Trailer Springs

[dingbat]

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that my equalizers where bottomed out on the front axle I?ve had this trailer for almost 6 years now and never had this issue before.

I got crewing around under the trailer and found out that I have 4 leaf springs on the rear axle and 5 leaf springs on the front axle. WTF? Anyone ever heard of this?

Upon closer inspection, I found a cracked leaf on one of the front springs so I decided to replace them. I looked around and found #1750 springs in both 3 and 4 leaf configurations so I ordered the OEM 3 leaf version. Even with the new Springs installed the equalizer is still bottomed out in the front. Any ideas?

I would say the springs have to be of equal strength but having 5 leafs on the front and 4 on the back for all these years w/o a problem seems to dismiss that thoery.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Trailer Springs

Are the spring's the same length? Can you post a picture of your problem?

 

[batman99]

Re: Trailer Springs

.

Unknown to some, not all leaf springs of the same length and width (and weight rating) are the same. Even same rated 3-leaf and 4-left system isn't the same. Each leaf pack has different depth. re: See C measurement within: http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/images/trailer-spring-es-radius.gif

When I replace leaf spring packs, I always replace all 2 or all 4 (for tandem axle trailers) at the same time. Thus, ensuring same measurements, same depth and same "batch" steel mixture. Same steel batch means they are the same. Just like buying floor tiles - where same batch does matter as well.

For proper setup, do take below in mind:
- Load the boat with normal "trailing" items. For example, full tank of gas, fishing stuff, etc. etc. All the normal stuff one has within their boat cavity - while towing.
- Load the trailer with normal "trailering" items as well. For example, spare tire on its tongue, side guides (if you use them), the boat, etc.
- Connect "average" loaded Boat trailer on the Tow Vehicle. The trailer's horizontal profile must be level. Better to have its tongue slightly lower - compared to its rear. If needed, adjust Tow Vehicle's Hitch Height (up or down) as well.
- On a double or triple axle trailer, its yoke (leaf spring pivot point @ http://www.princessauto.com/hlr-system/WebPhotos/82/821/8212/8212136.jpg ) must be level as well. If trailer is level (or slightly near level) and there Leaf Spring Pack yoke angle is off too much, it isn't balanced properly. And, too much stress is put on a single axle. Not only this problem, the yoke hanger bracket is enduring too much stress as well. Take serious look at old and "new" leaf springs and ensure they are the same "C" measurement. Again, view "C" within: http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/images/trailer-spring-es-radius.gif

With Trailer profile level (or near level) and leaf spring yoke level (due to properly sized leaf spring packs), then focus on Tow Vehicle setup.

- If needed, lower Tow Vehicle's Equalizer hitch. Or, use spacer washer to create different pitch on its Equalizer hitch. If hitch's bottom is dragging on the ground (due to low profile vehicle), then perhaps the boat trailer's ground clearance needs to be raised? If towing a Travel Trailer or PUP and one's Tow Vehicle Equalizer hitch is dragging on the ground, the owner often raises the Trailer 3-4" (using re-position axle or adjusting hanger positions - if possible). Or if possible, replace all 4 x leaf spring packs that have 3" depth with 5" depth - as shown in above "C" distance. Thus, allowing the combo owner to raise their equalizer hitch - to align to the attached trailer (which is now slightly higher ground clearance profile).

Remember that a factory trailer can only be adjusted so much. And, a Tow Vehicle hitch can be adjusted so much. If their combined adjustment range isn't enough, then one must raise the trailer slightly higher - to better align to Tow Vehicle's Equalizer hitch.

Hope this helps…