“On our way home” we’re stopping in Elkhart Indiana to have an Atmos 4.4 installed. There are bearing noises that I don’t like on occasion and I have to climb on the roof to oil the fan motor. Had to do that in 100+ deg heat last summer at Gilbert Ray campground. Not fond of doing that and the frequency is increasing. Time for a change. Okay three less things to worry about

Yep!

GJ

[John Dorrer]

12 hours ago, jd1923 said:

First off, my suggestion re part # SW4B was to buy what's available in 1-2 days to repair and get home. Not to buy a set of 4 by all means!

Though I agree with GJ and Ken that side-to-side motion and leaning up or downhill adds to stress, still it’s not like 70 MPH hitting a pothole, uneven RR tracks, etc. AND there should be enough engineering tolerance for ALL of these common environmental issues that are common in trailers!

I talked to Alcan today and will post that on the LONG thread where we’ve been discussing these frequent SW4B failures.

@John Dorrer please don't think this will not happen to the newer hulls. I believe it’s older hulls like ours where the steel was better 10 years ago.

Lance’s failed on a 2021 and Rich’s 2023 “are already showing signs of flattening!”

Mine still look perfectly arced, but either way a year ago I purchased a set of OEM SW4B springs for a roadside repair if necessary! And I carry a bottle jack, jack stand, 1/2” drive sockets, breaker bar with 30” extension, new u-bolts, etc! 🤣

Thanks, that is definitely in the back of my mind. At some point, and hopefully before ours fails, Alcan will get a visit from me.

[John Dorrer]

I should have added, that the decision to go from 3500 axels to 5200 axels is a personal choice. Some owners have found out from Oliver that switch can't be made.

 

While the springs breaking have mostly been on older trailers, 2021 and older, I'm sure the 4-leaf spring will continue to have issues.

 

Dexter supplies most of the RV industry with their suspension system. Oliver could instruct Dexter to install 5-leaf springs. This would be a better option than the 4-leaf, but not close to the Alcan 5-leaf springs.

 

I have our springs and shocks checked professionally, every 3,000 miles, when my Zerks are greased.

 

With our 2022, am I playing Russian Roulette? That is a really good question. Many of you might say yes, but I think I'm watching things carefully.

 

At some point, I will make the switch to Alcan, and schedule a day to get it done in Grand junction.

 

Switching to Alcan, or other choices, are personal choices we all have to make. 

[raye]

Walked the Heelers, breakfast is getting read, will attach the Oliver and will be heading your way.  From looking at our Arizona Atlas, we may attempt to get closer to you from the West.  Going to avoid your route from the East.   You have Nancy's cell phone number and once we have Service in your location I will have to get a look at the topography. We are fully loaded for New Mexico Boondocking... so look forward to making this a joint learning process.  I read about the Leaf Springs some time ago.  Ours must have been replaced, as they are not like yours.  Ray, Nancy, Blue, Cody and Grizz 

Marroon Red F350 can be seen for miles... and it will have something WHITE behind us.  🙂

[Geronimo John]

On 6/20/2025 at 12:58 PM, jd1923 said:

First off, my suggestion re part # SW4B was to buy what's available in 1-2 days to repair and get home. Not to buy a set of 4 by all means!

That makes sense.

So kindly consider deleting your "I  recommend" post, or at least via edit clarify it as you have clarified above. 

Neither of us would want a new owner to see to see it as an endorsement for "staying the course:" with the OEM 1750 # springs.  

Thanks

GJ

[John and Debbie]

15 hours ago, John Dorrer said:

I should have added, that the decision to go from 3500 axels to 5200 axels is a personal choice. Some owners have found out from Oliver that switch can't be made.

 

While the springs breaking have mostly been on older trailers, 2021 and older, I'm sure the 4-leaf spring will continue to have issues.

 

Dexter supplies most of the RV industry with their suspension system. Oliver could instruct Dexter to install 5-leaf springs. This would be a better option than the 4-leaf, but not close to the Alcan 5-leaf springs.

 

I have our springs and shocks checked professionally, every 3,000 miles, when my Zerks are greased.

 

With our 2022, am I playing Russian Roulette? That is a really good question. Many of you might say yes, but I think I'm watching things carefully.

 

At some point, I will make the switch to Alcan, and schedule a day to get it done in Grand junction.

 

Switching to Alcan, or other choices, are personal choices we all have to make. 

John, when I was in Grand Junction, Lew had a display board with our original 4 leaf springs and his.  He went over what his are like.  It's a far superior spring with much better bushings and wet bolts too.  He said the 4 leaf design is built to break at that single 3 inch from the eye leaf.  The trailer isn't as affected by passing semis as before the switch to Alcan Springs.  I am glad we did it.  We also had Bulldog shocks installed.

John

[T-Oliver]

If it’s any assistance these D52 axles were installed on my 2017 OEII hull 254

Yes they are NevRLube axles in

Edited Sunday at 04:39 PM by T-Oliver

[jd1923]

8 hours ago, T-Oliver said:

If it’s any assistance these D52 axles were installed on my 2017 OEII hull 254

Thank you very much. I see the marking 50.50 which is the length in inches.

Your picture reminded me that I took a picture of our label 2 years ago when servicing the hubs and installing Timken Bearings.

So, I don't have to get under and measure again. Our hull has the 50" axles, see the 50.00 in my picture.

I still would love to see a label picture showing D52 and 50.00, somebody please?!

Thanks again!

Edited Monday at 12:43 AM by jd1923
Had the # wrong. Does anybody have a picture of a D52 50.00 label?