Trailer springs

[mattpyle]

Okay, So I picked up a '73 Chrysler Sport Fury about a year ago, and have been working on it here and there ever since (floor, transom, all the interior, etc...). And now it's getting time to get the trailer fixed up. Basically I need some new spring ideas. I guess I can always put leaves on it, but I figured I might first see if anyone here has some better ideas I haven't thought of yet.

I put the 2x4's in there just to get it home. Anyone even know what kind of trailer this is?

Thanks in advance for any help/ideas!!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trailer springs

The trailer appears to be a version of a Hosclaw trailer (based on the axle and the springs). The arms that lead to the axle and the springs..... I have a hosclaw (many of us do) and I also have shocks on the axle.

It is a nice looking trailer...... I like to wide beam set up with the rollers.

I would go to a place that sells automotive/truck springs (check the yellow pages or google it) and if it were me I would replace ALL four springs and maybe add in the shocks once again (which slows the bouncing down).

I just went outside and snapped a few photos of mine (which is a work in progress too)

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Trailer springs

I had one of each type trailer in this post. I got rid of both. Bob, yours is a Holsclaw. Unfortunately, short of major modifications, you will not be able to mount leaf springs. The frame just is not wide enough to properly support the axle.

Couple of words of advice here: I believe that you would be best off, looking for a new trailer. The frame is heavy duty, but the suspension is at best, marginal. The springs are held to the axle with clips and bolts that go through the axle. Guaranteed that the spring mount bolt seals have failed and the inside of the axle is heavily rusted.

Should you decide to keep the trailer, in addition to a spring supplier, you might be able to find springs off an import car in a junkyard to fit.

SHOCKS ARE CRITICAL! They are the only thing that hold the axle to the frame. Without them, on rebound, the tops of the springs can exit the upper U tube of the frame--not good. The sway bar only keeps the axle from shifting to the side.

Again, should you decide--against my recommendation-- to keep the trailer, do yourself a favor and fabricate upper and lower plates of 1/8 inch steel, the width of the spring diameter, to act as spring perches.

Lastly, that trailer with 4 springs was good for someplace around 3800-4000 lbs (depending upon spring size and rate) While you are deciding what to do and/or looking for springs: The springs on the other side look decent. If your Chrysler Boat is only about 2000 lns, simply use one spring on each side of the trailer as a temporary measure.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trailer springs

Frank, the spring shops around here have coil springs I don't think leaf springs will work either just based on the width of the frame.

Those leading arms (round stock) hold the axle to the frame...

My primary dislike is the height of the boat on those trailers.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Trailer springs

Bob: The leading arms just keep the axle from shifting backward they don't hold it up, just as the sway bar doesn't hold it up. Again, if the shocks are missing, the axle can drop well past the height of the springs; it is possible for the springs to come out of the upper U tube. Don't ask how I know---LOL Good thing the trailer was empty.

While we are talking about the leading arms, the bolts tend to wear the hole in the frame egg shaped. I drilled them larger and welded in steel bushings. Made that part quite a bit stronger.

 

[mattpyle]

Re: Trailer springs

Well that's good to know these things aren't as rare as I thought! But ya I've been planning this whole time to add shocks as well. These springs are WAY too bouncy and unpredictable without them! I think I just might try taking one of the good springs from the other side and putting it on the side with the broken ones. I don't think the boat will be over 2k lbs loaded. It's pretty light and only a 16.5 footer.

I work for a place designing and fabricating parts for Toyota 4x4's and building rock buggies...so I've had all sorts of ideas running through my head on what to do for suspension. I'd rather keep it simple though to start and see how that works. Once I'm done with the rebuild, the first few lake trips will only be a couple miles away so I can test some trailer setups out pretty easily.

I'm going to strip all the paint and everything off too, so at that time I'll see how bad the rust is. I know a new trailer is the better way to go, but besides those springs the rest looks real solid (minus some easy to fix surface rust).