How Can I Improve Ride Quality on My Enclosed Trailer for Hauling My Carbon Fiber Bicycles?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Michael.

I understand your concern as the carbon fiber bike frames are very delicate. I do not have an axle to offer that is going to improve the ride quality, the only axle that could do that would be a torsion axle and unfortunately we do not carry them. Upgrading your trailers suspension components will definitely help. You mention that you have 3 leaf leaf springs on the trailer, the more leaves you have on the spring will improve ride quality. You will want to measure it eye to eye while it is unloaded (so please lift the trailer if needed to get the weight off of the spring) the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb # DX23CR is 25 1/4" from eye to eye, if yours is a different measurement please let me know. Also, by upgrading your shackle straps and wet bolts will also help improve the quality, check out the Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension Upgrade Kit for Single Axle Trailers - Double Eye Springs # K71-358-00, make sure that your current shackle straps measure 3-1/8" from center hole to center hole. This upgraded kit comes with the zerk fittings on the wet bolts and bronze bushing so you are able to lube up your suspension. With regular nylon bushings you cannot add grease.

You could also consider adding shocks. If your axle measures 2-3/8" and are overslung you want the Lippert Bolt-On Shock Kit w/ Heavy Duty Gas Shocks - 3,500-lb (2-3/8") Axle # LC281255.

We also have sumo springs for utility trailers, these can help with uneven loads, trailer sway, and body roll if you were to need to swerve or going around turns, for overslung axles you want # TSS-107-40, and for underslung axle # TSS-106-40.

Once last thing to consider is getting a weight distribution hitch. These help distribute the weight of the trailer while towing which helps the ride quality a lot! With the weight distribution systems it is most important to get on the closest to your loaded tongue weight. The loaded tongue weight is typically 10-15% of you trailers weight, you can use something like the # BTBRV44FR to make sure you are getting an accurate reading. The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37040ET works with a tongue weight of up to 400 pounds.

The # HR89FR are a wheel wells for specific bike racks. You could use something like the Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack - 1 Bike # TH93VR, this is normally a truck bed bike rack, I am sure with some modification you could get it to work easily in a trailer. The nice thing about this bike rack is that it is a wheel mount so you don't have to worry about it damaging the frame of your bikes. Or maybe something like the # RKY1087 would work with some modification as well.

I have included review videos for the products that I have mentioned so you can get a better feel for them before purchasing. If any of the parts do not add up with your measurements of what you currently have on the trailer, please let me know as I do not have a database that supplies me with this information.

expert reply by: Kate F

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