Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Okay now I have a spring question for all of the axle masters here. I have been raised on double eye springs from every thing from vehicles to trailers. I have built a couple of trailers all having double eye springs. With all my looking to make sure I get the best ride for my tear drop I have found a spring that is new to me and I have not found to much info about them so I turn to all of you. What is a Slipper spring? Other than how it mounts how does it differ? What are some of the pros and cons with a set up like this? I am going to be using springs on mine but I want to cut down on the height of the over all trailer. Slipper springs appear to be shorter and may cut down on the height of the over all unit so I ask for any input you may have.

Slipper springs seem to be common on lighter weight axels. Since they don't have an eye and shackle on the rear, they mount closer to the frame (therefore allowing your trailer to ride lower). I assume that there is also a slight weight and cost savings.

I don't have any experience with them, so can't say if they ride better or worse than double eye springs.

I have both types of trailers, which really doesn't matter, except an observation. Shackles have bushings in them. These bushings are often plastic and mine have disappeared, so I now have a small bolt riding in a large spring eye.

On the slipper springs, no shackles.. nothing to go away. I also suspect the about of friction of steel on steel in minimal... as is wear.

Bottom line for me, it makes little difference, I use whatever the trailer comes with..... If it were a real heavy utility trailer (at least one ton), then I think slipper would not be a good idea....

The only real difference is that they only have an eye on one end and a flat spot on the other end that slides on the frame. They are a little easier to mount. Some of them will give you a little lower ride but a lot of them have a bit more bow than double eyes so it doesn't always make a lot of difference.
Mostly what it comes down to is personal preference.

Slipper springs have a wear pad on one end with a retainer to keep it in place and they are used most often on the equalizer of tandem axles. Not much of an advantage on a teardrop.

Denny

A little cheaper, easier to install and maintain. Usually for lighter loads but do make more noise when you hit a bump as the slider is loose in the retainer. I use them and have no complaints.

Slipper springs = DANG noisy.

Dear All,

Here is a link to a trailer design article from an engineering firm that has a great reputationn. I have dealt with them many times in the past, after being referred by some structural engineers in Japan.

http://www.synthx.com/articles/trailer-design.html

This may help answer some of the questions.