Which camper trailer springs do I buy ?
Submitted: Monday, Oct 25, 2010 at 22:44
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Mrbrush
Hi All, I`m now totally confused on what springs to get .
7x4 camper trailer,45mm sq axle,15x8 rims, 31/10.5/15 tyres ?
Trailer agg mass 750kg. I dont have a tare weight stated on plate.
500mm high sides,Heavy duty box traler.
My guess Tare weight 300kg ?
Tent on trailer 148kg
water + tank 90kg
Battery 30kg
rear kitchen 50kg
Camping gear 250kg
Total 868kg
What I found: Offroad Rebounds springs.
SIZE RATING COST/PAIR
EBAY 5 Leaf 60x7mm 1300kg $240
ALKO SUPPLIER 5L 60x7mm 1140KG $320
RV SUPPLIER 5L 60x7mm Not Listed
EBAY 6 Leaf 60x7mm 1500kg 250
ALKO SUPPLIER 6L 60x7mm 1340KG 335
RV SUPPLIER 6L 60X6.5mm 750KG 360
EBAY 7 Leaf 60x7mm 1530kg $260
ALKO SUPPLIER 7L 60x7mm 1550KG 380
RV SUPPLIER 7L 60X6.5mm 1000KG 380
Spoke to Alko supplier and he reckons 6 or 7 leaf will be to stiff.
So go fo ALKO 5 leaf at 1140kg.
And why would there be so much difference in ratings for the same size spring ? Is it the steel compound ?
So many camper trailers for sale use 7 leaf springs.
Is that just overkill or just a sales pitch to say their tough trailers ? and then they bounce around everywhere ?.
What should I get ?
Reply By: SDG - Monday, Oct 25, 2010 at 23:38
Monday, Oct 25, 2010 at 23:38
I was told by one mob that i should have minimum 6leaf. Sounds to be similar size to yours.
AnswerID:
434224
Reply By: Shaker - Monday, Oct 25, 2010 at 23:47
Monday, Oct 25, 2010 at 23:47
A 5 leaf spring pack is more than adequate, I assume you are fitting shock absorbers too.
Oversize leaf packs don't make trailers strong, they make them much too stiff which in turn doesn't give the shock absorbers a chance to work.
Most manufacturers overspring their trailers!
AnswerID:
434226
Follow Up By: Mrbrush - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 20:52
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 20:52
Thats what I was going for as the current 5 leaf 45mm slippers seem to be handling OK.
But I don`t want to rely on them for rough roads etc.
FollowupID:
705374
Reply By: splits - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 11:55
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 11:55
There is plenty of information on spring rates on the net. Basically it is the amount of weight that will compress them 1 inch. A 200 lb spring for example will compress 1 inch when a 200 lb weight is placed on it, 2 inches with 400 lb, 3 inches with 600 lb and so on. Once you understand this you can work it out fairly accurately yourself.
As a general rule, use the lightest ones that will do the job.
The link below is
well worth reading.
Site Link
AnswerID:
434258
Follow Up By: Shaker - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 12:53
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 12:53
QUOTE: As a general rule, use the lightest ones that will do the job.
Well said, it is a shame most of the camper manufacturers don't realise that, it is absolutely ridiculous that some use 9 leaf spring packs on soft top camper trailers.
We had almost everything destryed that we had on board, including food cans bursting because of an oversprung camper.
FollowupID:
705317
Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 19:01
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 19:01
Shaker,
I have just gone from 1150kg a spring to new Alko 650kg a spring,, I had the same problem, pounding almost everything in the trailer to a pulp... Michael
FollowupID:
705353
Follow Up By: Shaker - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 20:21
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 20:21
When will the manufacturers take notice? I know of
suspension supplier that told the manufacturer that he was ordering much too heavy
suspension assembly & they just couldn't be told!
FollowupID:
705364
Reply By: Member - Charlie M (SA) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 13:36
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 13:36
Hi Mrbrush
I think camper trailer with out any
camping gear will weight close to 700 kg
this includes tent, kitchen and
water tank
Cheers
Chass
AnswerID:
434265
Follow Up By: Mrbrush - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 20:49
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 20:49
I was guessing around 500kg
Tare weight 250kg
tent 150kg
water 75kg
Avg kitchen 25kg
FollowupID:
705372
Reply By: apeel - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 14:53
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 14:53
"Trailer agg mass 750kg" - is this because it is unbraked? If it is then you need to either reduce the weight that you are carrying or get brakes fitted!
750kg is the maximum for an unbraked trailer assuming that your tow vehicle is not rated lower than this.
AnswerID:
434267
Follow Up By: Mrbrush - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 20:38
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 20:38
Hi apeel, Yes it is unbraked at the moment as it was originally a 7x4 H/D Box trailer which I was unaware of when I bought it. Not knowing much about camper trailers.
The guy I bought it from converted it to a C/T.
Although it is an Australian made trailer and I see it is as very sturdy built trailer apart from the slipper springs it has.
As far as I can gather it`s Tare should be around 250kg, therefore allowing 500kg max load which is probably a standard load design for the average H/D Trailer 7x4 Box.
But as It is now a C/T and carrying more weight I am prepared to upgrade to better springs and elect brakes.
Cheers
FollowupID:
705368
Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 18:53
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 18:53
Hi, I have just gone through the same thing. Go for Alko or you might end up with imported crap. 6 leaf, 750 kg a side 60mm wide and rebound springs if possible if you have not got Shockies..... Alko have these.... after 750kg a spring, they go to around 1100kg per spring...(7 leaf) its up to you to decide your trailer tare and your load.. buy 3 springs and bolt the third to you trailer somewhere, a spare is like gold if you break one, even close to home. Try to buy 5/8"diameter "U" bolts, standard is 1/2"diameter hope this helps Michael
AnswerID:
434283
Follow Up By: Mrbrush - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:08
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:08
Hi Michael, All
the springs I am looking at are Rebounds.
Also I will definately buy Alko`s for the sake of $80.
And I have also asked each supplier where are their springs made ?
Answer: CHINA,CHINA,CHINA
Question is ; 5 or 6 leaf ?
Cheers
FollowupID:
705377
Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:26
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:26
Look at etrailerparts.com.au (Couplemate). I had my springs delivered from Qld to Syd for $15. These guys have a complete range to help make you mind up but you have to specify Alko when you order. Alko is painted on
the springs in white paint. I ordered replacement springs fro
mine, 6 leaf, i think 650kg a spring, the original were way to heavy at about 1100kg a side.
Michael
FollowupID:
705379
Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:32
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:32
(576075) ALKO 5 Leaf x 60mm Outback Offroad Spring Special:
$ 160.48
(576076) ALKO 6 Leaf x 60mm Outback Offroad Spring Special:
$ 167.37
(576077) ALKO 7 Leaf x 60mm Outback Offroad Spring Special:
$ 178.11
(576078) ALKO 8 Leaf x 60mm Outback Offroad Spring Special:
$ 186.38
(576079) ALKO 9 Leaf x 60mm Outback Offroad Spring Special:
$ 195.81
(590713) Ooutback Shackle Plate Kit Incl Bolts Special:
$ 21.23
FollowupID:
705380
Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:46
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:46
Alko 5 leaf is 1150kg per 2 springs
Alko 6 leaf is 1340kg per 2 springs
Alko 7 leaf would be 1500kg per 2 springs but it shows the 6 leaf again in the 7 leaf spot
Alko 8 leaf is 1720kg per 2 springs
Alko 9 leaf is 2000kg per 2 springs
I ordered 6 leaf 1500kg but
mine were to replace current springs and they were only 45mm wide and 711 between the eyes.. The off road springs you are looking at are 60mm wide and about 840 between the eyes.
Its up to you. Possibly the 6 leaf or if your total load is no more than a ton, the 5 leaf would be ok.
The springs need to be matched to the load so as to flex to absorb the shock so its in your court...hope this helps.
The etrailer site i mentioned above is riddled with mistakes so beware,,,,,
Michael
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Mrbrush - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:55
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:55
Good guess michael, Thats who I rang 2 days ago.
I was told by nev or neil whoever that alko`s are made in china.
Freight to my place 45mins away was $25.
Really not worth my effort to travel and pick them up for the sake of $25.
Thats sounds right at 1340kg/pair.
Looks like the go.
Cheers
FollowupID:
705388
Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 22:05
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 22:05
I rang Alko, they said there springs were quality Aust made.... Thats why i bought them... so who knows... Michael
FollowupID:
705389
Follow Up By: Mrbrush - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 22:17
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 22:17
I also thought they were australian made.
Now I will ask him again.
FollowupID:
705392
Reply By: Trev6 - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:44
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 21:44
Is the under side of the trailer built strong enough to take the spring hangers for 60mm springs, you would need a reasonable sort of box section chassis to weld it to not just a bit of angle iron with a sheet steel floor welded to it.
As for springs think about the future, do you want to add a boat, bike rack on the back, mabe carry fire wood or more gas bottles, in the short term a 1340kg spring pair sounds a lot to carry 800 odd kgs of weight.
That's my thoughts anyway.
Another thought I just had is if you got the 6 leaf and found them to stiff you could always take out a leaf and then put it back in again if circumstances change in the future or as you start carrying more weight, just ask someone in the know which leaf is the best to remove so the spring pack works properly.
Trev6
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Mrbrush - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 22:50
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 at 22:50
Trev, I`m going to weld a length of 50x25x3mm RHS on each side on its flat to weld the hangers too. I can`t see it needing any more than that.
I`ll probably run a few lengths under the floor from side to side for extra strenght.
Weight wise I might get to 1000kg max.
Thanks
FollowupID:
705401