Re:Trailer shocks, or dampers.

[CaptainKev]

Re:Trailer shocks, or dampers.

I'm in the final stages of renovating a 16' trailer. I have no history on the original chassis, but it looks like an agricultural set up. My only concern is the suspension. The fixed single axle has a couple of hefty coil springs that are bolted to swinging arms on both sides of the trailer. The net result is a super bouncy trailer. Does anybody have any experience locating & installing short shocks, or dampers to reduce the rebound? I need the shock/dampers to be approx. 6" long because the boat sits quite low between the fenders with the keel 7" above the center of the axle. The boat is a 1984 14' Alumacraft with a 9.9 Johnson outboard. Any help, or comments would be appreciated.
Kevin

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

if you go in to a parts store with your request they should be able to find a shock for you. might take a bit of fabrication for mounting though.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

I'm wondering if it is bouncing because the trailer was designed to carry much more weight than a 14' aluminum boat. Are the springs actually flexing alot, or is it just bouncing the entire trailer on stiff springs? If the latter situation is the case, adding the shocks will either do nothing, or make the situation worse.

 

[CaptainKev]

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

jay_merrill That's a good question. Even though the springs are relatively hefty they seem to flex a lot. There is about 4" tire to fender clearance. If I get in the center of the boat the fenders will go down to about 1" from the tire. I'm only 150 Lbs, so my concern is that the when the boat is fully loaded with gear the tires will hit the fenders.
Kevin

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

I have coil springs on my 1966 Holsclaw trailer..... not the greatest picture but you might see if they are similar http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=293565&highlight=starcraft

Mine has shocks which limits the bounce.

 

[beermunk]

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

When installing shocks remember to camber them a bit from the frame to the axle and install them as far out towards the wheel as possible.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

I'm wondering if it is bouncing because the trailer was designed to carry much more weight than a 14' aluminum boat. Are the springs actually flexing alot, or is it just bouncing the entire trailer on stiff springs? If the latter situation is the case, adding the shocks will either do nothing, or make the situation worse.

I would tend to agree with jay_merrill

Coil springs are compliant, but hold more weight than it looks like they can take. I would get everything set up and try it and then determine if it still needs shocks.

 

[CaptainKev]

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

Re: Trailer shocks, or dampers.

Thanks to everyone for the input. I'm inclined to go with Mark_VTfisherman. I have to get the trailer weighed, so tomorrow I'll be road testing it (albeit empty) on the way to the weigh station. While it won't handle the same as loaded, it should give me some idea how well it sticks to the road. Thanks for the help.
Kevin