Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I see that the C channel is way too high. Can't you just swing the shock down and mount it to the angle iron that the spring is mounted on?

Not having shocks, I probably don't know what I'm talking about....

Micro469 wrote:I see that the C channel is way too high. Can't you just swing the shock down and mount it to the angle iron that the spring is mounted on?

Not having shocks, I probably don't know what I'm talking about....

no, the angle of the shock and the in/out plane would be all wrong. The shock also needs to be protected from over extension or compression. I started out with the shock mounted to the axle and then started moving it around to see where it would have to be located to be functional.


I like what Herr Finn did with the cross member, very clever. I've seen cross-mounted shocks on the rear of off road pickup trucks that have limited vertical space for suspension.



I guess while we're discussing this, "shock absorbers" as we call them in the states don't actually "absorb shock" (springs or torsion bars do this). A more accurate name might be "dampers" which I believe is what the Brits call them. They serve to damp out oscillations of the suspension, which enhances compliance (compliance is a very good thing in suspension).

is this a good upgrade? let me reask that...would this be a good upgrade for my utility trailer conversion project. what would also be wise upgrades and add-ons to the suspension?

nice fab work

It was well worth it for my TD. Without it would hit a bump then bounce bounce bounce. With the shocks it stops bouncing very quickly. I'm very happy that I added the shocks.

With inspiration and advice from Gerdo, I've added shocks to our tear. Major improvement in bounciness and ride comfort in the tow vehicle! This is well worth doing.

Here's how it looks:

wanders wrote:With inspiration and advice from Gerdo, I've added shocks to our tear. Major improvement in bounciness and ride comfort in the tow vehicle! This is well worth doing.

Here's how it looks:

Wally, ya'll did a great job on the shocks buddy, they look good.

Yes, very good job!! If it still bounces too much, take the bottom leaf out. I had to on mine because, at 625 lbs., the springs didn't compress enough to even work the shocks.

Jeff

Installed mine, bottom with single u bolt and 1/4 steel angle x 2". Top I used a 1/2 #8 bolt thru existing upper side rail bolt hole. (used a bronze bearing as a bushing 5/8 x 1/2 ") Put a washer on the outside, then made a u channel like filler for the inside of the "c" channel. (standing up so side rails brace between C channel). Then use schedule 80 steel nipple as a bolt holder between both pieces and the shock. Just have to get my pictures downloaded from camera someday.

I added shocks to my tractor supply 4 x 8 (well reinforced 4 x 9 now) this past Friday.



I don't think I can get the picture posted here but is in my album
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After thousands of miles all is still good.

The link to the information on the Monroe retrofit kit in the first post isn't working for me, but here's a direct link to their PDF with info on the kits:

http://www.monroeheavyduty.com/catalog/docs/MHD08_Trailer_Retrofit_Kits.pdf

I couldn’t tell from the pictures because the bracket was obscuring the spring mount, but would the shock be more effective on the hanger side of the spring, rather than the pivot, since this would have a bit more displacement which would give the shock a little more stroke?

If I were designing an OFF Road TD I would go with a full independent, probably similar to www.adventuretrailers.com
Independent airbag with shocks. Actually an easy design and ride height can be adjusted.
Their suspension design history www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html
the also have home builder parts www.adventuretrailers.com/homebuilder.html

I am currently looking for a way to add an airbag and shock to a Torflex.

Bump an oldy but goody