Trailer Springs

VaGent

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 14, 2008
Messages
221
I have two sets of trailer springs. One set is what I would call "fixed" in that there is a bolt in the front of the spring & the rear spring slids into a steel slot allowing it to move back & forth.

The other set of springs are mounted in the fromt the same way but the rear spring is mounted to a shackle allowing it to pivot back & forth.

Does anyone know what the diefference would be between the two setups? Does one allow a softer ride then the other? I'm just curious & trying to learn something new as I have always wonder why srpings are set up this way.

If a man can learn something new each day of his life then he has not wasted anything.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Trailer Springs

Cost and more friction with the slipper setup but they both carry the same load provided they have the same load rating. Your trailer has one setup or the other. Rather than bastardize the trailer, buy the spring you need -- they are not very expensive.
 

puddle jumper

Captain
Joined
Jul 5, 2006
Messages
3,830
Re: Trailer Springs

And to add to Silvertips suggestion. Get the correct spring for the trailer as a lot of light duty springs are close to being right but if not the same will not work properly.
 

VaGent

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 14, 2008
Messages
221
Re: Trailer Springs

Cost and more friction with the slipper setup but they both carry the same load provided they have the same load rating. Your trailer has one setup or the other. Rather than bastardize the trailer, buy the spring you need -- they are not very expensive.

The springs that came with the trailer are the ones I intend to use. I have no intention of bastardizing a trailer I spent good money for. IMO that wouldn't make much sense. I was only asking a question trying to learn the difference of the two sets of springs. Both sets of spings are rated the same. Was just curious as to why the differnece in them. Thanks
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Trailer Springs

the slipper is cheaper to build, and install. bean counters.
 
Top