Removing a leaf spring from HF trailer

[LMarsh]

I was towing one of my second builds to its new owner last weekend and there was road construction going on where I was coming up on some new pavement and I hit quite a bump. I looked in my mirror and the trailer was bouncing around REAL good. I mean our teardrop bounces too and we've towed it thousands of miles by now, but I just thought with a lightweight (~750 lbs) teardrop even with loading some gear into it, its not ever going to be all that heavy. Has anyone tried removing a leaf spring from their HF trailer? (I've used both their heavy duty and regular 4x8 trailers and I'm pretty sure the springs were exactly the same.)

Also just off the top of my head, I think there were 3 springs? I've flipped the axles too with out much work, but was thinking why not remove the smallest spring to get a better ride? or even two? I don't think the trailer would ever be above 1000-1200 lbs and these springs seem pretty stiff. Do these springs eventually break in a little? I'm no expert on trailers or suspension, but my next build will have a torflex axle no contest.

Thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!
Lucas

[Arne]

yes, the springs are short and stiff... I would not have a problem removing one to see how it worked out. Mine is an 1800#.

[tinksdad]

Not exactly the same beast; but I have the HF 40x48 under Itty-Bitty. I removed the smallest leaf and also mounted the axle top-side of the springs as well. The trailer is rated for 1090 pounds. Fully loaded I doubt if Itty-Bitty tops 450 pounds. It still bounces around some; but I don't think I'm ready to go down to one leaf yet.
I do not profess to be an authority on any subject and this information should be taken with as many grains of salt as you wish.

[Rock]

I used the HF 1175# (I think) for my ultralight per Mike's design. I removed 2 of the 3 leaves. Very easy to do. I did have to shorten some of the attachment hardware as a result.

At 400 lb. my tear still bounces around like crazy. And over 100 lb. is "unsprung" weight (wheels, axle, springs themselves) so the springs really only carry 300 lb. I've got an empty galley and no battery yet, but still....

And no - the steel springs will not "break in" significantly. As long as you don't over bend them (not possible to do in their intended use) they are not going to get any softer.

Eric

[schaney]

Inexpensive slipper style springs are very stiff, removing leafs can help some but you'll be reducing your load capcity. Using automotive grade springs will give you a much better ride. Although it comes at a cost, HF type springs are ~$5 ea, automotive grade start around $100 ea.

Example, with the springs below when standing on the long ones, they flex ~1". When I jump up and down on the HF ones, I maybe see 1/16" flex. Note: both have the same load rating

[LMarsh]

Thanks for the replies. Come spring I'll have to experiment some. I'll probably start with taking one leaf off and see how it is, then determine if I want to take another out. Can't make it worse, that's for sure!

[Frog]

Before removing a leaf, you might want to reduce tire pressure. A tire rated to carry 750 lbs each at 60 psi for example will ride hard and make a light trailer get airborn weighing in at a third or a half of that. I'd suggest cutting down to 35 psi in this example.

Of course, I'm speculating on pressures and relative weights because I don't know your exact situation. Reducing tire pressure reduces carrying capacity, but is a QUICK, EASY and FREE fix and by reinflating the tires you regain carrying capacity instantly without having to reinstall the leaf you removed. A lightly loaded tire doesn't need maximum inflation. As long as the tires have enough air to carry the load and don't overheat I believe you should be OK.

A competent tire shop should be able to advise you on how much is enough.

This is just my opinion, but I've had my 180 lb utility trailer (with a gwr of 1,180 lbs) leave the road with 60 psi in 4.80x8 tires on bumps but ride quite differently when I reduced the tire pressure to about 35 psi. There was no noticable tire heat buildup, but the ride in the trailer and what I felt in my 2,400 lb VW Rabbit tow vehicle was considerably improved. I probably could have reduced pressure even more, but it wasn't necessary. I towed the trailer 2,500 miles on that trip without incident and 3 years later towed it another 2,900 miles back across country without a problem.

[schaney]

Frog, yes tweaking tire pressure will help. The 5.30B-12" tires I normally run, are rated at a 855 lb load capacity per at 55 lbs. Based on the rate chart I have for them, I run them at 25 lbs, which gives me a 535 lb load capacity per tire. They ride much better at the lower pressure. Any tire store should be able to provide you with the "Tire and Rim Association's" load guide for a given tire size.

[LMarsh]

Yeah I already lowered the tire pressure. It helps a bit, but I'm looking for something a little more. I'm picky I guess.

[caseydog]

My trailer uses HF leaf springs, and I took a leaf out, and it works fine. I also run passenger car tires, which helps with the bounce, too.



CD