Close call

[JEWIENEWIE]

Well just got back form a 3wk stint away down to the west coast of SA. Had a blast fishing camping snorkelling etc was on my way home yesterday on the final leg from Coona to Byron, when 20ks out of Armidale, on the New Engand Highway, The left hand leaf spring on the camper trailer snapped!!with the cruise control set on 110, well the Pajero was throw all over the road with me struggling keep it on my side of the road and on all of it s wheels. Had a quick look in my side mirror to se the camper trailer clearly nearly at right angls and up on one wheel. I resisted the urge to brake , just rolled with it as it fished tailed down the highway, tearin the crap out of the side as now no wheel there, before rolling to a stop on the shoulder, clearly needing a change of pants!!!!
After clearing highway of debris, waited 2h for tow to scul drag camper on to his truck and arange transport back to Byron. Holy Crap .........Wife drove home from there as I downed a few to calm the nerves and the courage to call my mate and tell him what i have just done to his camper. ........Left hand wheel is now where the spare is normally mounted on he back of the camper, still attached to axle which is now a J shape
Kids got 2 stories last night...............
JN

[JEWIENEWIE]

Sorry, Mods,can this be moved to the right section please...
JN

[Still_Dreamin]

you did well not roll the vehicle. trailers can be repaired. lives not so easy.

[JEWIENEWIE]

It was nice to have so many people pull over and offer help, but still the odd one not slowing down at all as I try and remove all my crap from the highway..
JN

[PeterKroll]

Jewie, reminds me of coming back to Brisbane from Tin Can Bay one winter's night, when the left trailer wheel came off and passed us going up a hill, over the top and out of sight, gone forever. There was a giant rooster tail of sparks arcing up into the night sky as the axle gouged along the road. Out of mobile range as well. I had the then-wife and kids in the car, and it got bloody cold bloody quick.

I managed to flag a car down, and a tow truck came from Gympie at great expense, and my boat had a rest up there for a couple of weeks until I could get back with another wheel.

All bearings have always been well-checked from that day to this.

Certainly not as hair-raising as your adventure. I may have downed a few, but that's just what I did back then. :-)

[JEWIENEWIE]

Mate who owns camper trailer informs me that that spring is under 3months old. Over rates for trailer, and he inspected it, changed bearings, before lending me the trailer. I recovered the broke spring off the highway. it is being freighted back to him so he can take it to place of purchase for some answers.........
JN

[bobbyb]

not wise to go over 100 kph towing any thing. isn't there a 90 kph speed limit in nsw when towing.

scarry stuff , glad you all got out ok..

[Casey Ison]

lucky escape mate, nothing wrong with towing at 110 on a good highway. bloody annoying following people towing at 90 on a good highway/road, on shit roads its a different story! Sounds like a faulty spring eh. bugger mate. cheers!

[JEWIENEWIE]

Dont want to make assumptions here but i cant see any other reason for it to happen. Everyone who saw the broken spring say "FAULTY" due to the way all 4 leafs in the spring have broken. Very keen to here what the supplier has to say about the matter. Not expecting any compensation for towing repair or replace camper, just happy to have got Myself and the Family out of the situation and home safely.
JN

[Lancair]

The only restriction on towing in NSW is MAX of 100km/h for any vehicle or combination (ie trailer and car) over 4.5T GCM. Under that weight and you can do 110km/hr in a 110km/hr zone.

After my little mishap just before Xmas, towing my boat on the GC Hwy behind Burliegh, I wont be going over 100km/hr and I WILL be leaving much more room to stop. We weren't going that fast but I didn't leave enough room to stop from 60km/hr. 4.2T GCM takes a lot more room to stop than an empty Hilux. No major damage to the boat though.

[JEWIENEWIE]

I agree Lancair, after this i wont be towing over 100km either. Not saying it is not safe to do so but when something like what happened to me happens, it pulls you up a bit. I began to shake again after thinking about how many road trains and B Doulbes i had overtakin, in the middle of nowhere, over the last 5000ks, and thought about the possible outcomes of this spring giving way whole along side one of these trucks with my whole family on board.........Some one was looking over us....
JN

[JEWIENEWIE]

I would like to put up a photo of the broken spring but unable to due to tech difficulties, being me. I can text the photo to some one from my phone if they could put it up for me if they were up for it....I would like to hear what some people think about the spring. Wether it is common, not common or a major fault..
JN

[Axl]

I would like to put up a photo of the broken spring but unable to due to tech difficulties, being me. I can text the photo to some one from my phone if they could put it up for me if they were up for it....I would like to hear what some people think about the spring. Wether it is common, not common or a major fault..
JN

Text it to me, ill see if I can put it up for you 0429317511

[JEWIENEWIE]

Thanks Mate,
On the way now....

[Axl]

Here you go JEWIENEWIE;) Looks nasty mate, glad to here it didn't end as bad as it could have.....

9963699637

[JEWIENEWIE]

Thanks Mate. I would like to hear on what peoples thought are on this. I have limited knowledge on springs and never had a problem with them in the past....thank god.....
JN

[Tracker]

You are so lucky to pull that up without losing the lot.
My camper had a third set of leaf springs in the middle(between the normal setup)
was told it was to stop that same problem of axle flying around back.
Never give it much thought until I saw that pic.
Not sure why the springs broke where they did,only ever saw broken main leaves before.I'm sure someone will know,but in the meantime forget lotto.
You have used up all you luck for a while.:stunned::stunned:

[Moonlighter]

I am far from expert on this topic, however j have been told on several occasions bt suspension guys that a common reason for springs breaking in the centre like that is that the U bolts were not tightened tight enough, or were not re-tightened after the springs settled in after a day or two running.

Here is a site worth reading about this:

http://www.suspensionspecialists.com/tech0004.html

Here is one key quote:
KEEP U-BOLT NUTS TIGHT!


"Tighten-and keep-those U-bolt nuts really tight" . . . is the keynote of good preventive maintenance of leaf springs.
Operators of large fleets of trucks and buses have found that center breakage of springs is greatly reduced by "retightening" U-bolt nuts-after the first day's run-when a spring has been repaired or replaced. There are a number of surfaces between the leaves which bed down a little during the first day's operation. But retightening takes up the resulting slack and the spring then remains tight for a longer period. Just as it is good practice to retighten cylinder head nuts, after the engine has been run a few hundred miles.

[JEWIENEWIE]

Moonlighter, your spot on. My mate who owns the camper replaced the spring about 12 weeks ago. He has done several trips since and checked and rechecked u bolts as he is aware of that. That was one of the first thing he said when I called him to say what had happened.I even watched him check them again a I picked it up.........Still possible though ???
JN

[Stuart]

Whats the bet they are Chinese springs. Seems more and more companies are using Chinese made springs with similar outcomes.

[captain rednut]

hey Stuart you are spot on with the Chinese springs as we have already had batches of them come through the marine industry on boat trailers and all of the affected springs Ive seen are 4 leaf and have all cracked through the center bolt holding the leafs together.
and for the people who have responded about speed!! what has speed got to do with this subject anyway?? if your springs are Quality speed wouldn't be a concern?? bearings maybe.
CR

[gruntahunta]

Speed has everything to do with it when a part on a trailer fails...even a tyre blow out becomes a way bigger problem when you are going fast. No one has said that speed caused the failure, just it became a more dangerous situation because of the speed being travelled.

Anyone who doesn't understand this has not has a suspension component on a truck/ trailer fail whilst travelling fast.

[docaster]

Even galvanizing springs can weaken them. But if they are Chinese made it is a real worry isn't it. Our government is failing us again by relaxing standards. It doesn't pay to go for cheap and nasty on your running gear.

[novice23]

Very lucky mate.

[JEWIENEWIE]

Chinese spring yes it was.. . I still cant believe how lucky we were. It was purchased from a well known cheap auto place and was rated for 800 to 900kg each side..Camper was dropped off yesterday arvo by Tow Company. Just want to say how proffessional and how appreciative for their efforts in helping me out. They responded quickly, on a Sunday, and before people go "Of course they did it was a sunday and it would of cost me my left kidney", The charge was astounding to me on the cheap side. They salvaged my camper from the side of the highway, transproted it back to their depot, took it off the truck to allow me to take what i needed off the camper then reloaded it and transported it form Armidale to Byron Bay all for $440....
A big Thankyou to Trent and the crew from NEW ENGLAND TOWING.
JN

[Dignity]

JN - Ouch, you are most fortunate and very wise in how you came to a grinding halt, it is very hard not to touch the brakes, we have had a wheel come off a trailer but never broken springs and that was scary enough. Chinese manufactured goods can be very hit and miss, I worked for an organization that used eye bolts on their pole stays and the 600mm long ones were failing at an alarming rate, checks on them showed that they basically used 300mm lengths of steel and welded them together, ground them back then galvanized them. They looked the goods but as mentioned kept failing. I think there has been mention of cheap bearings failing quite regularly, I guess when it comes to travelling long distances quality is what is needed above price.

[Scalem]

Amazing stuff, by posting this JN you may have helped dozens of others avoid a similar fate, I am just wondering if this is double the risk on my tandem axle boat trailer? Any big trips planned I will be tripple checking the bolts. I just lent my camper trailer to friends over the holiday break, the trailer only got a visual look over and that was that. Would never forgive myself if something happened. Time to check! Thanks for posting!

Scalem

[JEWIENEWIE]

That was the main reason for posting mate. I dont wish for anyone to go through that with a different outcome. My mate is beside himself. I in know way hold him responsible. He has been a close mate for over 15yrs and he is that preicise, he made a bed in the back of my troopy for me one day, if the cuts in the ply were 1mil out, not good enough for him, he would rip it out and re do it. I have told him countless times to relax, we are alive but he still feels terrible and is chasing up with the manufacturer like a possesed man, to get an answer as to what went wrong and to if it gives him some peace, thats fine with me. I to Scalem are pretty relaxed with checking that sort of stuff to but no longer i tell ya. Before next trip i will be getting car, trailer boat or whatever i am driving or pulling thoroughly checked over..
JN

[Stuart]

Speed??? So how fast or slow should we all drive with trailers on? 20kph , 5kph? If speed limits are in place, the trailer is built to "Australian standards" I use that term loosely, then 100kph is nothing. Anotrher point someone made where the government is failing us, rely? Lets blame the government? How about manufacturers take responsability for the cheap crap componets they use to inhance profits, that what it boils down to. Save a dollar, make a dollar. However, if this incident had resulted in a fatality, then that company could have found themselves with huge legal headache as well as felling a bit broke int he bank department. At the end of the day, this mentality of driving prices down by importing cheap Chinese products in order to compete, is a flawed strategy. Above is a case in point. When you have that much ridding on those springs and tires, well I want the best. After all its not just your lives that are at stack, but those driving near you.

Stu

[mowerman]

Moonlighter, your spot on. My mate who owns the camper replaced the spring about 12 weeks ago. He has done several trips since and checked and rechecked u bolts as he is aware of that. That was one of the first thing he said when I called him to say what had happened.I even watched him check them again a I picked it up.........Still possible though ???
JN

Thank you JN.
I'll sling a few beers your way on the way past.

The maiden voyage with my home built CT was before Xmas. 400ks of mostly bitumen with a little gravel.
Everthing went great.

We are heading to South Ballina later today till Saturday.
Reading this thread became an "aw sh1te" moment. Things I hadn't done.

All u bolts needed nipping up as well as the shackle bolts.
Also the wheel nuts for good measure.

Thanks

Rod
.

[JEWIENEWIE]

All good mate, i hope everone goes out and has a quick bo peep at the springs and bolts. I and my family are extremely lucky and dont want anyone to go through that if it can be avoided by simply tightening a few bolts, if that caused the failure, i doubt it, more like dodgy materials, or at least inspect for possible issues. The reasoning by me making that call about the failure is that after looking at the spring closely, there is no abbrasion marks or scuffing on the leafs. In my opinion i feel that there should of been signs of the springs rubbing together or some thing along the lines if the bolts had become loose. Looking at the shackle and u bolts tht are left on that side, the shckle u bolts are all tight and have no signs of being loose.
JN

[SunnyCoastMark]

Speed??? So how fast or slow should we all drive with trailers on? 20kph , 5kph? If speed limits are in place, the trailer is built to "Australian standards" I use that term loosely, then 100kph is nothing. Anotrher point someone made where the government is failing us, rely? Lets blame the government? How about manufacturers take responsability for the cheap crap componets they use to inhance profits, that what it boils down to. Save a dollar, make a dollar. However, if this incident had resulted in a fatality, then that company could have found themselves with huge legal headache as well as felling a bit broke int he bank department. At the end of the day, this mentality of driving prices down by importing cheap Chinese products in order to compete, is a flawed strategy. Above is a case in point. When you have that much ridding on those springs and tires, well I want the best. After all its not just your lives that are at stack, but those driving near you.

Stu

Hey Stu,
I hear what you are saying and you have a valid point. Unfortunately, Australian manufacturers simply cannot compete if they are using all local products, those who do or did are often no longer with us. The sad reality is - manufacturers are being forced to meet the market and consumer demands. In a depressed economy almost all manufacturers for the past 3 or 4 years have had to either freeze prices, or reduce them, often by way of discounts or special offers - just to stay in business. The other side of that, is that you are then forced to cut costs and this is just to stay afloat and keep your staff employed - never mind making a profit.
The reality is manufacturers are just as much victims of the current marketplace culture as everyone else.
Australian springs?? - there are only a handful of small companies in Australia who make trailer (not truck) springs and most of those use imported steel anyway. Add to that an etxra 300 - 400% on price and you really don't have a choice. We use probably 200-250 springs per week and I guarantee you that there is not one Australian Spring manufacturer who could supply us that sort of quantity, let alone, be competetitive

95% of springs used on Australian built trailers (box, boat or caravan/camper) are imported from either India or China. There are good suppliers and bad. Most larger Australian suppliers, have their own suppliers or factories in those countries and they are pretty tight on the quality.
We get harrased by Indian and Chinese companies every single day - wanting to supply us with their springs, couplings whatever, some of them already supply to other Australian companies and have a good reputation, most I wouldn't touch with a 10' pole.

Regarding the OP's trailer broken spring. In the last say, 20,000 trailers that we have built I have only seen that once on a spring that was a couple of years old. Cause was unknown. To crack through all the leaves takes some doing. Generally one goes first, then another and so on. Keep in mind 45mm trailer springs are not built to the same design as car springs and most trailers don't enjoy the benefits of Shockies, wishbone suspension, coil springs etc. etc. Sometimes we expect to much from the poor old trailer spring. Of course you can have the trailers fitted with heavier springs, upmarket suspension etc. - but most people simple wont pay the extra

Mark

[Moonlighter]

Thanks for that excellent post Mark.

A question if i may, as you obviously work in this area....

I will soon have to replace the springs on my boat trailer. Trailer rated to 1400kg. The original springs are non-gal black springs that i coated with lanolin grease from new, but after 3.5 years the inevitable rust has taken hold and they need to be replaced.

The mob i have used in the past for trailer bits, located in the Beenleigh area, has suggested the gal parabolic (single tapered leaf) srpings they stock that are available in 1400kg rating. They asked if ai do any offroad work and the answer is no.

Whats your view on those single leaf parabolic springs?

[JEWIENEWIE]

Mark, I would also like to thankyou for the post. I got a lot out of it. I understand what you are saying about expecting to much out of a trailer spring and one of the questions that was asked to me was how much weight is in the camper? I would understasnd a bit more about the spring failing if I had the camper over loaded, but she was pretty much empty. Nearly home form the trip, no water in tank, no food, no eskies loaded with anything. Just clothes, minimal stuff really so dont get it....
Thanks again
JN

[Blackened]

G'day

I was also about to ask about the single leaf parabolic's... I have a set under mine as it is.

Dave

[propdinger]

I have snapped the single parabolic spring on my last trailer only noticed it the day after I did 1100km it luckily snapped at the flat end so rubbed on the trailer but held the weight have not used them since ( 2year old springs with about 8000km max on them )

[docaster]

Hey Stu,
I hear what you are saying and you have a valid point. Unfortunately, Australian manufacturers simply cannot compete if they are using all local products, those who do or did are often no longer with us. The sad reality is - manufacturers are being forced to meet the market and consumer demands. In a depressed economy almost all manufacturers for the past 3 or 4 years have had to either freeze prices, or reduce them, often by way of discounts or special offers - just to stay in business. The other side of that, is that you are then forced to cut costs and this is just to stay afloat and keep your staff employed - never mind making a profit.
The reality is manufacturers are just as much victims of the current marketplace culture as everyone else.
Australian springs?? - there are only a handful of small companies in Australia who make trailer (not truck) springs and most of those use imported steel anyway. Add to that an etxra 300 - 400% on price and you really don't have a choice. We use probably 200-250 springs per week and I guarantee you that there is not one Australian Spring manufacturer who could supply us that sort of quantity, let alone, be competetitive

95% of springs used on Australian built trailers (box, boat or caravan/camper) are imported from either India or China. There are good suppliers and bad. Most larger Australian suppliers, have their own suppliers or factories in those countries and they are pretty tight on the quality.
We get harrased by Indian and Chinese companies every single day - wanting to supply us with their springs, couplings whatever, some of them already supply to other Australian companies and have a good reputation, most I wouldn't touch with a 10' pole.

Regarding the OP's trailer broken spring. In the last say, 20,000 trailers that we have built I have only seen that once on a spring that was a couple of years old. Cause was unknown. To crack through all the leaves takes some doing. Generally one goes first, then another and so on. Keep in mind 45mm trailer springs are not built to the same design as car springs and most trailers don't enjoy the benefits of Shockies, wishbone suspension, coil springs etc. etc. Sometimes we expect to much from the poor old trailer spring. Of course you can have the trailers fitted with heavier springs, upmarket suspension etc. - but most people simple wont pay the extra

Mark

Too true Mark. Can i ask if trailer springs have to be to a standard?
Over the years i have seen the slow death of quality stuff. Unfortunately most people don't realize you get what you pay for but expect the item to do the job nether the less. The government has let foreign companies dump their shit on our shores and put the responsibility back onto the importer but the average joe blow doesn't any difference and that is why our manufacturing has gone down the gurgler .
On the topic of speed, the reason us oldies drive slower when towing or with a load is because we have seen and perhaps experienced how when something goes wrong it can make things tenfold worse.

[SunnyCoastMark]

Thanks for that excellent post Mark.

A question if i may, as you obviously work in this area....

I will soon have to replace the springs on my boat trailer. Trailer rated to 1400kg. The original springs are non-gal black springs that i coated with lanolin grease from new, but after 3.5 years the inevitable rust has taken hold and they need to be replaced.

The mob i have used in the past for trailer bits, located in the Beenleigh area, has suggested the gal parabolic (single tapered leaf) srpings they stock that are available in 1400kg rating. They asked if ai do any offroad work and the answer is no.

Whats your view on those single leaf parabolic springs?

Hey ML, Parabolic springs, like any other trailer spring system, have pros and cons. First the pros
1) In a single leaf, they are never going to rust.
2) Generally, built to a better quality (because they have to be).
Cons:-
1) Being a single leaf, you only have to have one leaf break and you are stuffed.with a leaf spring pack, you have a bit more leeway - unless its the top leaf that goes.
2)They are a longer spring and therefore, usually, dont fit into a standard slipper spring set up. This means you have to modify your existing gal trailer, which is not the best idea.
3) If you do break one, they are not as commonly available as slipper springs, especially away from major towns

Gal slipper springs may sag a little more than black. However they will definitely last longer and require less maintenance. You just need to add an extra leaf or two, to allow for any sag, ; Rebuilding my tandem trailer for the Trojan, I had no hesitation in going for the gal slipper springs. I used Ark springs, as I know the lengths Richard and his team go to, to get it right.
Mark.

[SunnyCoastMark]

[QUOTE=JEWIENEWIE;1531246]Mark, I would also like to thankyou for the post. I got a lot out of it. I understand what you are saying about expecting to much out of a trailer spring and one of the questions that was asked to me was how much weight is in the camper? I would understasnd a bit more about the spring failing if I had the camper over loaded, but she was pretty much empty. Nearly home form the trip, no water in tank, no food, no eskies loaded with anything. Just clothes, minimal stuff really so dont get it....


Hey JW,
Its difficult to say without actually seeing it. It may be a faulty spring, It may have been a fitting issue. If the trailer was overloaded, the springs would, show signs of that, like seperation of the spring pack. Wear marks from the tyres under the mudguards are also indicative of this.

The other piece of important info - How is the axle set up? Is it on top of the springs or under them?

Mark
:

[Moonlighter]

Thanks Mark.
The suppliers have checked the length of their gal parabolic springs for me and they are the same as my existing springs. I think i might give them a go, and will probably get a spare one to carry with me on long trips, just in case!

[JEWIENEWIE]

Mark, How would the spring have to be fitted incorrectly to cause it to snap. I have been told that if it is not tight enough or tensioned right, that could cause the break but i think i can rule that one out. How else can it be fitted wrong?????? Cant recall if the springs are on top or underneath the axle. Will need to have a look this arvo ....
JN

[Lucky 1]

[QUOTE=JEWIENEWIE;1531246]Mark, I would also like to thankyou for the post. I got a lot out of it. I understand what you are saying about expecting to much out of a trailer spring and one of the questions that was asked to me was how much weight is in the camper? I would understasnd a bit more about the spring failing if I had the camper over loaded, but she was pretty much empty. Nearly home form the trip, no water in tank, no food, no eskies loaded with anything. Just clothes, minimal stuff really so dont get it....


Hey JW,
Its difficult to say without actually seeing it. It may be a faulty spring, It may have been a fitting issue. If the trailer was overloaded, the springs would, show signs of that, like seperation of the spring pack. Wear marks from the tyres under the mudguards are also indicative of this.

The other piece of important info - How is the axle set up? Is it on top of the springs or under them?

Mark
:

Hi Mark, you got me worried now, a few years ago my local mechanic swapped the tinny trailer springs from below to above the axle to give me a little more clearance. Would this create an issue(beside reduced stability due to increased height?) Cheers Lucky

[rabbi]

Hi Guys,
Had a similar thing happen to my boat trailer (4 metre boat) coming back from out west and hit a few bumps at Tabulam.
Had a semi up my arse and I was pushing along at around 100kmh when the boat slumped on the LH side and smoke billowed out from trailer.

The standard leaf springs snapped at the aligning pin and dropped the guard down onto the tyre locking it up followed by a fishtailing boat..
I resisted hitting the brakes but I pretty near had a Mack motor where the Mercury was.
As soon as I got the locked wheel onto the grassy verge it all straightened up but scary for a second or two or three..
Put a decent set of 3 leaf with helper heavy duty springs( the original was only 2 with helper ..
Always check for cracks before I go anywhere long distance now.
cheers.

[SunnyCoastMark]

[QUOTE=SunnyCoastMark;1531356]

Hi Mark, you got me worried now, a few years ago my local mechanic swapped the tinny trailer springs from below to above the axle to give me a little more clearance. Would this create an issue(beside reduced stability due to increased height?) Cheers Lucky

Trailer springs and axles are designed so that the axle sits on top of the spring. This way - the downward force of the load, is going with the springs set (or curve). If you put the axle under the springs, you are effectively trying to break the springs back every time it is subjected to shock load. - this will eventually result in breakage. I have seen a lot of trailers built like this (with the axle underneath) and function quite happily for years. However these are generally on trailers that don't do a lot of milage - ie less than 1000 kms in a year.

I actually have my small boat set up like that as I needed the extra clearance under the guards. - but I only take her around to the local ramps.

On a long trip - like JewieNewie - to west coast of SA and back - you certainly have an increased chance of failure. - Not saying that was his problem as we don't know how the axle was set up yet.

The other issue with having the axle underslung, is if you do break a U-bolt via fatigue, impact or rust - the axle will come flying out the back - at least on one side. If the axle is on top of the springs - it is contained between the spring and chassis.

Mark

[JEWIENEWIE]

Mark, I didnt get a chance to check he springs regarding being above or below the axle but i think i dont need to. From reading your post above it must have been underslung as after fishtailing down the highway the axle let go and swung around the back as you have suggested. In my opinion having the axle finally let go helped my cause in controling the vehicle. As soon as the axle let go the camper slammed down on the left hand side and stopped fishtailing as the left wheel then acted like a brake as it was now positioned at the back of camper, (see Photo page 1 of thread)
JN

[ozscott]

Good to hear the outcome was good. I dont skimp on springs and axles. I recently put custom made Australian drop axles and springs custom by Mayne Springs. ..peace of mind.

Cheers

[BeastMaster]

Very lucky there -moonlighter is correct in saying u bolts must be seated evenly and nuts tight, I have 2 sets of nuts on each thread 1st nut tight , second nut retains it so it doesnt loosen.I see you were on a long trip , cruise buttons are great but I also suggest not towing with your cruise control on, you are better off being in total control of the vehicle..
Regards
BeastMaster

[rabbi]

A lot of people including myself have the springs under the axle to effectively lower the centre of gravity and for boat trailers make for easier launching.
But if you have a look at most utes these days the springs are mounted under the axles...

I reckon it comes down to the quality of the springs fitted and trying to skimp on cheaper units will eventually have an effect if you cover lots of kilometres..

[tunaticer]

Regardless of the spring quality or place of origin, if the spring breaks at the centre bolt, the U-bolts were not tight.
The U-bolts are not just to keep the spring in place, they are also there to force all stresses away from the axle towards the taper of the spring / pack. If they are not tight enough they will flex under the axle and break at the centre bolt every single time.

A standard length open end ring spanner is not good enough to tighten a U-bolt, a 12" breaker bar is minimum.
Also of concern these days is the U-bolt backing plate, usually they are slotted holes with minimal landings which is not an effective backing plate because the slots deform letting the U-bolt slide slightly sideways and reducing the tension. Use plates that have drilled holes at the right centres.

[JEWIENEWIE]

It has been a major learning curve all round that is or sure and I have learnt a lot from making this post, thankyou to all..
JN

[SunnyCoastMark]

Regardless of the spring quality or place of origin, if the spring breaks at the centre bolt, the U-bolts were not tight.
The U-bolts are not just to keep the spring in place, they are also there to force all stresses away from the axle towards the taper of the spring / pack. If they are not tight enough they will flex under the axle and break at the centre bolt every single time.

Ummmmm, yeah, no The springs are already bolted in, the u bolts are to keep the axle in place and sorry tunaticer, but they do not force stresses away from the axle, their only purpose is to attach the springs to the axle

A standard length open end ring spanner is not good enough to tighten a U-bolt, a 12" breaker bar is minimum.

The nuts on the u bolts should be tightened so that the corners of the fish plate are just starting to bend down. Too much tension will bend the u bolts out, and result in greater chance of failure. I have never seen a spring break like that from u bolts that werent quite tight. What will happen in that case is the axle set will move back and forth, eventually, shearing off the head of the centre bolt, then everything starts to fall apart.


Also of concern these days is the U-bolt backing plate, usually they are slotted holes with minimal landings which is not an effective backing plate because the slots deform letting the U-bolt slide slightly sideways and reducing the tension. Use plates that have drilled holes at the right centres.



We use slotted fish plates on 45 sq offroad axles, hire trailers etc, and never had a problem with them and I am talking 1000's of trailers here.....






Hope that all makes sense
Mark