Newb Suspension Question

[msand1977]

Hello All, I just bought a used trailer that I am going to start building up. I bought a 45"x 60" trailer. The frame is made of 1/4 inch angle iron and looks like a good starting point. The supension that is on it, is some kinda half leaf springs that are bouncy as hell. I would like to replace that with real leafs. My only problem is that the angle iron does'nt seem like a good place to mount the spring hangers to. I would like to weld in another piece of 2x2 square tubing length wise about 2 inches in from the sides of the frame. I would then mount my spring hangers from there. Does any one see an issue with having your springs mounted 2 inches from the frame on both sides? Do the springs have to be right on the outside edge.

Thanks
Matt

 

[UK4X4]

The further your suspension mounting points are from the hub..means your more likely to bend the axle.

just depends on weight carried-usage and axle strength.

 

[msand1977]

I plan on using a 3500# axles. The trailer is tiny so hopefully it wont be an issue.

 

[UK4X4]

post a pic of underneath...

could you not add an angle iron over the original...ie a 2 x 3
for example the 2" to the bottom and the 3" covering the old 2" side

It would add structual strength too to the old piece but you'd need to grind and clean the original real well to stop the rust migrating.

stick together with no more nails ( to stop water seepage between the seperate pieces and stitch weld in place.

( if you have no welder you could even bolt in place if a 2x 2 fitted)

Rust and additional work often make a bargain into a longer project..

thats why instead of modding my first build I chose to start again , as the rework would have taken longer and limited me to what I could do.

 

[msand1977]

Here are some pics

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/msand1977/?action=view&current=Picture200051.jpg

 

[GeoTracker90]

After looking at the pictures I think that I would be tempted to get a stick of 2" angle and box in the two sides. It looks like the box is welded to the angle iron frame. If it was just bolted on I would say unbolt the box and construct a new frame, but I think that using angle to box it in will work well also.

Good luck and keep us updated with pictures and plans.

 

[msand1977]

Thanks for your replies guys, I think thats what I will do. This will be a long drawn out process. I just had my first baby, so money and time are little tight right now. The trailer only cost me 80 dollars, and a trip to Tucson to pick it up. I mostly plan on using it to haul camping gear. Having a Jeep Wrangler with a Wife, Dog and , Kid does'nt leave much room for gear.

 

[Ireland]

Yeah don't cut it, way too nice a trailer...