Minni-Winnie not level

[The_Handier_Man1]

From: sunni  (Original Message)
Sent: 5/13/2003 1:10 PM

Hi all,
I just purchased a 1984 minnie (24') class c and it is not level when on a level surface.  The passenger side seems to be about 4" lower than the driver side.  All tires are inflated correctly and there is nothing heavy in either side of the RV. Any ideas what might be the problem?  Thank you.



From: Dave1210
Sent: 5/13/2003 1:21 PM

Could be a worn leaf spring.

Dave



From: rshaw500
Sent: 5/13/2003 1:52 PM

sunni,
My guess to your problem is that you either have a blown shock or a bad spring.
Rick



From: jbrt1989
Sent: 5/13/2003 6:04 PM

It could be a bad shock, but, more likely a worn out spring.  Specifically, a spring more worn out than the opposite spring.  At the age of these older winnies, the springs are likely to be worn all around.

On my 76 Cheiftain, the drivers side rear spring was more worn than the other, and leaned a good few inches that way on level ground itself.   I suppose sometimes they just wear out differently, my guess is that in my case, the freshwater holding tank which is 40 gallons I believe, the L/P tank, fridge, and blackwater holding tank are all on that side of the rig.  That's a lot of weight if everything gets full stressing that spring over the years more than it's mate.   

The best option is to replace all of your springs.  At least replace them in pairs, rear pairs and front pairs.  For a cheap temporary fix, you could try a leafspring helper.  It's a device that basically bolts to the underside of the spring to sort of give it a little more support.   It may not help lift the rig any though,  It's main function is to just stiffen the ride of the spring for loads.  But, at less than $50, sure couldn't help to give it a try.  You can pick up a set at any auto parts store.   Most likely though, you're in for a new set of springs.    I wouldn't go for an extended time with that much lean, but, for a short time, you can still use  your rig that way, you'll just have to block up that corner of the rig when you set up to get level.

Good luck

Jeff