Trailer u-bolts

[1979 Quartermasters]

Good morning;

I just loosened the u-bolts that hold the axle frame to the trailer frame. Sorry I don't know the proper names. I moved the axles back 6 inches to try and get rid of the "mule kick". Would somebody know the torque values for the bolts.
Trailer is a 2010 Shorelander tandem axle 4500lb.

Thanks.....

Ken

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Trailer u-bolts

Expert Answers about Trailer Suspension - etrailer.com
Expert Answers about - etrailer.com

Torque Rating Requirements for Installing Leaf Springs on a 7000 lb Tandem Axle Trailer
The torque requirements for leaf spring u-bolts depend on the diameter of the u-bolts that are being used. If the gross weight of your tandem axle trailer is 7,000 lbs, then you likely have two 3,500 lb axles. Typically 1/2 inch diameter u-bolts are used with leaf springs for 3,500 lb axles and they have a torque rating of 45 ft/lbs to 70 ft/lbs. The shackle bolts do not require a specific torque rating because tightening the shackle bolts too much will squeeze the shackle straps against the
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[SWD]

Re: Trailer u-bolts

Find out the nut/bolt size and get the correct torque from a chart. These are usually found on the internet.
For example: http://www.imperialsupplies.com/pdf/A_FastenerTorqueCharts.pdf

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer u-bolts

Good morning;

I just loosened the u-bolts that hold the axle frame to the trailer frame. Sorry I don't know the proper names. I moved the axles back 6 inches to try and get rid of the "mule kick". Would somebody know the torque values for the bolts.
Trailer is a 2010 Shorelander tandem axle 4500lb.

Thanks.....

Ken

Ayuh,... If they're 3/8" u-bolts, 'bout 30/ 35 ft.lbs.... 1/2" should be 'bout 45/ 50 ft.lbs...

 

[gm280]

Re: Trailer u-bolts

Not certain about your trailer, but I presently have mine disassembled refurbishing them and all the nuts that were installed on my setup were lock nuts. So once you do torque them to the spec you do find out, if they're lock nuts they will not work loose... My lock nuts for those “U” bolts were SAE sized 1/2 X 13 nuts. So I bought replacement ones that were that size and stainless steel as well... So I'll torque them according to that size nut rating...

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Trailer u-bolts

If you're moving trailer axles, just be sure to maintain 10% of total weight on the hitch ball/trailer hitch.

There's nothing worse than not having enough tongue weight, and looking in your rear view mirror seeing your load swing 45 degrees back and forth. Well, it'd be worse if your load was sitting on its side from a jackknife.

Been there, done that twice.