W22 with weak rear leaf spring looking for shop

[GA Dawg]

Hi,


I have a 2004 Newmar W22 MA 3778. I recently noticed I have a weak rear leaf spring can find nothing visually. Tires pressures are matched, water tanks emptied etc....The passenger side sits approximately 2" lower than the driver side. Other sources I've spoken with believe I have a rear weak leaf...

I've located the springs (which are challenging to source). I'm looking for a reputable shop that has experience with Newmars-W22 "preferably" in the southeast region that can could change these springs.

I have a mechanical experience just not heavy equipment, and visually I'm unsure how you would remove the bolts from the shackles due to clearance between the shackles and the RV's compartments. So I'm looking for sources that may have first hand knowledge of this process.
Thanks Mike

[d23haynes57]

Find a truck spring shop. They can fabricate and install. They can also improve them. Springs are consumables. They do fatigue over time especially if overloaded.

[GA Dawg]

Thanks for the reply. This is the problem, finding a shop that can or will fabricate and install.

[Duner]

Another solution would be to add Firestone air bags like these:

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by Duner

Another solution would be to add Firestone air bags like these:

Those do not work if the springs are bad. BTDT!

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by GA Dawg

Thanks for the reply. This is the problem, finding a shop that can or will fabricate and install.

That is one of the few things we are lucky to have on Long Island. Remember when cars had leaf springs? Novas and Camaros!

[GA Dawg]

Thanks for the reply. I've been told that a couple of times, however when i researched the load limit of the Air bags it is only 5000lbs...I decided purchased and installed a set Trimbren load levelers with an additional shim kit to provide the offset because the Trimbrens are rated at 8600lbs. In short these air bags & Trimbren suspension are only designed to work in conjunction with a fully functional suspension system and are not a good long term fix for a weak leaf spring. I was only able to achieve or get 1" back...

[RottenRalph]

If you want to drive a little North of Slidell, LA. you could go to Hickory Truck and Auto Repair in Pearl River. I will not tell you they have specific knowledge of Newmar or Workhorse but they have done work on my W-22 as well as some heavy equipment. Although they do work on motorhomes, their man focus is commercial trucks. They think outside of the box and are the last of a dying breed of real mechanics.

[GA Dawg]

Thanks for the info. I'll make a call...

[y2kbaja]

Curious how you came up with a weak rear leaf spring? My w22 leans passenger and it's noticeable most on my tow as the left side suspension is sandblasted from the added height of the drivers side mh.

[GA Dawg]

Not sure I fully understand your comment. I have no idea why the rear passenger side is suddenly 2" lower than the drivers side. I've called several Workhorse parts suppliers and they state this is a pretty common issue. IMO and the only thing I can come up with is the fact the passenger side on my Newmar has/carries more weight. IE Rear bed room slide on passenger side, water tank on passenger side, Batteries on passenger side, refrigerator on passenger side, house batteries on passenger side...Unless something is discovered with a leaf during disassembly I have no clue...


Mike

[Duner]

Originally Posted by GA Dawg

Not sure I fully understand your comment. I have no idea why the rear passenger side is suddenly 2" lower than the drivers side. I've called several Workhorse parts suppliers and they state this is a pretty common issue. IMO and the only thing I can come up with is the fact the passenger side on my Newmar has/carries more weight. IE Rear bed room slide on passenger side, water tank on passenger side, Batteries on passenger side, refrigerator on passenger side, house batteries on passenger side...Unless something is discovered with a leaf during disassembly I have no clue...


Mike

You say "suddenly 2" lower". That's a lot different that slowly sagging over 20 yrs, which is what I assumed.

If it dropped down recently, there is one more thing to consider. Look for a cracked/broken/bent support bracket on the main frame. This happened to me on my 2004 W22 chassis on the passenger rear side. In my case, a 5/16" steel upside-down U-shaped bracket cracked about 5" long next to the weld and the other side of the U bent and allowed the coach to drop down about 1.5 inches. This bracket was installed by Winnebago and Newmar's design maybe different.
I had to get the box up and the backet raised back up, rewelded, and an added gusset welded in.

Anyway, I suggest looking closely at the support backets and make sure everything is a-OK.

[y2kbaja]

Thanks for that reply Duner. I will investigate further on my coach the structure of the chassis and do a full inspection. I was thinking mine sagged over 20-years of owning parked in the same spot that is slightly leaning drivers side thus putting more weight on passenger side.

[GA Dawg]

Yes sir I did state (2" suddenly) I'm the second owner purchased it in 2022...I only noticed this recently "This year". I will raise the coach in am and look closely at the main bracket from the frame to the springs...




Mike