I own a 2017 303RLS Reflection with approximately 25,000 miles. I store it in covered storage. I have had one spring hanger replaced two years ago and installed hanger clips/supports at that time. Every year I have the bearings repacked, brakes inspected, and the other items inspected on the annual suspension maintenance list. My question is this... with 25k miles on the trailer, should I consider replacing any of my suspension components...partial or complete upgrade? Is there anything due to normal wear and tear road fatigue that I should address? I am headed to Florida in January (2500 miles round trip) and just want to be proactive. Everything on my trailer is original equipment other than the clips I added. Open to your recommendations.
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2017 303RLS Reflection Suspension Fatigue/Upgrade Recommendations
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It also might be good, if you haven’t already checked them, to take a look at the bushings that are in the ends of the springs. They can wear down and may need to be replaced. I found brass replacements a e-trailer.Tom and Janice (also known as Richter on the “Other” forum)
First came the 18' Comfort bumper-pull, was great for 20 years.
Now a 2019 Reflection 303RLS, second air, double glass, table and chairs
2019 F350 Lariat 4x4 Crewcab with lots of goodies
Andersen aluminum with the puck system holding it all together
Cranberry Twp. PA, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh
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Were you able to reinforce the center support, the one that attaches to the equalizer? If not, you might want to consider the addition of a Morryde X Factor crossmember. I say this only because you say you have had issues with spring hangers.2020 Reflection 273MK
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD
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Originally posted by familytruckster4 View PostIf it doesnt have a wet bolt kit currently you might consider adding one, other than that it sounds like youre on top of thingsAndy
2017 Reflection 303RLS
2015 Dodge Ram 2500, V8 6.4L, Crew Cab, Laramie, w/Tow Pkg.
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Originally posted by Tom in PGH View PostIt also might be good, if you haven’t already checked them, to take a look at the bushings that are in the ends of the springs. They can wear down and may need to be replaced. I found brass replacements a e-trailer.Andy
2017 Reflection 303RLS
2015 Dodge Ram 2500, V8 6.4L, Crew Cab, Laramie, w/Tow Pkg.
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Originally posted by Lonestar View PostWere you able to reinforce the center support, the one that attaches to the equalizer? If not, you might want to consider the addition of a Morryde X Factor crossmember. I say this only because you say you have had issues with spring hangers.Andy
2017 Reflection 303RLS
2015 Dodge Ram 2500, V8 6.4L, Crew Cab, Laramie, w/Tow Pkg.
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Hi Andy,
if you have 25,000 miles on original bushings (either plastic or brass) there won’t be much left of them. I have found bushing replacement to be a regular maintenance activity. Not too difficult to do. Jack the frame and axle around until the spring is “loose” (not carrying any weight). Remove the spring, replace the bushings, put the spring back.
FWIW . . . although it “seems” like the centre hanger would be heavily stressed, most of the broken hangers have been rear and a few have been front. I do not recall anyone reporting a broken centre hanger.
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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Originally posted by Andy+Mo View PostI own a 2017 303RLS Reflection with approximately 25,000 miles. I store it in covered storage. I have had one spring hanger replaced two years ago and installed hanger clips/supports at that time. Every year I have the bearings repacked, brakes inspected, and the other items inspected on the annual suspension maintenance list. My question is this... with 25k miles on the trailer, should I consider replacing any of my suspension components...partial or complete upgrade? Is there anything due to normal wear and tear road fatigue that I should address? I am headed to Florida in January (2500 miles round trip) and just want to be proactive. Everything on my trailer is original equipment other than the clips I added. Open to your recommendations.
https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=...Shackle+Straps
https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=...ing+Suspension
Also measure you spring arch to see if they are equal. Springs do wear out
If you can take a few pictures of what you have the experts here might spot something.
Hope this helps
Keith2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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Originally posted by Andy+Mo View PostI own a 2017 303RLS Reflection with approximately 25,000 miles. I store it in covered storage. I have had one spring hanger replaced two years ago and installed hanger clips/supports at that time. Every year I have the bearings repacked, brakes inspected, and the other items inspected on the annual suspension maintenance list. My question is this... with 25k miles on the trailer, should I consider replacing any of my suspension components...partial or complete upgrade? Is there anything due to normal wear and tear road fatigue that I should address? I am headed to Florida in January (2500 miles round trip) and just want to be proactive. Everything on my trailer is original equipment other than the clips I added. Open to your recommendations.
I am not particularly brand loyal most products recommended on this forum exceed OEM specs, I just happen to get show pricing on Morryde while at a Rally.
See signature for my suspension rebuild, might have been over kill but I did not like what I saw in the OEM set up and everything is bolt on. Check your reservations in Florida some of those RV parks are gone or damaged on the west coast.Retired Tanker Yanker
2017 F-250 6.7 2019 273 MK - Carlisle CSL 16 225/75 15, MORryde CRE 3000 & center X cross brace, Sumo springs, Andersen Ultimate Hitch 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,500-lb Axles
My your pleasures be many and your troubles be few!
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Originally posted by Cate&Rob View PostHi Andy,
if you have 25,000 miles on original bushings (either plastic or brass) there won’t be much left of them. I have found bushing replacement to be a regular maintenance activity. Not too difficult to do. Jack the frame and axle around until the spring is “loose” (not carrying any weight). Remove the spring, replace the bushings, put the spring back.
FWIW . . . although it “seems” like the centre hanger would be heavily stressed, most of the broken hangers have been rear and a few have been front. I do not recall anyone reporting a broken centre hanger.
Rob
Regarding the springs, I am assuming they are flattened out some. I always travel very light and try to keep the weight off the coach when in storage. As with many, the driver side of the trailer is a little lower because of the kitchen hardware, etc...on that side. I understand the method for measuring spring arch when they are off but they won't come off until my guy pulls things apart to address shackles and bushings. Maybe it just makes sense to assume the worst and address the springs since it will all be apart? Open to recommendations on ordering springs!
Not sure if I should add the X-factor? Maybe I am misunderstanding something there? Center hanger has a support clip.
Really appreciate all of this helpful input. Don't know what I would do without the forum...Andy
2017 Reflection 303RLS
2015 Dodge Ram 2500, V8 6.4L, Crew Cab, Laramie, w/Tow Pkg.
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Originally posted by Skilletface View Post
Andy, I wish more people where proactive with the service life of there suspensions! Agree with Yoda, etrailer is a great resource for parts and upgrades. At 10000 miles on my rig the plastic OEM bushings shot, 4 stack leaf springs where flatting out and some of the wet bolts would not take grease due to bolt rotation.
I am not particularly brand loyal most products recommended on this forum exceed OEM specs, I just happen to get show pricing on Morryde while at a Rally.
See signature for my suspension rebuild, might have been over kill but I did not like what I saw in the OEM set up and everything is bolt on. Check your reservations in Florida some of those RV parks are gone or damaged on the west coast.Andy
2017 Reflection 303RLS
2015 Dodge Ram 2500, V8 6.4L, Crew Cab, Laramie, w/Tow Pkg.
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Andy+Mo
x2 on confirming your plans for Florida. Those displaced from the storm damaged SW coast parks are filling up all the other parks, for extended stays, if they can. I have heard that premiums above asking price are being offered to secure sites.
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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Originally posted by Andy+Mo View Post
I understand the method for measuring spring arch when they are off ...
Measuring the arch height of a removed spring won't tell you much. If you follow the linked procedure in this thread https://gdrvowners.com/forum/referen...-height-how-to this will show you how to (relatively easily) measure Loaded Arch Height. This will give you a measure of whether your springs are flattening. Of course, it would have been good to have these measurements when new, as a reference . . . but, in "general" terms, if the loaded arch height is about 1.5" you are still OK. Less than that and spring replacement should be considered.
Rob
Cate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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