Whats the good bad and ugly on slipper springs? They are on the 10K utility trailers I've looked at. The 7K auto trailers have regular shackles. At first I thought it was just a way to save some manufacturing cost vs using shackles, bolts and bushings, but is there more to it?
This is the most info I’ve found on em http://www.alko.com.au/vehicle/springs/slipper.html Pulled an empty 10k rental trailer that had slipper type springs and they slapped noisily over rough roads. Something about bare metal rubbing bare metal seems wrong.
I've never pulled a trailer with that type before but it sure doesn't look like a good idea to me. Must be cheaper but I wouldn't think it would save that much money.
a softer ride under load. yes, when they run empty they are noisy and harsh, but even a 7k trailer is harsh empty. well, most of them anyway. i dont think they do it to save money. a lot of older semi's with leaf springs on the tractor are slipper spring. i can see how it could be stronger as you have less components in shear. is wear a problem? could be. but if you are keeping an eye on your equipment i think all would be fine. it isnt something that would just go bad all of a sudden where as a bolt cant be inspected without tearing the thing appart. also i know the tow trucks (international 4700's) were slipper springs both on the main leavs and the overloard leave's. to me its stronger, maybe im wrong and it is just cheaper. Grant
Yeah, I read somewhere the slippers can give a softer ride under the right conditions. Maybe because the end is free to move front to back so there is no jacking effect like there can be with shackles???
most our semi trucks and trailers and some of our older horse tralers have that style. We have had to add mosr material where the spring rides because they have worn thin over the years but not too hard to do.
