Trailer leaf springs question.

[happygu]

Not too hard a project to do yourself Mego,

Probably save yourself $100 - $200

Mic

[threedogs]

mego go to the trailer place in Garden Drive Tullamarine next to Total Tools
and talk to Scotty about your problem Good prices as well

[MEGOMONSTER]

Not too hard a project to do yourself Mego,

Probably save yourself $100 - $200

Mic

You mean to add a leaf or to change the entire set.

[FNQGU]

Mego,

I have an off road trailer for a 12 foot tinnie that I just dealt with for the same problem. The springs had sagged over the last 6-7 years of hammering and I simply got them re-set by one of our local spring works mobs for a very reasonable cost. Got them raised by 35mm and rated for the loads that I generally carry in the tinnie when camping. My advice, get someone who knows springs to do this job for you. Estimate your total weight that you will be carrying and go from there. Don't underestimate just how much weight ends up on the trailer when the boat is loaded with fuel and gear.

BenK

[happygu]

You mean to add a leaf or to change the entire set.

Either.....

I would probably change the set, as then you only have to undo the axle bolts, and the shackle pin....

If you add a leaf, unless it is just a helper spring, you have to undo all the bolts and shackle pins, as well as unpack and repack the spring set.

Use some Penetrene or similar on the bolts to make it easy.

I just bought and used some Locktite Freeze and Release Spray from one of the major auto shops, for undoing all my exhaust bolts and studs and it worked extremely well.
FAR-SKF_1.jpg

Mic

[MEGOMONSTER]

Don't underestimate just how much weight ends up on the trailer when the boat is loaded with fuel and gear.

BenK

Don't I know this. I got a lot of weight, especially when I have 5 Star camping for the Missus.

[FNQGU]

Mine might have been a bit simpler, it depends on the amount of gear when camping... I estimated that I had about 300kgs on some remote trips when I added a couple of 20ltr drums for water, 3 or 4 for fuel, and all the rest... plus the esky full of ice for the rum. It adds up quickly. I don't know how big your boat is, but it doesn't take long to look at your inventory and guestimate a bit. Once you have a figure in mind, work it with someone who knows springs and the terrain you intent to travel.

Obviously if you are just going to the boat ramp from the driveway, it is a different ball game. My experience is all off road with my kit so it depends where you are going as to what your solution is. You might also need to rip it all out anyway, salt water means that suspension can always do with some love.

BenK

[MEGOMONSTER]

I did change the tyres already to light truck tyres which help with extra weight.
My camping kit probably weighs gets up to 300 kgs on the long trips and probably 200-250kgs on normal week long trips.
But I guess I should work it out properly.

[MEGOMONSTER]

The tyres are load rated at 650kgs each.
The boat weighs 200kgs and max boat load is 610kgs.
The trailer weighs 120kgs and max load is 749kgs.
The motor weighs say 90kgs plus lets say 80kg of bits and pieces in the boat including anchor, chain rope, kill tank sounder, etc, etc, etc.
edit: I think I'll take it to a weigh bridge for an accurate assessment.
So that's a total for boat, motor, accessories is 370kg.
ATM and GTM is 749kgs
Do I minus the 120kgs of the trailer off the 749kgs.
If so the 629kg less 370kgs is 259kgs to max load the trailer.
If I don't then that's 379kg to max load the trailer.
The boat max is 610kg less 170kg (motor and bits) is 440kg so the boat can hold plenty.
So either way I am at or close to the max load limit of the trailer.
So I think a upgrade is going to be best and new plate as Cuppa suggested reflecting higher load limit.
So realistically I need to get the trailer rated to the 440kg of the boat capacity, which is I guess to get the trailer to an ATM and GTM of 950-1000kgs.
Hope this all sounds right.

[threedogs]

Which ever way you go Mego we can do it here, You might just need an over ride spring added,
I want to remove over ride leaf from my trailer might be able to fit to yours.