« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Leaf springs under or over axle  (Read 14005 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Pling

  • Tent User
  • ***
  • Posts: 249
  • Thanked: 8 times
  • Gender: Male
Leaf springs under or over axle
« 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?
Logged

Offline darren

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 3755
  • Thanked: 3 times
  • Gender: Male
  • "Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius"
    • CampingAustralia.org
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #1 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
Logged
Living the Dream.

Offline Pling

  • Tent User
  • ***
  • Posts: 249
  • Thanked: 8 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2011, 11:59:47 AM »
What is bump steer??
Logged

Offline Snow

  • Follow me, I'll be right behind you.
  • Global Moderator
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 5576
  • Thanked: 70 times
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #3 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:
Logged
A vision without action is a dillusion

The Snowmobile: 2017 Ford Everest Trend with heaps of fruit
The Snowcave: 2023 Austrack Tanami X13
2008 Cub Supamatic XTD

Offline darren

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 3755
  • Thanked: 3 times
  • Gender: Male
  • "Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius"
    • CampingAustralia.org
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #4 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.
Logged
Living the Dream.

Offline Mace

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 3678
  • Thanked: 142 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Life's to short to drive a boring vehicle.
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #5 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.
Logged
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel
2009 Coromal 452
2002 Commodore SS (The Toy)

Offline darren

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 3755
  • Thanked: 3 times
  • Gender: Male
  • "Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius"
    • CampingAustralia.org
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #6 on: May 31, 2011, 02:34:37 PM »
Hiluxes are under
« Last Edit: June 02, 2011, 04:40:26 AM by darren »
Logged
Living the Dream.

Offline baldheadedgit

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 2590
  • Thanked: 7 times
  • your shout.?.. I'll ave Arf.......!
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #7 on: May 31, 2011, 02:58:27 PM »
Logged

Poverty Pack.!

Offline earle

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 334
  • Thanked: 10 times
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #8 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.
Logged

Offline Aaron Schubert

  • Hard Floor Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 843
  • Thanked: 78 times
    • 4WDing Australia
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #9 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
Logged
My Isuzu Dmax

Check out my blog at 4WDing Australia

Offline darren

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 3755
  • Thanked: 3 times
  • Gender: Male
  • "Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius"
    • CampingAustralia.org
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2011, 04:02:56 AM »
I was inferring that hilux axles are under


« Last Edit: June 02, 2011, 04:41:22 AM by darren »
Logged
Living the Dream.

Offline Aaron Schubert

  • Hard Floor Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 843
  • Thanked: 78 times
    • 4WDing Australia
Re: Leaf springs under or over axle
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2011, 10:08:05 PM »
Haha - that makes sense then :p

Aaron
Logged
My Isuzu Dmax

Check out my blog at 4WDing Australia
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »