Why does my trailer suspension keep breaking?

[farmer2009]

I did the same thing a couple of years ago. I think I did mine hauling hay with the tractor. It was on a 7k axle. When I welded the new one back on I added a piece of angle iron on one side of each hanger. Welded it to the hanger and frame. Kind of as a support. I seen the angle iron idea on a different brand trailer of the same weight.

 

[bcp]

Standard trailer spring hangers have always underwhelmed me. They seem like the weak point in the suspension system. Most are much weaker looking than 1/2 ton pickup hangers.

Spring Mount | etrailer.com

Bruce

 

[Cord]

I agree I think these are breaking because of the axles scrubbing when I turn. The break looks like a piece of thick paper that was torn lengthwise. Very jagged and uneven. If it was a bad weld, I'd expect the break to follow the heat line and have a crystaline appearance. The axles are pretty standard spacing using a idler link in the center. The tires are at 80psi and the 12k springs causes the trailer to ride rough when empty. I was thinking of a way to try and reinforce the brackets, but the frame is a channel which is open to the inside and the fender braces are on the outside. I also thought about having the fabricator make the bracket in a thicker material, but I didn't want to remake the other bracket that he repaired previously. I sourced the brackets from etrailer and havn't had any problems with quality in the past.

 

[GLyford]

I was thinking of a way to try and reinforce the brackets, but the frame is a channel which is open to the inside and the fender braces are on the outside.

One option would be to add a web stiffener between the top and bottom of the channel to bring it out flush. Could be just a section of strap or plate the same thickness as the channel flanges, or could be a length of angle or tube. That will at least keep the channel from flexing as much where the bracket attaches.

I am not sure how the angle farmer2009 describes is running, whether it is vertical from the bottom of the bracket to the top of the frame, or horizontal behind the bracket tying the two sides together and also up the frame. I want to say I have seen someone's trailer done that way where the angle goes clear across the frame, tying all 4 bracket sides together and also keeping the channel sides from flexing. Don't know how in-the-way that would be for you.

On the outside, maybe a gusset to your fender brace: if it's solid and in the way, make use of it?

 

[farmer2009]

Sorry if I wasn't clear on my description. The angle runs under the frame across the trailer. Here's some pictures. I did this for both axles.

 

[farmer2009]

Only one picture per post.

 

[GLyford]

Yep, I like that.

 

[triptester]

The shackle may be breaking due to improper welding. When welding on the side of the brackets with the radius under cutting of the hanger material may occur weakening the hanger material.

 

[JJZ 109]

Never seen that one. Perhaps you bought replacement ones that were "cheap"

Chris

Kind of what I was thinking. Metal fatigue?

 

[ch1ch2]

You said you bought new tires.
Could they be a bigger size?
The problem started after you made improvements.