Hi, my name is Stan, and I want to welcome you to my blog. I love working on cars, and I have worked on them since I was a little kid working alongside my dad. Over the years, I have seen vehicles grow more complicated, and I have also seen a range of parts manufacturers enter the market. Some of them make amazing parts while others make parts that aren't quite as good as original manufacturer parts. If you want to learn about the differences between generic and original parts or if you have other questions on auto parts, this blog has the answers you need. Please get comfortable and start exploring.
Selecting the best replacement springs for a trailer can be a daunting task if you are just learning to repair your trailer on your own. However, that task can be simplified if you have some guiding questions to help you navigate the wide variety of springs available on the market. This article discusses three of those guiding questions.
Question 1: Which Type of Spring Do You Need?
Many types of trailer springs, such as leaf springs and C-Hook springs are available on the market. It is normally advisable that you buy the same type of replacement springs as the ones that were on your trailer. This is because the manufacturer of your trailer may have designed the suspension system to work well with that specific type of spring. You should therefore take the damaged springs with you or take a photo so that you can choose the same type of springs when you go shopping.
Question 2: What Size of Spring Is Needed?
Trailer springs are manufactured in different lengths. Those lengths vary in small increments so you need to know the exact length of the springs that are appropriate for your trailer. Use a tape measure to measure the length of each of your old trailer springs. This step will enable you to factor in the stretching that could have occurred in one of the old springs. You can also do an online search about the length of the springs that your make of trailer usually has.
Question 3: What Other Materials Do I Need?
You may need to buy other components, such as spring equalisers and U-bolts, to help you to fit the replacement springs onto your trailer. Identify the extra materials that you will need by noting down any components that you remove as you detach the worn springs. You may also need to consider whether those extra materials should be painted or galvanised. Such a decision should be based on the type of environment where you normally use the trailer. For instance, galvanised components are better able to withstand the damaging effects of salty water that is found in coastal areas.
Springs are just one component of the suspension system of your trailer. The suspension system can only function effectively if all the components are doing their job. It is therefore very important that you choose the right replacement springs when you go shopping. Ask a trailer parts supplier for help in case there are better options on the market.
Share6 July 2016
