Made in USA leaf springs

[Geronimo John]

Now I understand why the new Oliver's cost so much.  Its the cost of bandwidth we consume on the web!

Street legal 250cc Enduro with a X2 seat and super duty bulldog shocks and Alcan springs! 

Oh, with a lithium battery and a Truma hand washing station.

GJ

[Geronimo John]

I can't wait to see the GIF that a certain Moderator is sure to post!

LOL

GJ

[John Dorrer]

7 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Now I understand why the new Oliver's cost so much.  Its the cost of bandwidth we consume on the web!

Street legal 250cc Enduro with a X2 seat and super duty bulldog shocks and Alcan springs! 

Oh, with a lithium battery and a Truma hand washing station.

GJ

👍

[topgun2]

OUCH!

[jd1923]

21 hours ago, 2008RN said:

I  just figured we would try to hit 50 pages.   I have gone back a couple of times through the thread when I couldn't sleep.  better than counting sheep.😳

Well we just hit 26 pages. I remember asking the Mods to close this thread after 12 pages, but it was not my thread to close. Most of the additions I've read here in the last 10-15 pages are slight variations of the comments and questions made in the many pages before.

I just reviewed pages 1-2. And yep, that's all you need to know on this subject. Except that a few pages later we learned that the Alcan springs are actually rated at 2750 vs. 2000 lbs. There was the same concern on page 2 about this rating being too much. I had that concern early but no anymore.

We're on a long road trip where we have not before towed so many highway miles. Our OEM springs are in very good condition, no sag, still nicely arced and perhaps Dexter used better steel in 2015 than more recently. Who knows but htey're in excellent shape and no rust given where we live. When the other day, I crossed railroad tracks that were on about a 30 degree angle to the road, I watched our Oliver in the side view mirror. The Oliver waddled like a duck going over those tracks, side-to-side, the top of the Oliver swayed a good 1 1/2 ft like a pendulum both ways! These springs are under-rated, as the Alcan rep stated.

It's crazy that this is our 2nd longest thread, just behind "Where's Ollie" at 28 pages! This truly means not enough of you are posting travel pics! 🤣

[jd1923]

In the recent thread, "2 broken leaf springs / shocks" the discussion of Alcan springs came up again. Then I realized we would travel right through Grand Junction CO on our way home, so it got me thinking. Is now the right time to upgrade?

So, I called Alcan yesterday and thought I would be connected to Lew, the name I read on our forum many times, but instead talked to Tim who was fully versed in Oliver needs. We talked about the leaf springs and upgrading to 5200 lb axles.

I cannot see doing one without the other. I sure wish they had run out of 3500 axles, like some others, when they built our hull! The 5200 axles and Alcan springs would allow carrying more weight. I don't see much in other limiting factors, the wheels, tires, frame and steel sub-frame should all handle more weight. Not that we would ever carry much more weight being at about 6500 lbs today, but nothing wrong with over-engineering overall strength. My only worry about new axles are the mixed reviews on the Nev-R-Lube bearings. I want 5200 lb axles to have 12" vs" 10" drum brakes. This is a big deal/difference for mountain towing.

I was contemplating having them do the work, biting the bullet on this large $$$$ ticket item, but in the end I got off the hook! Alcan stocks the Dexter 50.5" 5200 lb axles but not the older 50" model that only a couple of us have.

Tim put a set of 5-leaf Alcan springs on hold for me including their HD shackles and new wet-bolts. I will hold off on new u-bolts until I purchase new axles. The Alcan leafs will like sit on the shelf in my shed for a while. Our original leafs are still in like new condition, not a spot of corrosion and nicely arced. I also have a new pair of leaf springs and new u-bolts under the tool box of our TV, with the necessary tools, for any roadside emergency. I'll spend close to $1,000 next week and then another $2,000+ at the time we purchase new axles...

[Gliddenwoods]

Having read so much about broken springs and the potential benefit of installing  better(?) ALCAN springs I have decided to "consider" such an upgrade to my Oliver. However the garage I built for year-round storage of the Oliver has very limited door clearance when backing in; just two inches.

Question. After having the ALCAN springs installed with the additional spring does the overall height of the Oliver increase? If so, how much? I have revised my building three times now since having purchased three different trailers until the Oliver and I can not revise the door clearance any more so this is a critical question.

Thanks.

[John and Debbie]

2 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

Having read so much about broken springs and the potential benefit of installing  better(?) ALCAN springs I have decided to "consider" such an upgrade to my Oliver. However the garage I built for year-round storage of the Oliver has very limited door clearance when backing in; just two inches.

Question. After having the ALCAN springs installed with the additional spring does the overall height of the Oliver increase? If so, how much? I have revised my building three times now since having purchased three different trailers until the Oliver and I can not revise the door clearance any more so this is a critical question.

Thanks.

I don't notice any difference in ground clearance.  I think someone said there was a 1/2 inch difference, but that's just going on memory, so not sure.  

John

[tallmandan]

4 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

does the overall height of the Oliver increase?

I tried to measure pre and post install based on height of the wheel well trim from the ground.  It was less than a half inch in difference on my trailer.   I spoke with Lew for awhile when I was there a few weeks ago and he thought he had upgraded close to a hundred trailers now.  As others have reported, they were pleasant to deal with and did good work.  Lew said my springs had flattened and were "shot."  He also said the bushings were badly worn and emphasized that I now have brass bushings along with the heavy duty shackles.  Two of my shocks were blown (which I already knew) so they installed 4 new ones that I brought with me.  I decided to "spring" (haha) for the new 5200 axles as well so my wallet was way lighter but my piece-of-mind was way higher!   Just returned from a trip to Flaming Gorge/Green River, Utah and it performed great over the nearly 1k miles round-trip.  We returned through Northern CO where the two-lane highway has quite a bit of freeze/thaw damage and heave so I was sure glad I had it done.   I do notice that it is more stout.  The "waddle" over angled railroad tracks or curb that @jd1923 mentioned is definitely less.

[Geronimo John]

On 6/21/2025 at 6:06 AM, jd1923 said:

My only worry about new axles are the mixed reviews on the Nev-R-Lube bearings. I want 5200 lb axles to have 12" vs" 10" drum brakes. This is a big deal/difference for mountain towing.

Mine as well. I'm thinking EZ Lube as I have a concern with ALWAYS and NEVER for just about all things.  They are two absolute words we both used to use.  🙂

Keep us posted on your decision.  I'll likely follow your lead. Good Camp Fire discussion next month!

GJ

7 hours ago, John and Debbie said:

I think someone said there was a 1/2 inch difference, but that's just going on memory, so not sure.  

Another indicated it was 3/4" increase.  I have similar storage door frame height limitations. 

Edited June 23 by Geronimo John

[Patriot]

18 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Another indicated it was 3/4" increase.  I have similar storage door frame height limitations. 

GJ - Would lowering tire pressure a few lbs work to get you parked in storage? 🤔

Edited June 24 by Patriot

[Geronimo John]

10 hours ago, Patriot said:

GJ - Would lowering tire pressure a few lbs work to get you parked in storage? 🤔

Yes of course.  But with my Houghton I gained about an inch or so.  

[jd1923]

After spending well over three grand on axles, springs and other parts. And after my recent experience, I'm wondering, does our hull truly need a new suspension?

(I'm just kidding 🤣, but you're not going to believe this!)

We camped on the Yampa River valley, near Craig CO. We had used most of the water in our fresh tank the 2 days before, so when we setup camp I connected hose from our TV 35-gal aux tank to the Oliver boondocking port to fill the FWT. Afterwards I put everything away, but forgot to cap the hose port.

The next morning we drove down to Alcan Spring in Grand Junction. A 3-hour 140 mile trip, starting with 40 minutes of dirt, then CO Highway 13 south where we dropped 2500 ft in elevation, then on I-70W and it was the usual windy day in the West.

After I worked with the staff at Alcan, I walked back to our rig to grab a personal check for payment. As I walked behind the Oliver, I froze in awe, OMG, are you kidding me? The cap was exactly where and how I placed it the night before. There is no logic, no physics nor engineering science to explain this, but believe me, it's the God's honest truth!

This just goes to show that Oliver Travel Trailers are rock-solid driving down the highway! 😂

Edited June 28 by jd1923

[C&MCurrie]

Does Alcan have the info to manufacture springs for the smaller Elite I ?

[jd1923]

19 minutes ago, C&MCurrie said:

Does Alcan have the info to manufacture springs for the smaller Elite I ?

Likely no experience yet, not sure. Call them and ask, they are great on the phone and in person.

Everybody speaks of Lew. He is the lead guy, but Tim answered my call and serviced me when we arrived. All staff is great!

Take a picture of your axle  label and stamping on the leaf springs. They will ask to email pics. That should do you. They can build any custom leaf spring and charge like it’s a stock item. Best wishes, JD

[Gliddenwoods]

On 3/7/2024 at 2:13 AM, ScubaRx said:

When we were in the early build stage of our Hull #050 back in late 2013, I asked Jim Oliver what he suggested for axles for our new Elite II. We were coming from a 2008 Elite that had a 5200 pound axle with five leaf spring packs under it. He quickly said that he would want the same ones we had on our first trailer. So that's what we went with. The plan at that time was to use 2 x 3500 pound axles with four leaf spring packs on the regular production Elite II's. With the exception of a few trailers built in 2015 with the 5200 pound setup for the reason stated previously by @rideandfly this has been the standard on all production units since the first 2014 models rolled off the line and continued that way through model year 2021.

The 2022 to current Elite II models saw a change in their axles. The Elite's axle remained the same as they had always been but, In an effort to streamline production and simplify their inventory, the decision was made to use the same size axles on both the Elite and Elite II trailers. All trailers delivered since 2022 have been supplied with two 5200 pound axles with the Dexter Nev-R- Lube hubs on them. However, they stuck with the 3500 pound 4-Leaf spring packs that have always accompanied the 3500 pound axles rather than the 5-Leaf spring packs that are standard on the 5200 pound axles. Their reasoning is that the stiffer springs would cause a rougher ride and could lead to drawers coming open or cabinet doors opening up while under tow. This why the GVWR remains at 7000 pounds. In addition, Oliver has also changed from 16" wheels with LT tires to 15" wheels with ST tires.

There has been some recent owner interest in obtaining the Dexter Nev-R- Lube hubs. This requires a complete axle swap as they are not compatible with the axles all the older trailers (pre-2022) are equipped with. If you are contemplating ditching the OEM 3500 pound axles for the new setups with the higher rated axles, be aware of this spring issue. I can personally attest to knowing of at least 10 spring failures on the 4-Leaf spring packs on both the older trailers and a few that have recently been delivered over the past year or so. All of these springs have broken in exactly the same place. Also, I have never heard of a single failure in any of the trailers that are equipped with the 5200 pound axle with the 5-Leaf spring pack. This includes all the Elites ever built and, to my knowledge, none of the Elites II’s that were originally built with the 5200 pound axles and the 5-Leaf spring packs.

My predication is that the 4-Leaf spring packs will continue to fail no matter which axle they are installed with. My advice is if you are changing out your four leaf springs for any reason, consider a stiffer spring that the originals and to purchase and carry with you at least one extra spring pack. If you’re going to Alaska carry two sets. One owner was up around the Arctic Circle when he discovered his were broken. Not the ideal locale for a FUBAR.

 

 

 

If I read this correctly my 2022 Elite II would have 5200 lb axle. My axle are 3500 lb; what am I missing?

[CRM]

15 minutes ago, Gliddenwoods said:

If I read this correctly my 2022 Elite II would have 5200 lb axle. My axle are 3500 lb; what am I missing?

Looks like you have the 5200lb axles with 3500lb springs just like @ScubaRx said all the 22 and newer LE2's have been built with.

[jd1923]

35 minutes ago, CRM said:

Looks like you have the 5200lb axles with 3500lb springs just like @ScubaRx said all the 22 and newer LE2's have been built with.

I concur with CRM. Lucky you and owners of newer hulls (OTT finally) and given you took this pic of your axles, you have the D52, 5200 LB-rated axles with 12” brakes.

The 3500 rating is the spring weight rating. Many of these have failed, but for $1K in parts costs you can upgrade to Alcan 5500 LB (2750 each) 4 new leaf springs and all HD shackles and wet bolts required.

Wish we were so lucky. Many older hull hulls have the 3500 axles AND the 2 x 1750 LB springs.

I just spent $3K+ to upgrade all, yet there are other viable opinions to leave well enough alone. I’ve done that for 2 years but have a new pair of 3500 springs on board for possible roadside repair. Best wishes, JD

[Gliddenwoods]

6 hours ago, jd1923 said:

I concur with CRM. Lucky you and owners of newer hulls (OTT finally) and given you took this pic of your axles, you have the D52, 5200 LB-rated axles with 12” brakes.

The 3500 rating is the spring weight rating. Many of these have failed, but for $1K in parts costs you can upgrade to Alcan 5500 LB (2750 each) 4 new leaf springs and all HD shackles and wet bolts required.

Wish we were so lucky. Many older hull hulls have the 3500 axles AND the 2 x 1750 LB springs.

I just spent $3K+ to upgrade all, yet there are other viable opinions to leave well enough alone. I’ve done that for 2 years but have a new pair of 3500 springs on board for possible roadside repair. Best wishes, JD

Thanks. Any guess on the cost to have Alcan install the Alcan 5500 lb leaf springs? I plan to be in Colorado in September. Any advice as to what to include in my conversation when I call them to order the service?

[John Dorrer]

2 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

Thanks. Any guess on the cost to have Alcan install the Alcan 5500 lb leaf springs? I plan to be in Colorado in September. Any advice as to what to include in my conversation when I call them to order the service?

I'm unaware of any 2022's that have had broken springs. There may have been one that happened on washboard roads.

 

If you stay off washboard roads, don't live near the coast, and don't drive on winter treated roads you should be OK 

 

We have our springs and shocks checked every 3,000 miles when getting our Zerks greased, and check them before each trip.

 

It is a personal choice. I suppose it is peace of mind to upgrade. I don't think it is necessary on 2022 and newer trailers.

I suggest you do what Patriot did and that was to have Alcan install heavy duty hardware, shackles and bolts, for extra security.

 

If you keep an eye on your springs, either yourself or a truck service place to make sure the springs aren't flattening, you should be good.

 

Another important thing is tire pressure

 We run ours under 55 lbs. (53-54 lbs.)

 

 

 

 

Edited Monday at 12:52 PM by John Dorrer
Updated Comment

[John and Debbie]

3 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

Thanks. Any guess on the cost to have Alcan install the Alcan 5500 lb leaf springs? I plan to be in Colorado in September. Any advice as to what to include in my conversation when I call them to order the service?

If memory serves me, our Alcan springs were about $1700 for the five leaf springs, new shackles, wet bolts and labor.  Lew at Alcan Springs can give you a quote very quickly as he has done about 100 Oliver's so far.  When we talked to him he wanted about six weeks to build the sets and put us on the schedule.

John

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, John Dorrer said:

I'm unaware of any 2022's that have had broken springs. There may have been one that happened on washboard roads.

It is a personal choice. I suppose it is peace of mind to upgrade. I don't think it is necessary on 2022 and newer trailers.

Bad bridge seams and potholes towing over 60+ MPH are harder on springs vs. washboard roads at 15 MPH. We run 45 PSI in the Oliver tires for highway and if we're just going local on dirt roads I reduce to 40 PSI. 

2022 and newer means 3 years or less use, so it makes sense less known failures. Also, many owners are not on these forums. There are likely more. The other factor is that the D52 axle, proving a more substantial base may help to cushion the lighter springs. 

I'm riding our original 10-year-old  3500 LB rated springs, so ever since March of 2024 when this thread started, I purchased and carry a spare pair of leaf springs and 4 new U-bolts. I was not ready at the time to work an upgrade. It's one thing to have a roadside failure that any trailer shop can service for you, but they won't have the correct parts in stock!

I just made the upgrade choice. Visited Alcan on our trip 2 weeks ago. I purchased new leaf springs, rated at 2750 LBS each, 5500 per axle. Also purchased and their HP parts, HD shackles and new wet bolts, under $1100 in parts (plus tax or ship costs). Our axles were the shorter 50" one some older hulls vs. the common 50.5" which they stock. They special ordered axles for me, cost about $2000. No idea on labor since I do all of our auto service work.

I'll have a backup pair of the new 3500 LB axles for sale and given how expensive trailers are, the high demand here in Arizona, and that many people out here build home-made trailers, I figure I can sell the entire dual-axle setup for near $1000 locally. It's a great setup for a flatbed ATV trailer! My net cost should come out pretty good, doing the work myself and selling the used parts.

Alcan has a whole pile, a dedicated boneyard, of Oliver axles on their property! 🤣

Once I have the HD Alcan set installed on brand new 5200 LB axles, I will not worry about maintenance given the Nev-R Lube bearings, lube the wet bolts every year or two. No need to carry spare leaf springs anymore, given how they are over-engineered. I am looking into a pair of spare hubs/drums with Nev-R Lube bearings installed which could be changed on the road as easy as changing a flat tire!

[Gliddenwoods]

4 hours ago, John and Debbie said:

If memory serves me, our Alcan springs were about $1700 for the five leaf springs, new shackles, wet bolts and labor.  Lew at Alcan Springs can give you a quote very quickly as he has done about 100 Oliver's so far.  When we talked to him he wanted about six weeks to build the sets and put us on the schedule.

John

John

You also have a 2022 Oliver yet tou installed new springs. Others suggested replacement not necessary on 2022. Yours thoughts would be great. Thanks.

[John and Debbie]

22 minutes ago, Gliddenwoods said:

John

You also have a 2022 Oliver yet tou installed new springs. Others suggested replacement not necessary on 2022. Yours thoughts would be great. Thanks.

I just didn't want to risk them failing.  It might be overkill, but after talking to Lew at Alcan Springs, he said the four leaf springs are designed to break.  Three inches out from the eye is the sheer point he explained.  In looking at what we have and what he makes, it reassured me that we made the right decision.  If the roads we travel never had potholes and we were always on great roads, then I might have chosen to not replace them.  

 

John

[Geronimo John]

21 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

If memory serves me, our Alcan springs were about $1700 for the five leaf springs, new shackles, wet bolts and labor.

Are we are going to keep this thread alive, with near continuous advertisements for Alcan's? 

If so, for "equal time", there is the quite suitable 2400 pound Dexter PR4 exact fit set for the OE2's.  Dexter PR4's with all new hardware and brass shackle inserts with shipping cost me $392 in April 2024.  I would wager that these springs will end up being the OTT OEM spring for OE2's down the road.  Not the Alcan's.  Anybody want to wager on that?

GJ

Edited Tuesday at 04:19 PM by Geronimo John