Slipper leaf spring resting on bracket bolts

[Summer Travel]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a small 4x4 trailer from Costco that arrived in a kit to assemble.

The slipper side of the leaf spring sits directly on top of two bolts which I feel something is not right.

The holder bracket is mounted to the frame with two bolts, but the slipper side of the leaf spring sits physically on top of the bolts. I am not sure if the spring is suppose to rub directly against the bolts.

I had already contacted the vendor (provided by Costco), which they insisted it was correct according to their "manufacturer".

Attached is a photo showing how the spring sits on top of the bolts within the bracket.

I am hoping someone would be able to provide some advise or insight would be great!

Thank you.

 

[Pmullen503]

Seems really sketchy to me. Theoretically, the bolt heads are the wear surface. They are probably softer that the spring. What's going to happen when you wear the bolt heads off?

I'd weld the bracket to the frame and remove the bolts.

At a minimum, I'd replace those bracket bolts with grade 8 fasteners and plan to keep an eye on them and replace those bolts periodically if needed.

 

[KCStudly]

That set up is compromised design to avoid production welding. Both the spring and bolt head will wear.

I've never been a fan of the slipper leaf concept anyway. They can be noisy, and are just a cheaper and easier way to build and assemble without much else positive to say. The setup pictured just takes it a step further to gack. Sorry.

If you decide to weld them on, or have somebody else do it, make sure to grind the zinc back well past the expected heat affected zone, and grind thoroughly through all of the zinc. An air fed welding helmet is preferred. The fumes from welding galvy will make you sick. If there is a smell or any yellow/white fuzzy residue around the weld, you haven't removed it all and it can contaminate the weld.

After welding, spray all of the affected area with cold galvanizing spray out if an aerosol can.

 

[KCStudly]

That being said, I had a boat trailer (with a small runabout) that had slipper springs, and it made sense in that application. Two less bushed joints per side to get contaminated by silt and saltwater.

 

[Summer Travel]

Thank you everyone for the response and recommendations which is very helpful.
I had decided to return the trailer to Costco as I also feel something is off with this installation.