Made in USA leaf springs

[John and Debbie]

2 hours ago, Patriot said:

Ralph,

When we had our 5 leaf pack installed by Lew and his team at Alcan it took them approx 2.5 hrs and the team did a great job. We got there first thing in morning and all of my expectations were ✅ off. It was worth every cent to have it done professionally and done right. We dropped off our Oliver and went and had an excellent breakfast in Grand Junction at Cafe Sol, gotta go hungry! 😋

We actually camped here the night before- https://koa.com/campgrounds/grand-junction/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp maybe 15-20 min from Alcan with traffic. 

Cafe Sol…we ate here during our 2023 trip and again as noted in 24 while having the 5 leaf pack installed. Great coffee and we let the forks fly!! 😄

 

Patriot🇺🇸

Thanks for all the information!  I just booked at the KOA and plan to have breakfast at the same cafe.  It appears we can drop off the trailer in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon.  We plan to stay at the KOA for four nights and explore the area.  Do you have any must sees there in the area?

John

[Mike and Carol]

Another good option in the Grand Junction area is James M Robb State Park in Fruita, just outside (west) of Grand Junction.  It’s also just a couple of miles outside of Colorado Monument, a must see if you are in the area.  Mike

[Patriot]

On 3/10/2025 at 11:52 AM, John and Debbie said:

Thanks for all the information!  I just booked at the KOA and plan to have breakfast at the same cafe.  It appears we can drop off the trailer in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon.  We plan to stay at the KOA for four nights and explore the area.  Do you have any must sees there in the area?

John

We would highly recommend Colorado National Monument (beautiful) as @Mike and Carol mentioned and we drove through Grand Mesa National Forest. We enjoyed Powder Horn and took the ski lift to the top of the mountain and had lunch there. Ski lifts are fun!

We also drove out to the (4) corners…meh…it was ok. The KOA in GJ was close and convenient to Alcan so we opted to camp there. You certainly could stay at James M Robb, but you will need to do some research and see if they have availability. They did not have openings when we scheduled with Alcan.

Edited March 13 by Patriot

[John Dorrer]

8 hours ago, John and Debbie said:

Thanks for all the information!  I just booked at the KOA and plan to have breakfast at the same cafe.  It appears we can drop off the trailer in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon.  We plan to stay at the KOA for four nights and explore the area.  Do you have any must sees there in the area?

John

Colorado National Monument

[QuestionMark]

On 4/11/2024 at 7:22 PM, Geronimo John said:

 

IF your Axle Decal looks like this one, You may want to read the rest of the below.  

  

From what I can figure out, Red Neck Trailers was “Integrated” into Nuera Trans which was “Hoovered Up” into Dexter.  The original Red Neck Trailers is still in business as is Nuera Trans.  All flying the Dexter flag.

As clearly printed on a Dexter Label, they were made by NUERA TRANS likely in Cookeville Tn.   So don’t waste your time calling Dexter for a "Build Sheet".  The correct terminology is to request the Configuration Info associated with 6339056.  The Dexter Customer Service could not pull up this info.  So instead, call this knowledgeable contact that has been in her job with all three name changes:: 

 

Christy Gillentine | CSR

Dexter Distribution Group

christy.gillentine@dextergroup.com

direct tel:: (931) 739-4034

 An alternate would be Denise Ameling via E-mail:    <denise.ameling@dextergroup.com>

 Please keep in mind that these contacts are ONLY for NURA TRANS labels axels.  If your label is not like the one above, the regular Dexter Customer Service is by far the way to get your axle info.

 The Nuera Trans Axles (I.E.  Really Red Neck Trailer axles that were sold under the Nuera name) were purchased without springs.  The springs were sent to them for assembly.  They are the Chinese made PR4B springs.  Christi stated that if the springs are flattening out, then they were undersized for the application.  After they flatten out, then they generally fail as was originally reported on our thread.  She stated that the PR4 springs with their thicker steel (2,400 pound rated) would be a better choice. 

 Here is the CONFIG INFO for this Config Number for my rear axle on Hull 342.  If you have the same number on yours, here it is: 

Note it states “No Springs, Calculate Leaf Spring Capacity”. 

GJ

 

 

John,

 

Our stickers look almost the same with (Hull 293) the 6339056 number listed.   Just checking to see if you happen to notice that the numbers etched on the Axle tubes are exactly the same.  Sadly, I was not able to secure both stickers as the trailer has traveled many miles and I was lucky to get the one.   I did take your advice on writing the Nuera contact to see if I could get a configuration listing and perhaps an answer to the dual L/N numbers on both axles.   

Thanks again for all your input.   

 

 

[Geronimo John]

About 99.9% of the time yes.  However one owner's was not.  I believe one of his axles had been replaced before his ownership.  

So if you are the only owner, then you would most likely be about 99.9% yes.

[rideandfly]

Here's a Dexter video about the label and they mention the number etched into the axle. I called Dexter with the SN etched into one of our axles and they emailed a build sheet from that number.

 

Edited March 13 by rideandfly

[katanapilot]

Has anyone been able to get leaf springs (like the ALCAN) in a slightly lower weight rating?  I would like to do this modification, but like GJ, I am a little concerned about the additional stiffness of the ALCAN springs and the long term effects on the Oliver.  I would prefer to do the ALCAN mod versus the PR4 Dexters, but I need to resolve my concerns first. 

[Mountainman198]

11 hours ago, katanapilot said:

Has anyone been able to get leaf springs (like the ALCAN) in a slightly lower weight rating?  I would like to do this modification, but like GJ, I am a little concerned about the additional stiffness of the ALCAN springs and the long term effects on the Oliver.  I would prefer to do the ALCAN mod versus the PR4 Dexters, but I need to resolve my concerns first. 

Try here.  When doing my initial research for US made springs, they said they could re-create the 1,750 lb 4 leafs using US steel.   
 

Saintloiusspring.com

 

 

Edited May 22 by Mountainman198

[John and Debbie]

11 minutes ago, Mountainman198 said:

Try here.  When doing my initial research for US made springs, they said they could re-create the 1,750 lb 4 leafs using US steel.   
 

Saintloiusspring.com

 

 

Hi Mountain Man, we just got the Alcan Springs in Tuesday.  Lee said he has no competition in the USA.  He said you were the first to get them, but he's done about 100 Oliver's since yours.  How much stiffer are these 5 leaf springs versus the 4 leaf ones?  We have about 10 miles on them so will be going under the trailer in 40 and 90 more miles.  I have a big piece of cardboard to use when I torque them.

[Mountainman198]

8 hours ago, John and Debbie said:

Hi Mountain Man, we just got the Alcan Springs in Tuesday.  Lee said he has no competition in the USA.  He said you were the first to get them, but he's done about 100 Oliver's since yours.  How much stiffer are these 5 leaf springs versus the 4 leaf ones?  We have about 10 miles on them so will be going under the trailer in 40 and 90 more miles.  I have a big piece of cardboard to use when I torque them.

Initially, they are a bit stiffer but after 500 miles or so the ride softens.  I dont notice much more stiffness now than stock ( judged by stuff falling off counters and beds while underway). There is less side to side movement of trailer going down the road than before. I am extremely happy with my Alcans after 10,000 miles. 
 

Everyone has to come to their own conclusion about what is right for them. I have no idea if St Louis Spring makes a good product or not. It is merely an alternative to be investigated by those who want something other than stock or Alcan. 

[Patriot]

10 hours ago, John and Debbie said:

I have a big piece of cardboard to use when I torque them.

@John and Debbie
Pro tip 😊- A cheap HF moving blanket is nice to have to lay on while under the belly of the beast while greasing zerks or torquing running gear fasteners. I always carry one for this purpose. I carry several others to lay over my truck in the event of a hail storm. These blankets came in handy when we had rain and small hail at the last Oliver Rally. 
 

Here- https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=furniture moving blankets

I carry this also, my knees a grateful - https://www.harborfreight.com/foam-kneeling-pad-56572.html

Edited May 22 by Patriot

[John and Debbie]

2 hours ago, Patriot said:

@John and Debbie
Pro tip 😊- A cheap HF moving blanket is nice to have to lay on while under the belly of the beast while greasing zerks or torquing running gear fasteners. I always carry one for this purpose. I carry several others to lay over my truck in the event of a hail storm. These blankets came in handy when we had rain and small hail at the last Oliver Rally. 
 

Here- https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=furniture moving blankets

I carry this also, my knees a grateful - https://www.harborfreight.com/foam-kneeling-pad-56572.html

Thanks.  There's a HF here in Grand Junction too.  I did bring the same foam kneeling pad.  I never leave home without it.  The moving blankets look like a great idea.

John

[Galway Girl]

I've noticed some comments/concerns that the 5 spring Alcan pack may be a bit too stiff for the EII with 3.5K axles.

There apparently are Oliver Factory design concerns about how STIFF folks make their suspension when upgrading.  Some flex is desirable for limiting shock to the frame and the trailer body.   But if you're a true off grid person with tough terrain then that 5 pack may be perfect.

I've been emailing Lew (owner of Alcan) to discuss options.
For the same basic price Alcan will build the Oliver Springs as a 4 spring set with 2000 lb rating.
They do this by leaving off the shortest (bottom) spring and adjusting other parts.  

This 4 pack still leaves in place the longer springs that cover all the way out to the last spring eye.  
Lew says they always recommend and provide wet bolts with brass inserts and the right size Ubolts etc.
Lew also said they've had 4 Oliver's in this last week alone getting new spring packs.

 

Craig  Hull 505

 

[Patriot]

On 5/22/2025 at 5:30 AM, Mountainman198 said:

Initially, they are a bit stiffer but after 500 miles or so the ride softens.  I dont notice much more stiffness now than stock ( judged by stuff falling off counters and beds while underway). There is less side to side movement of trailer going down the road than before. I am extremely happy with my Alcans after 10,000 miles. 

I am so glad I had the 5200# never lubes retrofit as well as the Alcan 5 leaf pack. Glad to see your positive review after 10,000 miles Mountainman198. A very worthwhile mod! 👍🏻🇺🇸👍🏻

Edited May 24 by Patriot

[routlaw]

Looking at the Alcan website it was my understanding they can custom build any spring set with softer or stiffer ride depending upon the needs or desires of the customer. So while even using 5 leafs for heavier loads, why not have Alcan produce a softer ride with different spring steel, or did I miss something?

 

[Geronimo John]

Mountainman:  That would not be from the torsion of the spring packs, but more likely from worn shackles/links.

Glad you are happy with your purchase.

GJ

Edited May 23 by Geronimo John

[Patriot]

@Geronimo John PM sent. 

Patriot🇺🇸

 

Edited May 23 by Patriot

[Geronimo John]

On 5/21/2025 at 2:38 PM, Mountainman198 said:

Try here.  When doing my initial research for US made springs, they said they could re-create the 1,750 lb 4 leafs using US steel.  

Both the ALCON and Dexter versions of the 4 leaf springs likely would have the same 11 pound weight.  I would be leery in using either despite the possible advantage of better quality control in the ALCON's. I am of the belief that 11 pounds of spring is not enough.

Now if the ALCON guys would make a four leaf with 17 pounds of steel, that would be a WINNER that I would strongly support. It would have enough steel for durability and the compliance of a four leaf with the quality control appropriate for our use.  

That would be worth asking them to do.  

[Geronimo John]

On 5/21/2025 at 2:38 PM, Mountainman198 said:

Try here.  When doing my initial research for US made springs, they said they could re-create the 1,750 lb 4 leafs using US steel.  

Ditto to the above post.  With 17 pounds of steel?

[jdmmtx]

On 5/22/2025 at 2:18 PM, Galway Girl said:

I've been emailing Lew (owner of Alcan) to discuss options.
For the same basic price Alcan will build the Oliver Springs as a 4 spring set with 2000 lb rating.
They do this by leaving off the shortest (bottom) spring and adjusting other parts.  

This 4 pack still leaves in place the longer springs that cover all the way out to the last spring eye.  
Lew says they always recommend and provide wet bolts with brass inserts and the right size Ubolts etc.
Lew also said they've had 4 Oliver's in this last week alone getting new spring packs.

 

Craig  Hull 505

 

Thank you for posting this! Had asked Lew before about a 4-leaf and hadn’t been given this option. Just spoke to him again and am now considering this as our appointment with them is tomorrow for axle and spring upgrades.

[Galway Girl]

3 hours ago, jdmmtx said:

our appointment with them is tomorrow for axle and spring upgrades

Let us know how it goes and what is decided 

 

[katanapilot]

I am ordering the 4 spring version of the ALCAN springs.  Lew continues to recommend the 5 leaf (2700 pound rating) spring, but like GJ and others - I believe that is too stiff a spring for our Oliver.  I plan to replace the shocks as well during the upgrade. 

[Geronimo John]

what is the weight of their 4 leaf spring?

Needs to be at least 17 pounds.

GJ

[CRM]

1 hour ago, Geronimo John said:

what is the weight of their 4 leaf spring?

Needs to be at least 17 pounds.

GJ

Why the focus on the weight of the spring and where does this number come from? I admit that I know nearly nothing about leaf spring tech, but shouldn't the weight rating of the spring and the quality of the steel and construction be all that really matters?