Leaf Spring Compression

[skacutter]

Can someone take a look at my suspension and tell me if the leaf spring is maxed out. It looks to me like my leaf springs are almost flat with the weight of my trailer build on them. Here is a link to some pictures and this page has not been made public just yet...

http://www.kasperwing.com/Trailer%20wiring.htm

If the springs are maxed out is the correct fix heavy duty springs or would it make more scense to add airbags for suspension?

Regards
Chris

[asianflava]

Kinda hard to tell with the wide angle lens but, I'd say that they are shot. Judging by the amount of travel you have left, it looks like those U-bolts will hammer the frame since there is no bump stop. Are there marks on the frame? If there are, then it is a good indicator that the springs are bottoming out.

An air bag suspension would be cool, but it will add a lot of comlexity and expense. Buying replacement springs would solve the problem at a reasonable price.

[madjack]

Kinda hard to tell with the wide angle lens but, I'd say that they are shot. Judging by the amount of travel you have left, it looks like those U-bolts will hammer the frame since there is no bump stop. Are there marks on the frame? If there are, then it is a good indicator that the springs are bottoming out.

An air bag suspension would be cool, but it will add a lot of comlexity and expense. Buying replacement springs would solve the problem at a reasonable price.

...yeah, all of what AF said...especially about the fish eye shots...................................

[PaulC]

Hi Chris, In my opinion it would be quicker and easier to replace the springs. It looks to me that you need to.
Cheers
Paul

[skacutter]

Gee no one likes the fisheye I keep hearing this yet I have no other lens for the camera just yet. That’s sad considering I work for Nikon The trailer has not moved from the construction spot just yet so the springs have not been in use. Im sure the slightest bump would cause them to bottom out. I hear lots of folks comment that airbags are an expense. I keep finding 2 bag systems on the web rated for this load for about $200 bucks. New leaf springs are $51.99 a side. The fact that the airbags are fully adjustable I would think that’s a better way to go but I am taking a stab in the dark. I have no experience with airbags or suspension work

[Chris C]

Off topic here, skacutter, but if I worked for Nikon, I believe I'd have several other lenses in my bag before buying a fisheye. If you had a normal lens, it would distort less and give everyone looking at your situation a more accurate rendition. Those springs can easily be made to look as if they are brand new, or completely sprung, depending from which angle you choose to shoot. Just my opinion, but talk with the boss and see if you can get a different lens.

[skacutter]

Chris.... I didn’t buy the fisheye its just the one lens we have 2 of so I don’t have to sign it out and bring it back the next day. I will grab a 12-24mm lens tomorrow as allot of people make the comment that the fisheye shots are just confusing. I thought it worked well for all the interior shots. I do need to break down at some point and BUY a lens. I just hate to spend the money when I can barrow from work but that has its down side as well. I just caught "Ron’s Cabin Car" in the hall of fame. Seeing that project makes me feel like a kindergartner who can’t color between the lines. WOW that is a nice trailer....

Regards
Chris

[SteveH]

skacutter,

I'm with everyone else...don't like the fisheye cause I can't tell about dimentions. Back to the springs, how much room do you have in inches between the top of the "U" bolts and the bottom of the springs?

If you have 2" or more, I'd say the springs will probably work. Trailer springs have very little flex compared to automobile springs.

[Miriam C.]

Chris
J.C. Whitney sells spring helpers if you just don't want to change the springs.

Miriam

[Nitetimes]

Stand a couple or 3 people in there and see how much it moves, if you still got a couple of inches clearance it should be fine.
One thing tho, if it's sitting on level ground and it's lower on one side than the other you need to do something to get it evened out or it's gonna tow very bad.
You've got 3.5k spings and axle there so unless that trailer is around 3k your springs aren't over-loaded yet.

I agree with the fisheye, those pics give me a headache.

[skacutter]

"Trailer springs have very little flex compared to automobile springs."

OK this is very interesting.... I will go measure this but off the top of my head....YES; there is at least 2" between the top of the U bolt and the main frame rail. I was under the impression that when bouncing around on the road there would be lots of flex in the springs. Also if you could answer this for me it would be a big help. "Is it normal for trailer springs to compress a good deal from the unloaded shape of the spring?" Perhaps this is all normal and once the springs are loaded they still maintain a stiff suspension with little vertical travel. That’s what I do not quite understand and I have heard the comment that trailer springs are very different from automotive springs. I see flat automotive springs yet the trailer springs all have a good amount of arc. Is the trailer spring arc just the unloaded shape and under a normal load it should flatten out as much as 50%?


Thanks
Chris

[skacutter]

OK lets see if I can make this work. Attempting to attach a picture of the springs unloaded.



chris

[SteveH]

Chris,

That is a lot of arc unloaded. Most trailer springs that I've seen did not change arc that much. You may very well need heavier springs.

[Boodro]

Ska, maybe you can add a couple of shocks mounted to the frame & axle ? If the springs are a little weak , shocks should help. Shocks are probably cheaper than new springs. Just a thoiught. Good luck!

[Kevin A]

Ska, maybe you can add a couple of shocks mounted to the frame & axle ? If the springs are a little weak , shocks should help. Shocks are probably cheaper than new springs. Just a thoiught. Good luck!

Shocks are generally used to dampen the motion of the suspension. They won't do much for ride height or suspending the load of the trailer unless you use air shocks. If the springs are weak, they need to be replaced.