spring comparison on old deck over trailers........

[JohnDeere720]

Hey guys, I am looking at buying an older trailer for occaisional farm use....need to ask a few questions about the springs/axles.
Both trailers are 2 axle units.
One trailer has single thick springs...there is about 2 inches before the frame of the trailer touches the axles and then the frame will rest on the axles.
The 2nd trailer has more springs piled up on top of each other, but they are thinner - there is about 6 inches before the frame will touch the axles....

The first trailer is in better condition, and I'd like to buy it, but I am wondering about those springs compressing and the frame touching the axles...is this a problem? Would that be similar to a torsion axle? These are 14.5 x 8 tires with the clamps that hold the rims to the axles...if it matters....
Can anyone shed some light on spring/axle theory? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[OMSK]

Springs can be either single or multiple leaf packs and have the same rated capacity. There are some pros and cons to each desogn, but for your situation they really aren't relevant.

What is relevant is the rated capacity of the trailers and/or axles. Somewhere on the trailer there should be an ID plate listing information like the serial number and rated capacity. From your description it sounds like you may be looking at either older or home-made trailers - in either case if you cannot dependably determine the rated capacity of the trailer I'd keep looking.

I'm also a bit concerned over the tire size and mounting - I've never heard of 14.5" tires, and the mounting style you describe is not seen on any of the "modern" trailers I have seen. If this is really the case, you might want to look into what the price and availability of replacement components would be (tires, wheels, brakes, etc) before you commit to something.

It's been my experience over the years that older, inexpensive trailers are often nothing but an aggravation. Like you I hate to invest money on a piece of equipment just to have it sit. The reality though is that when you need a trailer, you need it to be ready to go when you need it - not after a few hours of work, or worse yet, after a failure on the road.

Gregg

P.S. - love your nic, looking forward to getting my 720 out for the spring very soon...

[hvyhauler]

The first trailer is made with mobile home axles, springs, wheels, and tires. They will work, but spring rates are pretty stiff, and tires are not normally great quality. The other trailers running gear sounds better. Good luck, John

[cbmoore]

The 14.5" tires/wheels are common on mobile home axles. Hudson brothers trailers in NC use dexter axles with the same wheels/tires, but are not mobile home axles. If you can find the ID plate or stampings on the axles that would give you an idea of the capacity.