Deciding on trailer springs

Trailer springs – types

There are a few types of trailer springs; slippers, shackles, roller rocker and coils (ignored but not forgotten – airbags). All have there place, purpose and cost.

Since tandem axles are our choice, we will review the trailer springs from that perspective.

For trailers over 2,000kg GTM load sharing trailer springs are required for tandem axles. When you are travelling on rough terrain or corrugations you would be crazy to not use load sharing springs. Even with a 2,000kg GTM trailer, the load sharing will work wonders on its own on rough roads.

Slipper leaf springs

Slippers are the most agricultural of them all, basic in design and cheap. Most trailer shops will not sell a load sharing kit for slipper springs. I would suggest there is a reason for this.

Shackle leaf springs

Shackle springs used to be very common on tandem trailers. I’ve personally used a shackle sprung trailer out west many times with out any issues and couldn’t speak highly enough of.

Roller rocker leaf springs

These have since replaced the once common shackle springs. Instead of mounting to a fixed shackle the the eye of the shackle is elongated and as the spring flexes the bush slide across the eye. This is supposed to significantly reduce the stress on the spring at the eye under constant vibration. In theory reducing breakages. My question is what about the other eye? They are however easier to grease up and maintain than shackles.

Coil springs

Coils (and airbags) are used on independent suspension setups and are very costly. Top end camper trailers are all set-up with coil springs or airbags. You only have to talk to an over-lander and they will tell you the back roads are full of broken camper trailers. Regardless of suspension type they fail and get stripped of good stuff and left behind.

Airbags

Air compressors, airlines, self leveling system etc. Not worth the big $, end of story from me.

Bush mechanics

There are plenty of stories of people repairing broken leaf springs with tree branches and such, I’ve seen it with our family boat trailer. I’ve not heard of similar bush mechanics on coil springs or airbags. Given you probably don’t want to leave it on the side of the road, leaf springs are probably the ticket by far.

Trailer springs recommendation

On my next project I will be installing roller rocker springs. A better product at nearly the same price. With the ability of a bit of bush mechanics if required.

Next topics

Choosing trailer brakes
Which coupling/hitch for a hunting trailer coupling
Perfect hunting trailer type
Wheels for a hunting traile
Trailer finish and accessories

Previous topics

Trailer load limit
Trailer axles
Deck material, length and width