Adding Shocks or Helper Springs to a Trailer to Go Off Road

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Question:

I have a Springdale 260TBWE, which Im often taking off-road often rough forest roads Im going to put the axles under the leaf springs to get some more clearance. While I have the trailer on jack, I thought it could be a good time to improve suspension as well for the rough roads. Im driving slow on these roads, what Id like to do is to protect my trailer and frame, more than improving the TV experience. I looked at two things: Lippert Components Bolt-On Shock Mount Kit w/Heavy Duty Oil Shocks - Fits 2-3/8inch Axle Tube and the Lippert Equa-Flex Suspension Upgrade Kit. What is the most effective to protect my trailer? The shocks or the equa-flex? Also, I read the the Lippert shock kit is not that effective because of the angle of the shock versus a Joy Rider install what is your opinion on this? Thanks

asked by: Brad D

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Expert Reply:

To answer the last question first, trailer axles move not just up and down but front to back a little as well; especially when there is more than one axle. Having shocks at an angle is more ideal for that type of set up than ones mounted straight up and down. So between the Equa-Flex and the shocks I would go with the shocks for your purposes.

Lippert has 2 shock kit options. First is # LC281281 for 3 inch diameter axles. And second is # LC281255 for 2-3/8 inch diameter axles.

Another option is to use a Timbren system such as # TTRA1032 rated for 7,000 pounds or # TTRA15252 rated for 10,000 pounds. Whether you go with shocks or the Timbren springs you would need one set per axle.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Since the Lippert Components Bolt-On Shock Mount Kit w/Heavy Duty Oil Shocks - Fits 2-3/8" Axle Tube #LC281255 won't work due to your slide out, and the Joy Rider systems only are for either 2 inch or 3 inch axles, I have another option for…

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Answer 2

Sway controls are designed to be used in situations where sway is a direct result of some type of road condition, like high winds or large vehicles passing. If you have sway with a trailer under normal towing conditions, sway control will most likely…

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Answer 3

You can upgrade the 1750 lb leaf springs to 2500 lb leaf springs. You do want to keep in mind that the ride may be a bit stiffer since you are upgrading your springs to a higher capacity. Like you mention upgrading the springs will not give you a…

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Answer 4

I just spoke with my rep at MORryde and she said that you are able to use the CRE3000 MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 33" Wheelbase - 8K item #MR87ZR on a tandam axle trailer with 31 inch spacing if your are using 24 inch…

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Answer 5

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 6

You can replace your current springs with higher capacity springs, like #e57SR which are rated for 4,000 pound axles (2,000 pounds per spring), but it isn't going to increase the weight capacity of your trailer. You'll still be limited by the…

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Answer 7

The 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring #e68SR may be a fit for your 2021 Cherokee Arctic Wolf 287BH, but there are a few things that will need to be confirmed before solidifying an answer to your question. Unfortunately, trailer/camper manufacturers do not…

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Answer 8

Moving a trailer axle from being overslung to underslung really isn't a big ordeal. It's basically just welding on a new spring seat on the other side of the axle and then using the hardware upside down. We sell kits for this. The diameter of…

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Answer 9

Some trailers do have shock absorbers; it isn't all that common but is gaining popularity, mostly among camping trailers. The main reason it's not too common is most people aren't worried about the ride being that smooth. Usually the…

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Answer 10

If you keep the trailer tires inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire sidewall then they should not bow out on the sides enough to cause any clearance problems between the tire and the trailer. A 1/2 inch space could be enough but it is…

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Answer 11

It sounds like you're trying to find a replacement axle for your trailer. In order to do that you'll want to also take into account the width of the tires/wheels you intend to use, along with the spindle length. With this in mind, you will…

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Answer 12

The spring seat dimension will depend on the width of the trailer frame that the leaf springs would mount to. So typically from center of frame channel to center of the other side is the leaf spring seat to seat dimension you'd need for the axle.…

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Adding Shocks or Helper Springs to a Trailer to Go Off Road

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