OT- trailer suspension

Bob Bancroft · Aug 10, 2015

I have no experience with trailer suspensions. I bought a small, used seed tender, with what appears to be a nice homemade frame under it, with a used set(deep pits under the paint) of trailer axles under it. It is ridiculously over-sprung. Springs don't deflect at all under load, and there's almost no tongue weight. One axle has heavier, and more leaves on it than the other. The heavier one takes a 3/8" center bolt, whole the lighter one takes a 5/16". Is this someone's idea of an E-Z ride type deal? It seems like the equalizer would be frequently slammed around to one limit with one set of springs deflected, and one not? I am re-configuring it to put the lighter sprung axle under it, putting about 1/3 of the weight on the tongue.

jon f mn · Aug 10, 2015

Post pics of what you have will be the only way to help much. 60% on the axle placement is pretty standard for bumper hitch trailers. Depending on how much your gross trailer weight will be 66% could easily be over your hitch rating. Trailer springs don't move much under load, about 1 1/2" for load and that much more for shock load.

Steve@Advance · Aug 10, 2015

Could you take some of the leaves out to make them equal? Might even take an extra out if it's too stiff. Sounds like someone put it together from what they had. Could do some comparison to known weight rated axle and spring combinations, make adjustments accordingly.

Bob Bancroft · Aug 10, 2015

The lighter set has a leaf under the main leaf that's nearly as long. I'm omitting that one. I can't imagine the suspension will then be too light, given that I'm transferring about 1/3 of the total weight to the tongue. But if it is, I can put that leaf back in, or put the other axle with the heavier springs under it.

Bob Bancroft · Aug 10, 2015

Sorry, I'm electronically challenged- no pictures! Some day, I'm going to get a good picture of a summer Fingerlakes sunset, and you'll all be jealous!

This has what I would call just a regular, old fashioned wagon hitch. It will only be used behind a tractor. Doesn't really need a suspension, but since it was built that way, I'm keeping it that way.

Would you e-mail me, so I can e-mail you?

OT- trailer suspension

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

jon f mn

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

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