Trailer modification advice request

[dom14]

Hey Guys,

I own an old light weight single axle trailer I've modified to carry more weight, or rather increase volume by putting a high cage around it. It's still manoeuvrable by hand and not that heavy at all. Being an old sturdy axle, I can see it is capable of carrying some good weight, but unsure about the capacity of the leaf springs. I've put some heavy weights on it to the range of around 500kg or so, and the springs seems to handle ok and the ancient axle doesn't bent.
Rest of the structural parts were/are rusted and I've been slowly improving them by adding structural strengthening by adding more weld tags and cross bars etc. The floor & checker plate still need to be strengthened more to be able to carry something centrally heavy like an engine in the middle of the trailer, but it's doable.

My question is, Is there a way to improve the strength of the leaf springs by adding some kinda coil springs
salvaged from a small car or something???!!!
It is an idea that's been circulating in my head to add extra security to the old leaf springs.

Now I know, there are somethings called heavy duty leaf springs that may do the job, but probably won't justify for an old rusty trailer like mine. It's just a hobby project that I don't wanna thrown too much money into that I won't get back or also that I don't have atm.

Or is it possible to add another set of normal leaf springs set right next to existing ones to add more backup strength.

I should re-iterate I am kinda confident about the axle, 'cos it's a pretty bulky old solid thing that doen't bend with the extra weight that I've experimented with it so far, so I'm fairly confident the axle won't give way.

I'm not trying to muck around with it, but just trying to add bit more redundant strength to existing leaf springs, preferably cheaply.

Any ideas, thoughts, tips or warnings will be appreciated.

[PeeBee]

DOM, both will work but I would simply get another leaf or two and insert into the existing spring pack you have. That will increase their deflection resistance, but the thing might bounce around a bit more - unsure by how much.

[dom14]

DOM, both will work but I would simply get another leaf or two and insert into the existing spring pack you have. That will increase their deflection resistance, but the thing might bounce around a bit more - unsure by how much.

Hey Phil,
I am not all that sure how to do that mate, but I will get some ideas by watching a guiding video or two.
Cheers

[PeeBee]

Hey Phil,
I am not all that sure how to do that mate, but I will get some ideas by watching a guiding video or two.
Cheers

Dom, if you pulled the spring pack off the axle there usually is a centre bolt that clamps the spring pack together. This centre bolt also locates the springs relative to the axle. Un-doing the bolt allows the leaves to separate. What you then do is insert a couple of springs/leaves into the spring pack, but their length must cascade or be between the length of the spring they are wedged between,(like steps) then, you clamp the spring set back , might need a longer centre bolt, and the fun then begins as you can easily locate one end of the spring eye, but the spring pack is now stiffer, so you have to jink around to get the other end in the pivoting spring mount on the trailer.

[Tip12345]

lets have a picture of the springs and the width of the springs

[Rossco]

Or just put in new spring packs with proper shackles for an upgrade. Try huntsman products they're pretty good, should do a kit. . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Ben-e-boy]

Max gross towing weight for a single axle unbreaked trailer is 750kg, unless engineered otherwise

[mudnut]

It sounds as if the trailer isn't worth pouring money into, Dom. A large crate under the engine you intend to transport should spread the weight sufficiently. I have used my old rusty 6x4 to carry some great loads.

[mudnut]

It sounds as if the trailer isn't worth pouring money into, Dom. A large crate under the engine you intend to transport should spread the weight sufficiently. If you are still worried about the floor, maybe lay some timber under the crate too. I have used my old rusty 6x4 to carry some great loads from Bendigo to my place.

[dom14]

It sounds as if the trailer isn't worth pouring money into, Dom. A large crate under the engine you intend to transport should spread the weight sufficiently. If you are still worried about the floor, maybe lay some timber under the crate too. I have used my old rusty 6x4 to carry some great loads from Bendigo to my place.

It most certainly ain't worth pouring any money mate. That's why I built the cage around it with scraps except the two gal wire meshes that I had to buy which I am already regretting 'cos those $35 3mm meshes are crap and weak. Probably more suitable as chicken coops. I would've been better if I kept welding the pieces of thin steel bars that I have to mesh the cage, and all in all, it would have looked lot nicer cosmetically and lot stronger as well. I didn't wanna spend any money on the old trailer anymore than that 'cos I've already poured enough to get hold of new welding gear and pouring new gear into a rusty old trailer doesn't make sense when I can buy a new one if I put all that money together. I just enjoyed the hobby project when it doesn't cost me and arm and leg and a kidney.