Can Washers Be Used To Fit 1-3/4 Wide Leaf Springs In a 2 Inch Hanger On An Old Camper

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Question:

OK, I have a 1970 Trotwood Lark II camper, with what appears to be a 3500 lb axle, the trailer box is only 10x7foot and the trailer factory specd at 1365 lbs. It has 4 leaf springs, and of course they are 2inch wide. The springs seam to be a little fatigued but do work fine, as I use the camper all the time. I am thinking about maybe changing the springs to new ones and I can forget finding 2inch replacements, I can, from my limited past experience use 1 3/4inch springs with hardened steal washers to take up the space. I am trying to avoid having to have new hanger welded on, but that may be the best option. My other problem is, that Im concerned that new springs will raise the trailer and I only have about an inch to spare and the trailer fit in my garage 8foot door height. I guess I could use slightly shorter shackle traps if needed. So, I guess Im asking for thoughts! thanks,

asked by: Dave

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Expert Reply:

Its sounds like you are pretty well on track for what is needed to replace the leaf springs on your trailer. That said, there are two different types of leaf springs; slipper and double eye. If the width of your existing leaf springs are 2" then that is synonymous with slipper springs which we do have direct replacements for. I can't really recommend you install washers to take up space for using 1-3/4" wide double eye springs but this is possible. That said, the best option would be new hangers like the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit part # APS4 if you have double eye springs.

In regards to the number of leaves, this won't matter so long as you meet capacity. If you go with an option that has more leaves in the stack then this will raise the trailer but only marginally and I don't think you will gain an inch even with them being stiffer as well.

Please note, the leaf springs need to be measured while unloaded in order to find the proper replacement. If you can give me this measurement along with the type (slipper or double eye) then I can recommend some options for you but otherwise you can choose from our selection which is attached for you below.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

There should be enough free play in the shackles to allow them to move. There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. The first thing you should make sure of is that the bolts you use are long enough so that when installed you will have at…

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Answer 2

If the bolts for the shackle link and the leaf spring eye are too tight, the suspension won't articulate as it should. You want to run the bolt down tight, then back it off by a 1/4 turn, as you'd mentioned.

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Answer 3

The MORryde X-Factor Crossmember part #MR33WR is designed for standard suspension so that is the one you will need to use. If your leaf spring hanger brackets are wider than 3" then you will need to drill per the instructions which I have…

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Answer 4

There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. Basically for the middle bolt there should be enough free play in the shackles to allow them to move. Tightening the shackle bolts too much will squeeze the shackle straps against the leaf springs…

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Answer 5

You could have drum brakes or disc brakes on your 2008 Forest River Wildcat trailer. Which if you have disc brakes it could be that you need to put the brake pad lube on the pads. I wish we carried this but we do not. Auto parts stores should have…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 8

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 9

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 10

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 11

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 12

Depending on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere…

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Can Washers Be Used To Fit 1-3/4 Wide Leaf Springs In a 2 Inch Hanger On An Old Camper

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