Recommended Suspension Parts Needed To Build A Smoker Trailer

Question

Question:

First off thank you for your time. I am building a trailer for a smoker i dont expect it to weigh more than 2000lbs with everything on it. I need leaf springs and everything that needs to go with them, trailer lights, trailer jackpreferably with wheel. I can figure out the lights and the jack stand but I am stumped on the leaf springs. I have attached pictures of my axle. The shinny side is if I have the axle close to the ground, but if I flip it up then the rusty pic I get a better ground clearence, the trailer will jsut be really high. The axle is 2inch tall by 1 3/4 wide. The bolt pattern is 2 7/8 x 2 3/8 on the square piece. What parts do I need, and what will be the best way to do this. If I have to have the axle with the shinny side up then I will need 12inch between that and the trailer frame. I am trying to attach another photo but its not letting me. Only can attach 1.

asked by: David

0

Expert Reply:

Looks like you have quite a project going here. After consulting with other Experts, the first thing I would recommend is a new axle for your trailer frame. It appears the axle you have was originally used on a car and welded to the trailer. I could not recommend any suspension that could safely be used with the axle in your photos. I have attached a help article that explains how to determine the correct axle position.

The next thing to consider is that you will have to build your trailer complete with all of the cargo you plan on hauling, including the smoker, charcoal, wood, fuel, or any other components you plan on carrying, before you can attach your suspension. You will have to attach the springs to your axle, and then clamp the springs with the hangers attached to your frame in a manner that allows you to move it before it is marked and welded in place.

To determine the axle you will need, you need to measure the distance center to center on the frame rails of the trailer. I have attached one of the photos you sent, and marked it with a red line that shows where you need to measure. Then you need to consider the clearances needed for your hubs and wheels, fenders if you plan on attaching any, and any parts of the smoker that will extend over the frame of the trailer.

If you plan on using the wheels and tires you have, you will need to make certain you know the bolt pattern, so you can match it to your axle. I have attached an FAQ article that shows how to determine the bolt pattern of your wheel.

For leaf springs, you need to measure the width of the frame you are going to be attaching the springs to. You need to consider leaf spring placement on the frame as well due to tongue weight and balance of your trailer. If you are correct in the weight of your trailer with the smoker, then I would consider the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs, part # APS5. These are for a 3500 lb weight capacity.

The leaf springs I would recommend if you go with a 3500 lb system is 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles, part # SP-210275.

You will need the kit that attaches the leaf springs to the axle. I would recommend the U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500-lb, Round Trailer Axles, part # APUBR-1.

When you consider the trailer coupler, please keep in mind that on A-frame mounts, the frame has a 30 degree angle. If you do have a 30 degree angle, I would recommend the A-Frame Coupler with Black Paint Finish, part # CA5100B. This is a weld on coupler, and has a built in jack attachment hole.

I would recommend a light kit like the Incandescent Trailer Tail Light Kit, part # TL5RK. This kit includes a license bracket, two tail lights, two side marker lights, and 25 ft of wire.

The jack I would recommend is the Bulldog Heavy-Duty, Rack-and-Gear Jack with Steel Wheel, part # BD165412. This has a tongue weight capacity of 1200 lbs, has a steel wheel, and can either be welded on or bolted on.