Troubleshooting Harsh Ride for New Trailer with 2k Leaf Springs

Published 11/17/2015

Products Featured in This Question

6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,500-lb Trailer Axles - 26" Long

(2045)

$68.77

Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for 1-3/4" Slipper Springs - 1-1/2" Tall Front

(124)

$35.06

3-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 1,500-lb Trailer Axles - 24-5/8" Long

(633)

$35.44

Question:

I am starting a Company building Tear Trailers. I just finished my prototype and have had it out on the road a couple of times. The ride is very rough! I need to improve the quality of the ride and need advice on which springs to use and what else might help. The trailer is 5 x 10, dry weight is 1240# loaded about 1500 # I now have 2000# leaf springs on it. I have heard changing the angle of the shackle to about 30 degrees AWAY from the spring helps. I also noticed that the bracket does NOT seem to be wearing the paint away as I believe it should as it pivots against the shackle This leads me to believe the springs are not compressing at all. Any ideas? Thanks!

asked by: Kevin M

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you may have torqued down the shackle bolts so tight that they no longer pivot like they should when the spring compresses which is causing a very harsh ride. We recommend that shackle bolts be tightened fully, then backed off slightly to allow free movement.

I attached a picture that shows that shackle angle that is recommended.

Using 2,000 lb axles on a trailer that weighs 1,500 lbs when full loaded should work fine, but it might add to the harshness since a good portion of the trailer's weight is not supported by the leaf spring.

For a hanger kit you would need the part # APS3SE.
The only 1,500 lb rated spring we offer is a slipper spring though like part # SP-178275.

expert reply by: Jameson C