Offroad trailer springs..what do you think

Submitted: Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:06

ThreadID: 84787 Views:5963 Replies:4 FollowUps:15

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gazza414

I've just built a heavy duty off road trailer 8x5" and just curious as to what folks would put under it for suspension?....all up load approx 1600 to 1800kg..trailer bare is 650kg.

Options are leaf springs slippers ?..coil suspension or say a Simplicity setup

appreciate some feedback
thanks

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Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:15

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:15

Don't use slipper springs if you are using a two axle set-up. They are not load sharing. Neither are most independent set-ups. If you can afford it, fit Simplicity. Second choice would be load sharing spring suspension.

If you use a single 2 tonne axle with leaf springs, fit springs with shackles.

PeterD
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Follow Up By: Isuzumu - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:29

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:29

Sorrry where did he say using two axles??? if you want a decent suspension use a independent air suspension many available these days.

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Follow Up By: gazza414 - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:29

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:29

yip single axle setup for sure and obviously electric brakes

I have been told not to use shocks when using leaf springs as the leafs are "self damping' ??

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Follow Up By: gazza414 - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:31

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:31

Bruce can you point me in the right direction wrt an air suspension setup..never heard of them before for 4wd trailers

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Follow Up By: Isuzumu - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:34

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:34

If you use the air ind susp the only thing to carry is a spare air bellows. And if set up right the shocks should look after them selves.

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Follow Up By: gazza414 - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 22:05

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 22:05

Would you have a contact or a website you could let me know pls

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Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 22:24

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 22:24

Bruce - where did he say he was not using twin axles?

Gazza - regarding not using shock absorbers with leaf springs - you haven't read this link - have you.

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Follow Up By: Isuzumu - Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 07:43

Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 07:43

Gazza there is a mob in Brisbane called Vehicle Components, they also make the DO 35 hitch. www.vehiclecomponents.com.au

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Follow Up By: Member - Mark E (VIC) - Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 09:21

Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 09:21

Quote:....
I have been told not to use shocks when using leaf springs as the leafs are "self damping' ??...........

If this were truly the case, why then do leaf sprung vehicles have "dampers"?

I'm no suspension expert, but this to me seems illogical.

Cheers,

Mark

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Reply By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:37

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 21:37

Gazza,

I have an 8x5' very heavy duty off road trailer that is about 750kg dry weight.
I have an Independent leaf with shockies suspension set up.

There is a photo of the suspension in my profile

Cheers Kev

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Follow Up By: gazza414 - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 22:04

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 22:04

That looks good , I could easily make that myself.

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Follow Up By: Member - Wayne B (NSW) - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 23:47

Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 23:47

That is different I have not seen that setup before.
Why did you use a leaf spring as opposed to coils or air bag.

Cheers Wayne B

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Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 09:32

Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 09:32

Wayne,

Was a system that I could get parts for anywhere if need be. When both loaded and unloaded the Trailer tracks nicely and there is very little bounce.

Cheers Kev

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Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 09:35

Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 09:35

The specs for the set up is found here :)

Cheers Kev

Russell Coight:
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Follow Up By: gazza414 - Sunday, Mar 06, 2011 at 08:58

Sunday, Mar 06, 2011 at 08:58

Thanks Kev, looks like a very robust setup

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Reply By: gbc - Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 06:55

Saturday, Mar 05, 2011 at 06:55

My dad's trakshak runs rebounder springs and shocks for a similar weight to what you're proposing. He hasn't touched them in 15 years. He's had less issues than we did with an independent coil/shock setup, and it tows beautifully.

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