What Causes a Trailer to Bounce Up and Down

Updated 03/13/2019 | Published 03/12/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Lippert Bolt-On Shock Kit w/ Heavy Duty Gas Shocks - 3,500-lb (2-3/8") Axle

(87)

$190.27

Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb Axle

(198)

$860.00

Question:

I have a 30 ft cargo trailer weighing about 7000 lbs with 2 5000 lb axles. I am getting a lot of bouncing transfer to my 201’5 3500 making the ride very uncomfortably. The axles are leaf spring. Ideas?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The leaf springs on your trailer could be too far worn which is making the ride bouncy because they have lost their rigidity or it could just be how the weight inside of the trailer is positioned. If you are having any clearance issues with your fenders or the trailer is leaning to one side more so than the other then this would point to signs of worn out leaf springs. Aside from these instances it is rather difficult to diagnose a worn out leaf spring if there are no other visual cues therefore, if you can't recall the last time they were replaced then it might be a good time to do so.

In order to recommend the correct set you would need to take the weight off the axle and then measure the distance between the two eyes (double eye springs only). The new leaf springs you obtain will then most likely be up to an 1" longer than the old but the capacity should also help to narrow down the options. If you can give me your eye to eye measurement unloaded then I would be happy to recommend a set but if not I have attached our selection for you.

The other option you have if your leaf springs are not worn would be to install a set of shock absorbers, the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers part # RM-2460 which will work for you so long you have 3" diameter axle tubes. The addition of these shocks to your trailer will be a night and day difference in ride quality and just might be exactly what you need.

expert reply by: Conner L