I am doing some maintenance on my tri-ax. aluminum railed trailer. It is rated at 13500 lbs. I replaced leaf springs and replaced shackle bolts with 1/2" 304 SS bolts and lock nuts and proper sized leaf spring spacer for 1/2 bolts. Since my trailer will be used in salt water, I chose SS bolts. A local trailer shop indicated SS bolts would work fine, even though he only sells grade 8 or 10 steel bolts for leaf springs. Owner said that he didn't get much of a demand due his customers not wanting to spend the extra money on SS. It seems penny wise and pound fooling by not spending the extra on SS if you have a salt water application.
Recently, a friend warned me that grade 8 bolts would last longer since they are harder. However, salt water in not too friendly on these non-SS bolts.
I plan on transporting a 7000 lb boat on this trailer for over 1000 miles. Anyone had problems using 304 SS leaf spring bolts?
Recently, a friend warned me that grade 8 bolts would last longer since they are harder. However, salt water in not too friendly on these non-SS bolts.
I plan on transporting a 7000 lb boat on this trailer for over 1000 miles. Anyone had problems using 304 SS leaf spring bolts?