Trailer springs

[Edson15]

Just purchased an older caulkins trailer and I believe the springs are toast. With my boat on it, a 1985 edson 15ft fiberglass, the bushing on the c style spring is almost out of the spring. the c slot on the spring faces the front of the trailer. I was wondering if these springs could hace been installed backwards. Any help would be appreciated. <br />BLESS THE TROOPS.

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer springs

Hi, Kiya.<br /><br />I think they are backwards.<br /><br />Check out www.championtrailers.com<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[CBU]

Re: Trailer springs

Kiya:I also have a Calkins-87'-The springs on mine have the C-shape going over the rear bushing and facing forward,same as yours.Never noticed what it was doing w/boat on-have boat off trailer currently.I'll have my boat on soon and will be checking it out!

 

[Edson15]

Re: Trailer springs

Thanks JB looking into that. That was mt thought also.

 

[Edson15]

Re: Trailer springs

Thanks CBU. One question for you to help clarify. Looking at your with the tongue to your right is the C slide on the spring to the front or rear of the trailer. I am assuming that on your trailer that it is at the rear, correct. If you would be as kind as to repost it would help me a lot. Thanking you in advance.

 

[CBU]

Re: Trailer springs

Kiya:<br /> If I'm standing by tongue the open side of C faces me/forward.The C is at rear bushing,behind wheels,both springs.This is same as your description.Calkins has a website,I went to it once a while ago.I redid my trailer this year w/tires/lites/paint/bearing mntc w/seals but didn't replace springs as I didnt find them locally w/C-design.I actually imagine them breaking before slipping out but I'm going w/them for now.I believe there could be an equal rplcmnt. slipper style so check JB's site and locally.I will be finishing boat soon and will have back on trailer so/I'll really be watching the C!Good luck w/yours!

 

[Edson15]

Re: Trailer springs

Thanks CBU your help is much appreciated. I will be switching springs around when I put on new ones. Thank you again and have a safe boatiind season.

 

[Edson15]

Re: Trailer springs

Any more ideas on htese springs. I'm sure the C end of the spring should be closest to the rear. Thanks for all the previous answers, but I would appreciate more ideas.<br /><br />How do I balance the trailer for proper tongue weight?

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Trailer springs

If you do a search in the trailer forum, there is a string that explains how to position and use a bathroom scale to measure the tongue weight to ensure calculations.<br /><br />Balancing the trailer for proper tongue weight is done by physically moving the trailer axle forward or back depending on your needs.<br />Too much weight on the tongue and you need to move the axle forward - too little move it back BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SMALL ADJUSTMENTS OF A COUPLE OF INCHES at a time to get the desired results. Moving the axle more than 6-8 inches at a time could cause the tongue to FLY UP if too much weight was adjusted. <br /><br />Use jack stands to support the trailer properly and it is essential that the axle be aligned so that it doesn't crab while towing. (Make sure each hub is the same distance from the tongue). Watch the brake lines while adjusting this axle if your trailer has them.<br /><br />Mike.

 

[SCO]

Re: Trailer springs

Though I am not disagreeing in any way with Mike, also notice that you can change the cg by moving the boat via the position of the winch on the tounge. I would want them both adjusted perfectly(mine allows opening of the hatchback). It(the winch position) is probably perfect if it was adjusted for that boat at the factory.

 

[Edson15]

Re: Trailer springs

Thanks guys I will try anything once and if it doesn't work, well I'll keep on trying. I will definately do the search.<br />Have a good boating season. I will if I get mine off the trailer.