Boat Trailer Slipper Spring Installation

Updated 02/04/2015 | Published 02/03/2015

Question:

I installed bolt on slip spring bracket on my trailer rebuild. Have noticed that the bracket allows for about 1/2 inch of play in the vertical orientation. Is this normal? Have not yet put my boat on the trailer. Maybe once the weight is on the trailer things will look different. However, there seems to be quite a bit of play. Dont know if it matters. If it does please let me know so I can readjust somehow. Maybe bend the bracket? thanks

asked by: Christopher C

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are using a bolt-on spring hanger like Redline # 721585 on your boat trailer.

Trailer suspensions will never "behave" when they are unloaded the same way they do when carrying the weight they are designed for. If the 1/2-inch of play you are referring to is in the bolt on hanger, then you will want to secure it by welding. If the play is in the end of the slipper spring then this may not be an issue. As long as your springs and hangers are of the same width and appropriate capacity and you used the correct diameter shackle bolts to install them I suspect you will find things will appear more as you expect once the trailer is loaded.

Do not bend the bracket but reposition it if you need to. The linked article may be of value to you.

expert reply by: Adam R