Trailer leaf springs

[redneck joe]

After reading so much on this forum on how one can die towing/boating/breathing - I was looking over my tandem axle trailer today.


Leaf springs 'hooks' (sure not correct term) are hooked at the front but appear to have a bit of room to allow movement in the rear. It looks as though they are barely holding on - there is about a 1" gap to the rear and the front are about halfway on the 'spindle'

are my springs that worn out, is the 'rocker arm' that connects the two too long (I'm assuming they come in different sizes) or is this normal? All four rear ones are the same, the attach points to the trailer are welded so no adjustment possible.







\rj

 

[oldjeep]

That kind of spring is called a loop - a hook is a different shape. Are they like that at both ends? I've seen them with an eye at one end and a loop at the other but never a loop on both ends.

Assuming nothing is bent, I'd say that the springs have flattened out a bit if the loop is sitting that far out.

 

[redneck joe]

it has a closed eye on the front of all four, an open loop (hook) on all four of the rear. Nothing bent severely all look 'normal'



rj

 

[glenn property of pam]

looks normal for a trailer that's fully loaded. As the spring goes up it gets longer so the rear is designed to allow for expansion. The pin is there to catch the spring if you go over a huge bump. The place to really check is the spring pack where all the leafs are stacked. If you see any signs of cracking then they need to be replaced as that will cause more pressure on the long spring.

 

[oldjeep]

looks normal for a trailer that's fully loaded. As the spring goes up it gets longer so the rear is designed to allow for expansion. The pin is there to catch the spring if you go over a huge bump. The place to really check is the spring pack where all the leafs are stacked. If you see any signs of cracking then they need to be replaced as that will cause more pressure on the long spring.

I disagree, looks wore out. The end of the spring looks like it is either resting on or too close to the side of the spring box. There should be room for it to compress when you hit a bump.

 

[kjsAZ]

Have to agree with oldjeep, it looks a bit "old". If the spring is as old as the boat (1979) the springs are actually well beyond their use before date. Most don't read the fine print but trailer springs, especially when under constant load as with a boat on it, should be replaced after 12-15 years. Sure, they usually last a lot longer but they lose their spring characteristics quite a bit. End of life for a spring is not when it breaks but when it loses the required characteristics.
My last trailer was 23 years old and when I replaced the axle (old one didn't have brake flanges) I also used new springs. Day and night difference in how it didn't jump hard any more.

You most likely will be surprised when you replace the springs with the exact same ones but new. The boat will be at least 1" higher above ground.

 

[redneck joe]

not sure of age of trailer, didn't come with the boat. My guess is old tho'.


well thanks guys was planning on reworking the ubolts and at least one new axle with brakes this winter anyway, so whats a few more bucks....



rj

 

[Scott Danforth]

Break out another Thou.......