TAT Trailer Build

[Sb_Moto]

looking good! I spent 11 hours on the dual sport Sunday riding the TAT and the western Arkansas portion. Ready for you to get over here and show you around a bit.

 

[dakota123]

looking good! I spent 11 hours on the dual sport Sunday riding the TAT and the western Arkansas portion. Ready for you to get over here and show you around a bit.

So jealous! I can't wait man! Just finished up the fab work today. Hopefully i get her into prep and paint early this week so she's done and i can start putting her back together and doing the last little bits like wiring and inside work.

 

[dakota123]

Alright guys need some help. Went to load the trailer an the fenders were sitting on the tires. So i thought i needed stronger leaf springs so i got some from an f 150 and installed them and now the suspension is bottomed all the way out but the wheels aren't touching the fenders anymore..... Any ideas? would longer shackles help? With the leafs hanging in the air the shackles are straight up and down but when i set it down and then put weight on it they they lock out all the way in the back and i try lifting it up and they stay locked backwards.... HELP! I was supposed to be leaving today on a big two month trip

the right side of the picture is the tailgate side of the trailer

 

[Sb_Moto]

I am far from a expert, but I think you need to move the mount back. Longer shackles won't help. It almost looks like the spring rate is too low on those leafs, but I find that hard to believe. I think it's just a difference in length.

 

[Sb_Moto]

The f150 springs may be more progressive so they flex more initially causing this issue.

 

[dakota123]

My initial problem was getting the tires up off the fenders. Well with the f150 springs they are off but now this is happening. Besides a rougher ride you think i could drive it like this? I feel like the stiffness would be good because i have a good amount of college stuff i gotta bring home.

 

[Sb_Moto]

You could drive it, but it wont have any suspension. You risk breaking the spring/ mount. I would try to relocate the mount or get a different spring.

 

[Sb_Moto]

If you want to try it and things don't work out you can have springs shipped to my house in western Arkansas, and we can install or relocate the hangers. Personally I would fix them before the trip, but thats your call.

 

[Sb_Moto]

Another thought is a longer shackle may fix this.

 

[Sb_Moto]

Google found this.. Might help.

Measure the entire length of the trailer from the outer end of the coupler to the very back end of the trailer in inches. Multiply the length in inches by 0.68, this will give you the length from the end of the coupler to the center line of the axle. You can round the result up or down to the nearest inch.

Now that you have marked the centerline on the outer frame pieces, you can determine where to mount the front spring hanger. First, measure the length between the eyes of the spring (center to center). Next, divide this measurement by 2, this will be the distance between the centerline mark on the frame and the center of the bolt hole of the front spring hanger. Weld the front hanger in place. The distance between the bolt hole centers of the front and rear hangers is simply one half of an inch shorter.

For example, if the length 26 inches, half of 26 equals 13 inches. You would then mount the front hanger with its bolt hole centered 13 inches from the centerline mark on the frame. The center of the bolt hole of the rear hanger would then be aligned 25 1/2 inches from the center of the front hanger bolt hole.

 

[dakota123]

If you want to try it and things don't work out you can have springs shipped to my house in western Arkansas, and we can install or relocate the hangers. Personally I would fix them before the trip, but thats your call.

I may take you up on that one depending on how things go. Would like it to be ready for the more technical stuff out west. Im going to pick up longer shackles tomorrow and get those on so that the springs atleast clear the mount. Then if i can order another set of front ones, maybe we could grind off fronts and weld them at your place (assuming u have a welder) if you have the time?

 

[dakota123]

Google found this.. Might help.

Measure the entire length of the trailer from the outer end of the coupler to the very back end of the trailer in inches. Multiply the length in inches by 0.68, this will give you the length from the end of the coupler to the center line of the axle. You can round the result up or down to the nearest inch.

Now that you have marked the centerline on the outer frame pieces, you can determine where to mount the front spring hanger. First, measure the length between the eyes of the spring (center to center). Next, divide this measurement by 2, this will be the distance between the centerline mark on the frame and the center of the bolt hole of the front spring hanger. Weld the front hanger in place. The distance between the bolt hole centers of the front and rear hangers is simply one half of an inch shorter.

For example, if the length 26 inches, half of 26 equals 13 inches. You would then mount the front hanger with its bolt hole centered 13 inches from the centerline mark on the frame. The center of the bolt hole of the rear hanger would then be aligned 25 1/2 inches from the center of the front hanger bolt hole.

I think we did this becuase i rememebr reading this when we did it and it turned out good without weight ln the trailer now that their is weight it pushed it all the way to the back :/

 

[Sb_Moto]

Yea I got a welder, plasma, etc.. if it needs repair or correction you are welcome to my garage. I will pm you my cell incase I don't see your messages on here.

 

[Sb_Moto]

update on this incase anyone else is wondering. I met up with Dakota Wednesday and took him around the western side of Arkansas. After some sight seeing we put his trailer in the shop, and we relocated his front spring mount 2.5" forward and added 1" longer shackles. it corrected the wheel to fender alignment and gave the trailer supension!

Dakota is was a pleasure to meet you guys and helping you along on your trip. I wish you the best on the rest of your trip and life! Keep breaking the routine!