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  1. #1
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    Aug 2011
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    Default Leaf Spring Attachment To Chassis

    Hi all,

    I'm considering the purchase of a 3/4 built 7x5 trailer.

    It looks to be reasonably well made however, the seller has yet to attach the slipper leaf springs.

    They are shown attached to a length of angle iron. Apparently the angle iron is simply welded to underneath the chassis.

    Has anyone seen this method of leaf spring attachment before?

    Any feedback much appreciated.

    Simon

    Sent from a galaxy far far away
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  2. #2
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    Jul 2021
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    Central NSW
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    Default

    Can’t say I have seen them put on angle. but can’t really see any thing wrong with it - but would u would need to weld along both the bottom and top of the angle Also could possibly affect the mudguard instal

  3. #3
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    North Brisbane. Qld. Australia
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    Default

    Never seen that before. Is it to make up for thin walled chassis?
    Nev.

  4. #4
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    Default

    Good question Nev, not sure but the springs are rated to 1900kg for the pair. If you really wanted a trailer to carry these loads then thin walled rhs would not work anyway.

    I can't see an issue from a mechanical strength POV but surely angle welded to the chassis in such a way will just promote rust between the two?

    Simon

    Sent from a galaxy far far away
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  5. #5
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    Default

    I’ve seen it before, but not done like that (the ends of angle were radiused to spread the attachment load). I’ve also seen them welded to pieces of flat.
    Its done to stop the slipper wearing through the chassis, generally on trailers that see a lot of unsealed roads (at least that’s been my experience)

    Personally, I’d sell the slippers and buy a pair of shackled springs in preference.

    To stop it rusting, seal it with silicon in between weld beads

  6. #6
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    May 2011
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    Murray Bridge S Aust.
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    Default

    When the springs are attached to angle like you have, it's usually to be able to move the setup for correct weight distribution, normally only done on a boat trailer, where U bolts are used after everything is galvanised.
    Mudguards are normally welded to the angle, along with more smaller angle to support the guards, or pressed checker plate to be used as a step to get in/out the boat/
    As racingtadpole stated, go for a set of eye and eye springs, whether they be Greaseable rollers or shackles.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Tasmania
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    Default

    I will second Kryn's advice. That is pretty much how I have the springs set up on my boat trailer. The trailer carries a 6.4m boat and the angle iron/spring/mudguard combination is held in place with U-bolts. This allows adjustment of where the wheels sit in relation to the load and how much weight there is on the draw bar. If, for example, you change the 2-stroke outboard for a 4-stroke or add another motor, it helps to be able to move the wheel assembly back to be able to balance the trailer or forward if you lighten the stern of the boat.

    If you are never going to move the wheels etc, get a new set of spring hangers and add them to your frame where you want them and change the springs over. That should alleviate some of the rust issues except for between the hangers and trailer chassis maybe... or use it as is and silicon around/between the welds as racingtadpole suggested.

    Simon

  8. #8
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    I could cut the angle down its length so that it becomes simply a flat bar and then just weld that (along the length) to the underneath of the chassis.

    Simon

    Sent from a galaxy far far away
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  9. #9
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by simonl View Post
    I could cut the angle down its length so that it becomes simply a flat bar and then just weld that (along the length) to the underneath of the chassis.
    Wouldn't cutting say 200mm off each end be just as good and a lot less work?

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stustoys View Post
    Wouldn't cutting say 200mm off each end be just as good and a lot less work?
    Hi Stu,

    I don't follow. Can you please explain your idea. Maybe I'm just tired and emotional but I'm not sure what you mean.

    Simon

    Sent from a galaxy far far away
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by simonl View Post
    Hi Stu,

    I don't follow. Can you please explain your idea. Maybe I'm just tired and emotional but I'm not sure what you mean.
    Time for paint lol
    What you have
    Your idea(I believe)
    My idea
    "Best practice"?

    Your angle iron is what 900mm+ long?
    Cut "the middle" 500mm out.

    You could even add angled welds(I think that's "best practice")
    Attached Images Attached Images

  12. #12
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    Sep 2021
    Location
    Western Sydney
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    Default

    As far i know those slipper spring attachments are for boat trailers and bolt on , they are not welded. The idea is they can be replaced as necessary once the frame rusts. I had a small car trailer with that setup and worked ok , they were also bolted not welded. I did have trouble selling the trailer as a few guys looked at it and said no way they would tow a car with that setup. It looks a bit sketchy.

  13. #13
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    Hey I forgot to reply!

    Thanks Stu. I know what you mean now.

    Thanks iron triangle.

    Anyway, there quite a few things in the design of that trailer that was not keen on so decided not to buy it.

    Simon

    Sent from a galaxy far far away
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  14. #14
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    Aug 2011
    Location
    SA
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    10

    Default

    It's clear that they are bolt on spring assemblies

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