Lots and lots of trailer questions

[jeff.nelson83]

Hello everyone,

First lets start with the equipment, 1992 cobalt 206 on a (what i was told) matching dual axle hertiage trailer with 215/70r14 radial tires, with the axles mounted on top of the the leaf springs. Leaf springs are 27inchs long 1.75 wide and they are a 4 pack.


The Problems,

My fender cuts into the outside of my tire side walls when going over bumps. Also I "think" the trailer is too low, it would be nice if i could raise it a couple of inches for outdrive clearance.

The Questions,

Are these 21 year old springs starting to sag and thats why my fender rubs? Does it have the wrong tire size? Can I mount the axles below the leaf springs.

I dont want to go out and buy new parts if i dont need it but i dont know where to start. I think it would be easier to mount the axles on the bottom of springs but what do i know.

Help please!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

A picture would help. Could be as simple as someone put car wheels and tires on your trailer, and they have the wrong offset.

 

[jeff.nelson83]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

Ten 4, I take my lunch break in a hour and i will load up a picture.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

First lets start with the equipment, 1992 cobalt 206 on a (what i was told) matching dual axle hertiage trailer with 215/70r14 radial tires

agh....... 70 series car tires are not doing you any good. A 75 series "ST" tire is almost an inch taller.

 

[Dawg'sLife93]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

I think you problem is wheels and tires. I have a 223 Condurre on an 86 ezlo tandem with twin 3500# axles. I am on ST205/75/14 on 14x5.5" Dexstar wheels. I don't have any rub issues or height problems.

You might want to look into getting new rolling set.

 

[jeff.nelson83]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

Sorry no pictures yet, no time on lunch break.

@dawgslife93, I think your right. The tires i have are just too wide, they dont rub on the middle of the fender but only on the very outside. With a 205/70r14 i will lose almost a half of an inch in width and .3 of an inch in height. I think I will try the tires first.

 

[Dawg'sLife93]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

Sorry no pictures yet, no time on lunch break.

@dawgslife93, I think your right. The tires i have are just too wide, they dont rub on the middle of the fender but only on the very outside. With a 205/70r14 i will lose almost a half of an inch in width and .3 of an inch in height. I think I will try the tires first.

Go with a ST205/75. You'll pick up a little height over the 215/70(.3") and almost a full inch(.9") over the 205/70.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

What wheels are on it? Could be the wrong offset. Is it close on the inside as well? Maybe you could just space the fender out 1/2" from the frame? Need some pictures to see what you are working with.

LK

 

[emilsr]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

I think the guys here have nailed it already; you need to be running the proper size trailer tire.

That said, Heritage are great people to work with. Good customer service, and they know their product. If you're having a trailer problem, call them with the VIN number and they'll give you good advice. I know they have longer shackles that'll raise the trailer up, but I bet if you run the proper tire your problems will be fixed.

 

[jeff.nelson83]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

Thanks again for your help everyone

@emilsr, just got off the phone with Heritage Trailer and they said if i give them the vin they can tell what the oem size should be. I bet the size should be 205/75r14.

I will update you guys and let you know what fixes it. Plus some pictures.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

They've got records of every trailer they've ever built; they'll steer you in the right direction.

I'm on my third Heritage trailer (the last 2 bought new). Good product, good company. I'd buy another one if I was ever in the market again for a steel trailer.

 

[batman99]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

Unknown to some folks, there's an unwritten code about leaf spring packs. Any leaf spring packs older than 15 years should be replaced. Any leaf spring packs older than 20 years MUST be replaced. Longer their age, the more brittle their steel becomes. And, double railway tracks brings them crashing down. If wondering, tires older than 5 years should be replaced as well. And any tires older than 7 years must be replaced. Another unwritten code that isn't known by all.

Leaf springs can be ordered with 3" arch or 4" arch. If current leafs are factory at 3" arch, simply order 4" arch. Thus creating more tire to fender gap. If replacing tires, simply go with smaller diameter tire. And, also go with 4" arch leaf spring pack replacements. Many places sell 4" arch as special order.

If you want, you can re-position the axle under the leaf spring packs. This would raise the trailer's frame and create more fender clearance. Most often, this change is a 4"-5" lift. If wondering, I did this re-position change on my Capri trailer and love it. Higher off the ground, more fender gap, better visual stance when connected to my Tow Vehicle. But, its fender to tire gap is now 5". Looks ok to me but some folks may feel this gap looks too much. This winter, I will probably lower the fenders 2". Thus, making its fender gap look more normal. And, lowering fenders will create more boat keel to fender gap clearance as well. But for now (with fenders in factory position), re-position the axle under the leaf spring pack worked great (for my trailer). For visual, surf: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Boat Pictures/IMG_0012.jpg

Long mumblings short... Do different adjustments that you feel are best - for your unique trailer and loading ramps.

 

[jeff.nelson83]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

Figured it out! And the winner is.................................... LEAF SPRING PACK!

Took everyone's advice, call heritage trailers with my VIN number and talked to a very helpfull person. Told him about my problems and my tire size issue. He said its probably your springs, he said my factory spring lenght was 26in. So with just a simple phone call that had answered my question! I had already messured my springs eyelet to eyelet "unload" and had 27.5 inches, soooooooo, my springs had settled over an inch on all 4. Booom!! Thanks Heritage.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

They said that the tire size was correct?? Never heard of a 70 series trailer tire

 

[jeff.nelson83]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

They said they used both 215/70rR14 and 205/75r14. Just depends on the load size.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

On some cars you can have them re arched. Not sure about trailer leaf spring tho...

 

[jeff.nelson83]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

$28.00 each from heritage trailers and they are located 80 miles south of me. Boom!

 

[jeff.nelson83]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

OK well i spoke too soon, installed new springs and no change. So i took pictures and sent them to hertiage and they pointed out my equalizer bar was causing my problems. So i bought a different style and i will update and let you know how it turns out.

old one


new one

 

[jeff.nelson83]

Re: Lots and lots of trailer questions

Yes!! Trailer is good to go! Swaped out the equalizers and got plenty of lift out of my trailer. So if your looking to lift your trailer a quick change of the equalizer will help.