Leaf Springs

[Jmunk]

I’m going to replace some parts on my single axle Shoreland’r trailer. It appears that Shoreland’r used some uncommon leaf springs, one end has an eye the other is an open slipper style. I located the OEM part number and it pulled up the spring below.

Can I convert to a standard double eye leaf spring assuming I keep the leaf number and weight rating the same? Any issues with that? If I can, would I order the same 27” length ?

 

[Scott Danforth]

With a torch and welder you out can change anything you want

However getting the springs you have is easy. They are simply one of the many styles of springs available

 

[dingbat]

Slipper springs are common. Have them on my Loadrite

Springs for your trailer are here

Open Eye Slipper Trailer Leaf Springs at Trailer Parts Superstore

Trailer Parts Superstore sells Open-Eye Slipper style trailer leaf springs at discount pricing. Shop for leaf spring hardware including hangers, shackles, shackle bolts, bushings,equalizer bars & U-bolt tie plate kits.

www.easternmarine.com

 

[Jmunk]

I have looked but no one has the “Shoreland’r” springs in-stock and finding a 27” length seems to be difficult. They don’t have to done right now it’s on my short list to get done.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Shoreland'r has springs in stock for their trailers

 

[Jmunk]

I’m ordering parts to change out the leaf springs. It seems that Shoreland’r has switched to zinc plating on the u-bolts and associated hardware. I found the oem u-bolts and the listing describes them as “submersible”, they look like zinc plated to me.

Unless someone has a good reason to use the “submersible” u-bolts I’ll order a set of galvanized ones. The original ones are galvanized, I’m guessing they went to zinc plated hardware as a cost saving measure?

Also, any cons to putting in shackle bolts with grease fittings?

 

[bruceb58]

Also, any cons to putting in shackle bolts with grease fittings?

I can't think of any cons. I use the MorRyde ones on my travel trailer and the suspension has ZERO noise now. I grease mine once a year. If you don't think you will actually get out and grease them annually, then I might suggest not to do it.

 

[Lou C]

I have that same style on mine very common style. I coat em with Evinrude triple guard grease when installing & spray with corrosion x 2 times a year keeps away the rust from salt water…

 

[dingbat]

It seems that Shoreland’r has switched to zinc plating on the u-bolts and associated hardware. I found the oem u-bolts and the listing describes them as “submersible”, they look like zinc plated to me.

Unless someone has a good reason to use the “submersible” u-bolts I’ll order a set of galvanized ones. The original ones are galvanized, I’m guessing they went to zinc plated hardware as a cost saving measure?

Zinc is zinc…. The only difference is the coating thickness. Unless you boat frequently and exclusively in saltwater it doesn’t matter either way from a longevity stand point.

Strength is a different animal

Galvanizing High-Strength Bolts

Learn more about the process for galvanizing high-strength bolts and the potential impact it can have on the fastener's integrity and strength.

cf-t.com

Also, any cons to putting in shackle bolts with grease fittings?

Locally, it’s illegal I leave a “sheen” on the water by any means.

 

[bruceb58]

Locally, it’s illegal I leave a “sheen” on the water by any means.

I guess I better stop greasing my rollers.

 

[Lou C]

I've always greased my rollers and springs and never left a sheen. Now when that power steering actuator leaked and the bilge pump kicked on after it rained, that was a sheen. Fixed that one right away, was not a fun job but had to be done.

 

[dingbat]

I guess I better stop greasing my rollers.

Thought you had a Loadrite trailer?
Mine has aluminum wobble roller brackets and thermoplastic rollers. Nothing to grease.

 

[bruceb58]

Thought you had a Loadrite trailer?
Mine has aluminum wobble roller brackets and thermoplastic rollers. Nothing to grease.

Used to. On the loadrite trailer I also used to spray fuildfilm on the leaf springs.

 

[Jmunk]

I understand not wanting to leave any sheen and keeping the waterway as clean as possible. The marine grease I use on my outboard zerks is the same grease I use in my trailer wheel bearings. I have never noticed it to leave a sheen behind.

I just wasn’t sure if there was a specific reason why trailer manufacturers don’t use a wet bolt on the leaf spring shackles.

 

[dingbat]

The marine grease I use on my outboard zerks is the same grease I use in my trailer wheel bearings. I have never noticed it to leave a sheen behind.

I know of no grease that claims to be water proof, only water resistant.
It’s doesn’t bleed a lot, but it does bleed if you look for it

I just wasn’t sure if there was a specific reason why trailer manufacturers don’t use a wet bolt on the leaf spring shackles.

From State EPA regulations…

20) "Discharge" means:
(a) The addition, introduction, leaking, spilling, or emitting of any pollutant to waters of this State; or (b) The placing of a pollutant in a location where the pollutant is likely to pollute.

A grease fitting on the Springs fall under paragraph (b)?

 

[bruceb58]

I guess I need to stop greasing my propeller shafts too!

 

[bruceb58]

I just wasn’t sure if there was a specific reason why trailer manufacturers don’t use a wet bolt on the leaf spring shackles.

Because it costs them more money and would be actually worse if the owner of the trailer never greased them.

Same applies to travel trailers....most don't have them but a few higher end ones do.

 

[dingbat]

I guess I need to stop greasing my propeller shafts too!

The Chesapeake Bay is an active commercial fishery, a national heritage site and the primary wintering grounds for water fowl on the East Coast.

Unless you like eating a little grease along with your oysters, crabs, shrimp and fish perhaps you should.

Antiquated practice anyhow. Have not greased a prop in years. If you feel the need, suggest any number of the food safe greases on the market.

Certainly no Greenie, but I’ve seen first hand the impact of human activity on the Bay over the past 50 years and it’s not pretty.

 

[dingbat]

The Chesapeake Bay is an active commercial fishery, a national heritage site and the primary wintering grounds for water fowl on the East Coast.

Unless you like having a side order of grease along with your oysters, crabs, shrimp and fish perhaps you should.

Antiquated practice anyhow. Have not greased a prop in years. If you feel the need, suggest any number of the food safe greases on the market.

Certainly no Greenie, but I’ve seen first hand the impact of human activity on the Bay over the past 50 years and it’s not pretty.

 

[Lou C]

EPA regs? What a bunch of micromanaging hypocrites!!
Why? Well they legislated all kinds of expensive to meet standards for cars trucks & now boats greatly increasing costs and complexity; yet they did nothing about one of the biggest environmental problems in NY State, affecting the drinking water of everyone who lives here….the Navy/Grumman Plume this was known to be a problem as far back as the 70’s yet nothing was done until local governments and citizen led groups put pressure to bear. Yes Grumman was great for jobs & technical prestige but when they were bought by Northrop they took the jobs and left the pollution. Added to that are plumes caused by Republic Aviation, Hooker Chemical and Brookhaven National labs. While the Bethpage site is finally being remediated the much bigger Calverton site remains a problem. So for me to have any respect for them is very difficult.
Hypocrisy and neglect of the water supply for 2.8 million people! And you (EPA) stop me from adjusting small engine carbs and put cat converters on our inboards? Get your damn priorities right!
Everyone who lives here should have a reverse osmosis water filter. The drinking water here is about the worst in the state!