Help selecting trailer shock length

[AdventureBuddies]

Suspension gurus, please help:

Leaf sprung over trailer axle. Home built teardrop.

I have measured my potential max shock lengths at 23" at full droop and 12" at full compression which means a max travel of 11".

The Rancho 9000 shocks I considered buying come in various lengths which allow total travel of about 9". This means I will need some sort compromise: either the shock limits the full compression or restricts the full potential droop. The max amount of upward travel I can allow the tires is 5" to keep them out of the fender wells.

I will use bump stops amd limit straps but the questions is: should I sacrifice upward travel to allow max droop per side or should I limit droop to allow max upward travel of the tires.

You thoughts/comments are greatly appreciated.

 

[REZARF]

11" of wheel travel is a lot! If it were me I would maximize droop, you are going to bump stop the compression either way, so it makes sense to get all the drop out of them that you can.

 

[AdventureBuddies]

That's what I was thinking because it seems to be the way that solid axle vehicles operate. Thx