trailer suspension too hard

[skoskii]

Hi,

I have a Shorelander trailer that is rated for 1200 pounds but my inflatable with engine is roughly 450 pounds. So there does not seem to be any give in the suspension when towing.

The trailer has a 3 leaf suspension and I was thinking of removing the shortest leaf so that there is more give and less pounding on the boat when going over bumps.

What do you guys think?

[Screaming04]

I'd think that you might benefit from lower tire pressure. The leaf spring seems drastic.

[jyasaki]

Agree with the Screaming above.

Not sure how your springs are assembled, but you're probably not going to get much of a reduction by removing one leaf. Most are banded together with steel straps, which would be tough to re-do. Maybe by replacing the assembly.

Just checked Champion Trailers; the lowest rated spring they have is 500# (2-leaf.) Costs a whopping $18.95 US. It's a slipper type mounting.

If you have double-eye, the lowest is 1200# per spring (3-leaf); C-hook is 1750# (3-leaf).



jky

[9D280]

Originally Posted by Screaming04

I'd think that you might benefit from lower tire pressure.

On the surface of it, yes, but be aware that will kill the sidewalls of your tyres very very quickly with the inevitable blowout at speed........