strange suspension

[gspig]

This is a factory made trailer. I made the rear axle as the original rusted in half.

Does anyone recognize this set-up? I would think this is unique to one manufacturer.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: strange suspension

it does not look safe to me.

 

[bigNATE®]

Re: strange suspension

some way old TeeNee trailers from the 70's have that setup, however the fact that it is lacking a panhard bar on each axle to help center it makes no sense to me.... you would think it would rip the axles out from underneath it in a turn without one. the only safe thing about that suspention is that you have a brake axle. it wouldnt take uch money maybe $100 to convert it to a standard equalized tandem spring supention which is alot safer<br /><br />Nate~

 

[gspig]

Re: strange suspension

I suspect that it may be the trailer that was sold with the boat. The boat is a '72. I thought that the set-up was unusual, but it works well. I have made several hard turns since I aquired it, and I haven't noticed any extreme wear. The fact that the axles are rigidly bolted to the spring may form a rigid tandem assembly. I would bet that if the ubolts on the axles got loose that the axles would shear off the springs.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: strange suspension

please update it. i don't want to be meeting you from the opposite direction when it happens.

 

[Bondo]

Re: strange suspension

That's an Oddball,..... No Doubt........<br /><br />Sort of a Walking Beam suspension.........<br /><br />I sold a trailer last summer that was a Tandam, on Coil Springs,......Tiebars Everywhichway,........... <br />Wasn't heavy enough for my needs......

 

[Texasmark]

Re: strange suspension

I don't see anything wrong with it. Only difference is one spring upside down rather than 2 right side up. Still springs and lot fewer parts, and still performs the independent axle tandem function; like when you go over a curb, the weight (some) is transferred to the other axle.<br /><br />Seems to me that one long spring is softer on the boat than 2 short ones (like your p/u rears are 6' long) and ground clearance is obviously better than the normal 2 spring setup....puts the boat lower to the ground for easier launching in shallow water.<br /><br />OTR trucks and especially Mack Off road have strange setups for ground clearance and reliability.<br /><br />Besides, if it is a '72 and still working, it has passed the reliability/quality test.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Silvertip]

Re: strange suspension

This one is not safe (at least at its rated load) since the brake line (at least on the side we can see) is disconnected.

 

[gspig]

Re: strange suspension

If you will notice the brake backing plate is not there. The brakes will be fixed. The trailer is set-up for a 21' boat. It has an original atwood surge brake actuator. The original factory color may have been black. I think the fenders may be original, they are steel diamond tread. I tried to research Tee Nee trailers, as that is my only lead, and can't find much. As far as safe, it has worked for 30+ years and I cannot see any abnormal wear at the spring connection points or at the pivot.

 

[rwidman]

Re: strange suspension

Besides, if it is a '72 and still working, it has passed the reliability/quality test.

But it may be near the end of its usefull life. <br /><br />If it were mine and the boat had any value, I would replace the trailer with a new one.