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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Pling on May 31, 2011, 11:04:12 AM

Title: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: Pling on May 31, 2011, 11:04:12 AM

Gday all,

Just wondering if there is any reasons why camper trailer manufacturers that use leaf springs usually are sprung under axle rather than over axle?

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: darren on May 31, 2011, 11:12:56 AM

In very simple terms
You get more bump steer the further the centerline of the axle is from the line between the two eyes

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: Pling on May 31, 2011, 11:59:47 AM

What is bump steer??

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: Snow on May 31, 2011, 12:16:43 PM

The sideways force imparted on the tow hitch when an individual trailer wheel hits an object like a rock or bump.

Hence the term 'bump steer'.  :cheers:

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: darren on May 31, 2011, 02:11:14 PM

Quote from: Pling on May 31, 2011, 11:59:47 AM

What is bump steer??

 A leaf spring is a bit like a single trailing arm on each side. As the leaf is compresses the axle travels backwards (usually) from its original position, thus steering the trailer.

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: Mace on May 31, 2011, 02:23:09 PM

If you mount the axle under  the springs it is completely unrestrained in case of U bolt failure.  If its above its at least contained by the springs and hangers.  Ill be keeping mine above

Axles have been usually over springs on all cars, trucks and trains since adam (and I) were a boy.

Prpbably some other techical reasons as well (bump steer included).

Cheers from a newby.

Al.

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: darren on May 31, 2011, 02:34:37 PM

Hiluxes are under

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: baldheadedgit on May 31, 2011, 02:58:27 PM

Quote from: darren on May 31, 2011, 02:34:37 PM

Hiluxes are under

;D :cup:

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: earle on May 31, 2011, 03:59:19 PM

There was an article in Camper Trailer Touring magazine back a bit about doing a spring over setup. From recollection the main consideration that they listed for not doing it would be if it made the trailer too high for your tent. I've stopped buying this magazine now that I've found this site.

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: Aaron Schubert on June 01, 2011, 10:43:51 PM

Quote from: baldheadedgit on May 31, 2011, 02:58:27 PM

;D :cup:

Mines not - most older ones aren't :p

Aaron

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: darren on June 02, 2011, 04:02:56 AM

I was inferring that hilux axles are under

(http://www.aaronschubert.com/wp-content/main/2010_01/DSCF1478.JPG)
(http://www.4wd1.com/images/saf-hilux-suspension.jpg)

Title: Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
Post by: Aaron Schubert on June 02, 2011, 10:08:05 PM

Haha - that makes sense then :p

Aaron