What would cause this to fail?

djs100 · 03-31-08, 11:27 PM

I was in Death Valley last week on a 7 day trip and on day 4 all four leaves of my trailer springs broke in half. They broke right in the middle where that center bolt goes through. I didn't loose the axle, but the trailer almost tipped over and it bent my hitch a little. I was able to find a pair of springs which have 5 leaves and look more stout. Now I at least have one spare for future trips.

Dustin

REZARF · 03-31-08, 11:48 PM

I have heard of springs failing due to heat on washboard roads. Could be that, could be over in weight, could be bad luck, or a combination of all three. Glad you are okay and you could get back on the road.

Rezarf <><

Niner · 04-01-08, 08:34 AM

I'm going with Age and fatigue.

gavman · 04-01-08, 08:58 AM

Post more details of what you were doing at the time...
How long were you driving for, thinking heat.
How much weight?
Big woman in a roof-top tent

REZARF · 04-01-08, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavman

Big woman in a roof-top tent

Now that there is funny!

djs100 · 04-01-08, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavman

Post more details of what you were doing at the time...
How long were you driving for, thinking heat.
How much weight?
Big woman in a roof-top tent

You were all most right. Roof top tent with family of five.

Brian in Oregon · 04-01-08, 08:35 PM

You sure you have enough shackle length to allow the springs to go completely flat? If not, the springs "bottom out" while still curved, instead of going flat or reversing, and this can and will break them.

Take a string and run it along the top of the spring from above the eye center to above the eye center.

Then tape one end down above the eye center.

Pull the string tight.

Now check the shackle swing to see if it will intercept the string. You can simulate a shackle with cardboard, using the bolt centers as the pivot point and arc.

If the shackle will not reach to the end of the string, you need longer shackles.

djs100 · 04-01-08, 11:38 PM

Thanks, I'll check it out tomorrow in the light.
Dustin

REZARF · 04-02-08, 09:55 AM

ds100, very very cool trailer. How about a few more detail pics when you get around to it. Did you make it? I haven't seen anything like it before. I bet the 100 pulls it oh, so nice!

Glad you are back on the road, and I appologize for making comments about your families weight

Sweet trailer for sure.

Rezarf <><

03-31-08, 11:27 PM	#1
djs100 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 18	What would cause this to fail? I was in Death Valley last week on a 7 day trip and on day 4 all four leaves of my trailer springs broke in half. They broke right in the middle where that center bolt goes through. I didn't loose the axle, but the trailer almost tipped over and it bent my hitch a little. I was able to find a pair of springs which have 5 leaves and look more stout. Now I at least have one spare for future trips. Dustin Attached Images __________________ 03 Tundra 01 UZJ100 BFG 285's, Slee slider, 863's

03-31-08, 11:48 PM	#2
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,857	I have heard of springs failing due to heat on washboard roads. Could be that, could be over in weight, could be bad luck, or a combination of all three. Glad you are okay and you could get back on the road. Rezarf <>< __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread.

04-01-08, 08:34 AM	#3
Niner IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Readfield, WI TLCA# 13372 Posts: 695 Blog Entries: 1	I'm going with Age and fatigue. __________________ Chris Hannis, TLCA #13372 2008 FJ Cruiser, Bud Built 5, Warn Bull Bar, 9.5TI, OME Heavies all around. 1971 FJ 40, 400 SBC, th400, Dana 20 Tcase, F/R Dana 44's, Front 4 link, rear spring over 1993 4 Runner (the Girlfriends) Stock for sale. A bunch of stuff thats for sale

04-01-08, 08:35 PM	#7
Brian in Oregon IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,181	You sure you have enough shackle length to allow the springs to go completely flat? If not, the springs "bottom out" while still curved, instead of going flat or reversing, and this can and will break them. Take a string and run it along the top of the spring from above the eye center to above the eye center. Then tape one end down above the eye center. Pull the string tight. Now check the shackle swing to see if it will intercept the string. You can simulate a shackle with cardboard, using the bolt centers as the pivot point and arc. If the shackle will not reach to the end of the string, you need longer shackles. __________________ 1971 FJ40 w/ Chevy 350, Mark's of Australia bellhousing kit, 1979 4-spd transmission & transfer case, 12.50x33x15 tires. Rust free, original paint, wheel wells not cut. http://objllc.com/USSA.htm

04-01-08, 11:38 PM	#8
djs100 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 18	Thanks, I'll check it out tomorrow in the light. Dustin __________________ 03 Tundra 01 UZJ100 BFG 285's, Slee slider, 863's

04-01-08, 08:58 AM	#4
gavman IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 128	Post more details of what you were doing at the time... How long were you driving for, thinking heat. How much weight? Big woman in a roof-top tent

04-02-08, 09:55 AM	#9
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,857	ds100, very very cool trailer. How about a few more detail pics when you get around to it. Did you make it? I haven't seen anything like it before. I bet the 100 pulls it oh, so nice! Glad you are back on the road, and I appologize for making comments about your families weight Sweet trailer for sure. Rezarf <>< __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread.

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