Do I NEED spring clips?

[RogHodge]

That’s the question- Do I NEED spring clips- those bands that hold the two leaf springs in alignment- or together. I just bought two to replace the ones I removed and just feel buyer’s remorse-
The guy said the purpose is to keep the spring bundle together if the trailer goes airborne which would allegedly damage the springs. Sounds fishy to me. I’m not even sure I am calling these the right thing- It is the little strap to the far right in this picture. I feel like I could do without them but am willing to put the outrageously heavy duty clips that I purchased on my springs- if I must. If not I am going to get my $8.70 back and buy another can of paint.
And for what it’s worth my trailer is the HF- 990lbs. model- two springs- building very light- I’m even tempted to go with a single spring.

[Corwin C]

Yes, from experience ... you do need spring clips. They are there to keep the stack of springs aligned. Without the clips, the leaves will not stay in line and when the top leaf slips off of the rest of the stack, you'll find your trailer on the ground with no suspension.

In my case, I was able to jack up the trailer and pound the leaves back in line with a rock, applied some bailing wire and was able to get back to proper tools/equipment. Ended up replacing the spring because the top leaf was overstressed and distorted.

In my mind I can't picture any damage from the trailer going airborne (maybe when it returns to the ground ).

Also, there is a significant dampening effect from the individual leaves rubbing against each other as they move. By running with a single leaf, you will loose this effect. It may cause you to need shocks to keep it from oscillating too much. Just something to consider.

I wouldn't have buyers remorse if I were you...

Corwin

[Dale M.]

The manufacturers would not put them on if they did not feel it was necessary, the rational is they will not spend a dime more than necessary to make workable if they don't have to.........

And yes they are important, but you can take them back and get the can of paint then at some point you can spend $40-50 in parts to replace springs later, and use what s left of can of paint to paint them....

Dale

[Trackstriper]

Couple of days ago I found an interesting website regarding springs. While most of the tech stuff is regarding "motor vehicles", much information would be applicable. There's a lot to be gleaned here.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/atqLeafSpringClipsIII.htm

http://www.eatonsprings.com/atqMainPage.htm

My original inquiry had to do with removing the bottom leaf from the spring pack. We may be able to get away with it on some trailers but I'm rethinking this at the moment.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/atqRemovingLeaves.htm

Bruce

[starleen2]

Couple of days ago I found an interesting website regarding springs. While most of the tech stuff is regarding "motor vehicles", much information would be applicable. There's a lot to be gleaned here.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/atqLeafSpringClipsIII.htm

http://www.eatonsprings.com/atqMainPage.htm

My original inquiry had to do with removing the bottom leaf from the spring pack. We may be able to get away with it on some trailers but I'm rethinking this at the moment.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/atqRemovingLeaves.htm

Bruce

+1 good info

[RogHodge]

[quote]“And yes they are important, but you can take them back and get the can of paint then at some point you can spend $40-50 in parts to replace springs later, and use what s left of can of paint to paint them....â€

[DasBaldGuy]

Where did you find said "rebound clips"? I may be rebuilding my springs and will need to get new ones.

Thanks!

[RogHodge]

I found rebound clips (I got that term from one of the articles mentioned earlier) at a local spring shop. “National springâ€