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Customer Reviews

How To Measure Trailer Suspension Parts

Written by hitchweb Team
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 — No Comments Yet

1 - SPRING HANGERS 

Spring hangers are the first step for attaching springs to the trailer. They are welded to the trailer, taking into account how many axles the trailer will use. There are 3 styles of hangers: standard, rear eye, and front hangers. Take a look at the measurements and styles used to select a spring hanger. Follow the link to view our selection of Spring Hangers

Spring Hanger Style and Measurements

2 - EQUALIZERS

Equalizers are the second connector between suspension springs. Their purpose is to allow movement of the springs and axles, as the trailer travels over bumpy terrain. Depending on the style of springs being used, there are a variety of equalizer designs. Regardless of the design, they are bolted to the spring hanger in the centre of 2 axles. Follow the link to view our selection of Equalizers

Equalizer Styles and Measurements

 3 - SUSPENSION BOLTS

Suspension bolts and nuts are used throughout the trailer setup. They hold the springs to the spring hangers, and they are used for the shackle straps and more. Suspension bolts are available as regular or greasable and have been manufactured in slightly different designs over the years. The most important features to note are: length, diameter, and thread size. Follow the link to view our selection of Suspension Bolts and 'Filter' to show suspension bolts only.

Trailer Suspension Bolts Length, Diameter and Thread Size

4 - SHACKLE STRAPS

Shackle straps are used with double eye springs only - they are designed to allow for the normal front to back movement of the springs that occurs while traveling. They are not needed on slipper springs because the "slipper" design allows for the needed movement, without the pivot points on shackles. Shackle straps are selected based on length from centre hole to centre hole. Follow the link to view our selection of Shackle Straps and 'Filter' to show shackle straps only.

Installing Suspension Shackle Straps

5 - TIEPLATES

Once the spring hangers have been welded to the trailer and the springs have been bolted on, the next step is to attach the axle to the suspension which is now affixed to the trailer. This is done using a tieplate fo reinforcement under the springs (for underslung axles) or over the spring (for overslung axles). Tie plates are selected based on hole to hole dimensions, as well as based on u-bolt size. Follow the link to view our selection of Tieplates and 'Filter' to show tieplates only.

how to install tieplates

6 - U-BOLTS

The ubolts is used in conjunction with the tie plate, to affix the axle beam to the suspension. The u-bolt curvature fits the size of the axle beam. U-bolts are selected based on diameter, width, and length. Finally, a nut is added on to the ends of the u-bolt to secure the axle beam. Follow the link to view our selection of U-bolts

installing u-bolts on trailer suspension

Posted in Trailer Parts

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