I've built multiple trailers, each with leaf spring suspension. A couple have had shocks, some without. All have been various utility style trailers, some with boxes. Each one I've built has a limited suspension travel when loaded, due to the leaves, and tend to bounce over obstacles rather than absorb the impact, even those with shocks.
I have tried some longer leaf springs with better results, however, I'm still not satisfied. I've seen random photos over the years, here and other places, of wishbone or independent suspension. Just curious how those perform, both loaded and unloaded.
I scored some junkyard MacPherson struts for free from an early 2000s Corolla that still have considerable life, and am tossing around the idea of incorporating them into an independent suspension/wishbone style suspension. However, Mac struts (and arms) are run perpendicular to the road (articulating to the side of the vehicle), while I'm considering running them in line with the road. I don't anticipate issues with the orientation, however, I'd like to get the experienced opinions.
I realize I will need to have a pivot on the top mount and bottom, to allow articulation, which is contrary to how a Mac strut is normally mounted. Are there any foreseeable issues with my pivot-mount idea?
I currently have a flatbed trailer that I built a few years ago, with a leaf sprung single axle, that I'm planning on building a box for, and turning into an off-road camper. It won't see too rough of roads, however, I want to design it to where I can take it down fire roads or other western state forest roads and not worry about eggs breaking, or the whole thing rattling apart in the process. I'm hoping to use the Corolla struts, and changing the axle configuration to an independent suspension split "axle".
All thoughts are welcome. Trying to keep the parts cheap, serviceable and readily available.
I have tried some longer leaf springs with better results, however, I'm still not satisfied. I've seen random photos over the years, here and other places, of wishbone or independent suspension. Just curious how those perform, both loaded and unloaded.
I scored some junkyard MacPherson struts for free from an early 2000s Corolla that still have considerable life, and am tossing around the idea of incorporating them into an independent suspension/wishbone style suspension. However, Mac struts (and arms) are run perpendicular to the road (articulating to the side of the vehicle), while I'm considering running them in line with the road. I don't anticipate issues with the orientation, however, I'd like to get the experienced opinions.
I realize I will need to have a pivot on the top mount and bottom, to allow articulation, which is contrary to how a Mac strut is normally mounted. Are there any foreseeable issues with my pivot-mount idea?
I currently have a flatbed trailer that I built a few years ago, with a leaf sprung single axle, that I'm planning on building a box for, and turning into an off-road camper. It won't see too rough of roads, however, I want to design it to where I can take it down fire roads or other western state forest roads and not worry about eggs breaking, or the whole thing rattling apart in the process. I'm hoping to use the Corolla struts, and changing the axle configuration to an independent suspension split "axle".
All thoughts are welcome. Trying to keep the parts cheap, serviceable and readily available.