Bolts for new trailer Springs?

[Condor1970]

I have a standard 3500lbs trailer for my 185 Regal Medallion. I bought a new set of trailer springs, because the old ones are basically covered in rust that is flaking off to the point where it's actually kind of scary looking. I found a new set on Ebay with U-bolts and plates for like $70, so they are on the way.

Anyway, it dawned on me that there is basically 3 bolts on each set for mounting them. the forward and aft bolt, and the rear bolt for the link arm. They are all pretty rusty as well, though still servicable.

What I'm wondering is if it wouldn't be a good idea to just go to the Hardware store and replace them all with Stainless Steel bolts? Hard carbon bolts are stronger, so will stainless stell bolts meet the same strength requirements for a set of leaf springs on a trailer?

 

[Bob_VT]

NO Stainless steel bolts are NOT as strong. Get some good grade 8 bolts and clean them with lacquer thinner and steel wool, use a quality primer and follow that with a quality paint.

Stainless steel bolts will shear off fairly easily

 

[Silvertip]

Actually, neither suggestion is wise. Shackle bolts are special as are the nuts. Shackle bolts have a knurled area just beneath the head of the bolt. This prevents the bolt from turning inside the shackle as the spring moves. Failure to allow for this will result in the shackle wearing a groove in the bolt and everything will get real sloppy in a hurry.

 

[oldjeep]

Actually, neither suggestion is wise. Shackle bolts are special as are the nuts. Shackle bolts have a knurled area just beneath the head of the bolt. This prevents the bolt from turning inside the shackle as the spring moves. Failure to allow for this will result in the shackle wearing a groove in the bolt and everything will get real sloppy in a hurry.

I know the type of bolt you are describing and have never ever seen them used on a shackle. The shackle bolts and leaf bolts on my trailers are all 1/2 or 5/8 grade 8 bolts from the factory

 

[smokeonthewater]

Regardless of what you (or I) have seen, fluted shackle bolts probably ARE the proper choice.
I don't remember seeing them on any of my old trailers BUT I wasn't looking for them and I don't recall taking the shackle bolts out of more than one or two trailers... those were so rusted and worn that I could easily have not seen the fluting that had once been there.

http://www.iboats.com/Fluted-Shackl...038899&pdv=c&gclid=CKO0-cv6l8ACFehj7AodiWgAVQ

Here is a greasable option

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/161111471782?lpid=82

 

[oldjeep]

Regardless of what you (or I) have seen, fluted shackle bolts probably ARE the proper choice.
I don't remember seeing them on any of my old trailers BUT I wasn't looking for them and I don't recall taking the shackle bolts out of more than one or two trailers... those were so rusted and worn that I could easily have not seen the fluting that had once been there.

http://www.iboats.com/Fluted-Shackl...038899&pdv=c&gclid=CKO0-cv6l8ACFehj7AodiWgAVQ

Here is a greasable option

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/161111471782?lpid=82

Grade 5?

 

[smokeonthewater]

"When replacing fasteners, it is generally best to match what you are replacing. Replacing a bolt with a stronger one is not always safe. Harder bolts tend to be more brittle and may fail in specific applications"

re:

http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/materials-and-grades/materials.aspx