Replacement Leaf Springs and Suspension Parts for 1962 Forester Camper Trailer

Question:

i am looking for leaf springs and shackles for a 1962 forester camper

asked by: Mark C

Expert Reply:

Trailer makers do not maintain specs on items like suspension components but it is not difficult to identify correct replacement suspension parts like leaf springs and shackle straps. It is usually best to remove one of the leaf springs to measure it when it is not under tension. This gives the most accurate eye-to-eye dimension.

Also note that a well-worn leaf spring can actually stretch a bit. Leaf springs can easily elongate as much as 1/2-inch, sometimes more, if they are very old and very well-used. So if you find that our range of springs does not include one that matches exactly, then chances are that the correct new one could be just a bit shorter than the one it replaces. Just be sure the weight rating of the two new springs matches the axle rating.

I linked for you our main pages for leaf springs and shackle straps. I also included a helpful article on trailer suspensions.

Based on my review of 60s Forester trailers most appear to be single axle types whose axle weight rating I would estimate at 2000-2200-lbs. As examples, in this 2K weight rating we have leaf springs in various lengths. Part # e84SR measures 20-3/8-inches eye-to-eye; part # SP-113275 is 23-1/2-inches; and part # e77SR is 26-inches.

expert reply by: Adam R