Rebuilding a trailer, please help.

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M

Mike

I'm converting my single axle trailer to dual axles for the piece of mid that if i have a hub failure, i can still make it to a safe place. After melting the bearings on route from Florida to Connecticut last month this prompted me to make that decision. The boat, trailer and gear weight about 4,000 pounds. I'm going with dual 3,500 lb axles, but what should i do about springs, should i go with 3,500 pound springs per axle or should i go with 2,000 pound springs to match the payload? I'm so confused about this. One last question regarding the axles, should i go with straight axles or axles that have a 4 inch rise where the hubs mount? Any info would be better than in know already and greatly appreciated.
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,554
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
I Did Just That for My 23.5

Check with these guys at http://www.championtrailers.com/ they are super to work with.
 
J

Jack Hart

Your trailer.

Hi guy, I would go with the 3,500 pound springs and please make sure the tires are rated for at least 1,750 pounds each and at "ST" tires, in other words "Special Trailer" rated instead of auto or "LT" which meens Light Truck. On the ST tires the sidwalls are stronger, you will appreciate it. Please put brakes on at least one axle, you do not want the trailer pushing you down a hill with your brakes on, intant jackknife waiting to happen. Hope that helps. Jack
 
W

Warren

Springs

Jack's comments on the tires and brakes is sound. As far as springs...I would go with springs that match the sprung weight of the trailer plus the payload. I prefer to give the boat and trailer as smooth a ride as possable. "Road shock" can raise hell on a boat. I have some experience with this as I have been around the heavy truck business for 40+ years. Good Year!
 
M

Mike

Which springs

I got the disc brake conversion waiting in my garage now, just need to know which springs i need to buy for it.
 
W

Warren

Springs

The "unsprung" weight is the weight of the trailer less the weight of the axles plus the weight of the payload (boat). Make it simple: the weight of the trailer plus the boat. Example: Trailer weight 1000 Boat 6000 Total 7000 If you have a two axle trailer, you need a spring capacity of 3500 per axle
 
Oct 26, 2004
321
Macgregor 26X Denton Co. TX USA
no springs

Forget the springs! Your boat will ride softer and you will have more control under all conditions if you get torsion axles instead of springs. All high quality travel trailers and 5th wheels use them. I've used them for over 15 years and they are a breeze to tow, and have less maintenance, no squeaks, no rest or grease stains on the driveway, etc.
 
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