Trailer questions

[oscar the grouch]

Been building my trailer from a utility trailer from lowes. slowly coming together. Questions I have moving forward.



How do I keep it from bouncing over rough terrain. Im running slipper springs no shocks. I aired down to 7psi and it still seemed like it was bouncing around a lot. This trailer is really light and Im running 35s on it.

Can I add shocks? Will it help? No sure how to pick a shock for this type of setup. not a ton of room under there.

 

[vegasjeepguy]

When I bought my CDN M101 it did not have shocks installed. Installing shocks was an early priority because of the same issues you have and they definitely improved the way the trailer rides both on and off road. I think it's worth trying to figure out a way to mount shocks.

 

[TripLeader]

How much weight/cargo have you been hauling in it?

 

[oscar the grouch]

Id have to weight it but i would say not alot. 90% soft goods. 70 qt cooler and propane tank were the two heaviest items. rest was hammocks,sleeping bags and food stuffs. it could all easily fit in the jeep if i didnt have 3 dogs back there.

 

[bikemanx2]

I tried different things with mine it bounced and rocked back and forth alot. Is yours bouncing because the springs are too stiff or is it compressing the springs? If its bouncing due to spring compression then shocks are the answer most likely. The tires also play a rule so playing around with tire pressure could be worth your time.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[bikemanx2]

FYI I ended up with both shocks and tire pressure adjustments. It made some significant improvement.

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[oscar the grouch]

i almost want to say the springs are probably too stiff. it rode better when i lowered the psi down to 7 just not sure how low i can go before dropping a bead.

 

[TripLeader]

I'm not all that helpful, but here's the options I see:
-->Adding shocks (as you are considering).
-->Lowering air pressure in tires (which you have done).
-->Replacing leaf springs with a softer set.
-->Adding weight.
_____
I figure those are all things you're probably already considering.

 

[rnArmy]

Usually the slipper springs are very short and stiff. Suggest going to a longer, lighter double-eye spring with a shackle at the back end.

 

[UK4X4]

as he said above - those cheap slipper springs are designed to just move slightly to remove pot hole jars....

they can't be concidered suspension!

If you really want a smooth riding trailer then the springs need to be matched to the weight and be long enough to actually flex,
think along the lines of a samurai or CJ leaf spring arround 36-40" long

Adding a shock to that little spring will be a waste of money.

Take a trip to your local junk yard and find a couple of old leaf springs, take them apart - paint and grease them up
You'd probably have change from 20 bucks for a pair- bushings and all.

want more flex- just remove a leaf or too !

 

[oscar the grouch]

okay. good to know. spring swap is on the list then. thanks guys.