Caravan suspension help

[Fillet`n`Release]

This is a bit off-topic from the usual camping stuff, but my van goes with me when I go fishing so it's relevant to me

So I've got a Jayco Freedom Outback '05 poptop that I take away on my trips, and on the last jaunt to the territory I've snapped a spring leaf (and scrubbed a tyre out in the process). Thankfully the break was only about 2-3 inches off the bolt and it slotted safely behind the bolt, or it could've been all kinds of bad.

Subsequently we tried to contact Jayco who were pretty much useless. All we wanted was to find out a bit more about the part #, cost etc. Couldn't actually be helpful if they tried. So I started to chase up caravan repairers (northside Brissy). Got a quote and choked at $800 to repair 1 spring, yes that's before replacing tyres and such. I'd prefer not to claim on my insurance but wait..... another quote from a mobile caravan repair guy was $1000+ ... There's no damage to the under side of the van, it's simply replacing the leaf spring...

So I'm "almost" at the point of just saying bugger the price gouging and let the insurance company deal with it.

I have been to Probar at Caboolture, and the guys there were very helpful and informative. Their alternative was to buy a 5 spring 8mm leaf (currently it's on 6 leaf 5.5-6mm spring) which would give it something like 2.4T rating (when it's ATM is 2.1T so it's ample). In that instance I would replace all 4 springs (in case the fault in the one that's gone might happen in the other 3 due to age I'm not sure). The springs themselves are in the vicinity of $80e, and if I got a mate who is mechanically minded he said he'd put them on. Does this sound like a viable option ? Or is there more to suspension than I'm aware ?

Alternatively does anyone have a good referral to a van repairer (mobile would be great but not essential, but towing it in it's current state makes me justifiably nervous). I just think I'm being dicked around by these other guys cause I'm not a greasemonkey.

Any thoughts would be appreciated,

Thanks.

[scottar]

Be well worth a call to a few specialist suspension companies rather than a "caravan repairer". Unfortunately, if the stories from friends and family are anything to go by, the caravan repair industry is full of shonky characters.

[Fillet`n`Release]

Thanks Scottar. Yeah I'm very worried about the few quotes I've got thus far. We're in that in-between time of year when I'm not travelling till things cool down, but I'm restless in getting this problem fixed too heh. There are what appears to be a "lot" of so called caravan-repairer types around Caboolture, but I'm stuck with the "who do I trust" thing. Will hold my breath that I get some solid recommendations from people. I'd prefer not to wait until June for the big show at the RNA cause by then I'd like to be back on the road.

[Moonlighter]

Rplacing leaf springs is pretty easy. Anyone with a bit of mechanical ability will be able to do it. Im no mechanic but replaced the springs on my boat trailer - the van with leaf springs is no different.

You said you have a mate who has some ability in this area - so yes, it is definitely a viable option for the two of you to do it. Wouldnt be a bad idea to do them all at the same time so they are all equal (old ones will have sagged to at least some extent).

The main reason, apparently, for many springs breaking is that they are not tightened up enough. But your suppliers at Probar will advise you re that.

[gunna]

Give the guy at All About Trailer Repairs a call. He is at Beerburrum. I have used him for both my boat trailer and caravan and he does very good work at a very good price.

07) 5496 049

[Fillet`n`Release]

Thanks guys.

Moonlighter - Yeah that's what we think too, even though the pros say "oh god no you can't DIY that job, but I can for big $$" which I find a bit dubious.

Gunna - Thanks for the suggestion will definitely give him a call.

[JEWIENEWIE]

Just don't buy crap springs because of the price, to much riding on them, no pun intended. I borrowed a mates camper trailer to take down to the west coast of SA. I had a leaf spring snap on me doing 100km/hr. Was very very lucky that there was no oncoming traffic as I was flung onto the wrong side of the road, then the whole axsle on the left hand side let go and tried its very best to flip the lot including my Pajero and all its occupants over. The left hand wheel ended up at the back of the camper looking like it was fitted there, until you saw the axle still attached and bent into a J shape.The springs were correctly fitted and were inspected by a metal fabricator, he showed me inconsistencies in the metal, in his words, cheap shit that could of killed me........I had never given spring failure a thought till that day!
Matty