Utility trailers, horse trailers, boat trailers, flat decks and fifth-wheel RVs are everywhere in the Fraser Valley. Farms, contractors and weekend campers all depend on them. Because trailers often sit for months and then get loaded heavily, their suspension can wear out without anyone noticing. Here's what to watch for and what can be repaired.
How trailer suspension works
Most light and medium trailers use leaf springs mounted under the axle with U-bolts. The springs attach to the frame with hangers at each end, and many tandem-axle trailers use an equalizer between the axles to share load. Bushings or bolts let everything pivot. Every one of those parts wears over time, and when one fails the others take extra strain.
Common trailer suspension problems
- Flat or sagging springs. The trailer sits low, the tires get close to the fenders, or one side leans.
- Broken leaves. Often found after a heavy load or a pothole. A broken leaf needs attention before the next trip.
- Worn hangers, equalizers and bolts. Elongated holes and worn bolts cause clunking and let the axle shift, which can cause the trailer to track crooked.
- Rust. Boat trailers and trailers parked outside through a wet coastal winter are especially prone to rusted springs and seized hardware.
- Uneven tire wear. A bent axle, shifted spring or worn hardware can wear tires unevenly. Check your tires regularly.
Don't overlook brakes, hubs and bearings
Suspension isn't the only part of a trailer that needs regular checks. Wheel bearings need inspection and greasing, and electric brakes need working magnets, shoes and wiring. A trailer that pulls to one side when braking, a hub that runs hot after a drive, or grinding noises are all reasons to stop and inspect. We carry trailer parts including hubs, drums, bearings and brakes.
Before a big trip, check these
- Look along each spring for cracks, broken leaves or shifted leaves.
- Check that the trailer sits level, side to side and front to back, when hitched.
- Look for elongated bolt holes at the hangers and equalizer.
- Check U-bolt nuts for looseness and rust.
- Spin each wheel (safely jacked up) and listen for rough bearings, and check for play.
- Test the trailer brakes and the breakaway system.
- Check tire pressure, age and tread.
RVs and fifth wheels
Travel trailers and fifth wheels carry a lot of weight on relatively light suspension, and many sit parked for months. Spring and hanger wear is common, and some owners choose heavier-duty springs or upgraded hardware. Our fifth-wheel and RV trailer repair page covers the work we do.
Repair or replace?
Trailer springs are usually inexpensive enough that replacement is the practical choice once they're cracked, flat or badly rusted. Replacing springs in pairs, per axle, keeps the trailer level and the load even. It's also a good time to replace the U-bolts, bushings and hanger bolts. If you need a hard-to-find size, we can help match your old springs by measuring length, width, leaf count and eye type, and we can build custom springs when an off-the-shelf part won't do.
Trailer spring and suspension help in the Fraser Valley
Carrier Spring Service Ltd. has worked on trucks and trailers in Abbotsford since 1979. See our trailer brakes, axles, leaf springs and bushings page, browse leaf springs, or read about our service across the Fraser Valley, including Mission, Chilliwack and Langley.
Call 604-855-9982 with your trailer details or spring measurements, or visit us at Unit B9-10, 33733 King Road, Abbotsford. Shop hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.