Suspension is important when it comes to a journey with your trailer. It is what separates a rough, dangerous tow from a smooth, safe journey.
The core function of suspension is absorbing road shock, distributing weight evenly and keeping tires in contact with the road.
This article is going to act as a deep dive into the three main components of trailer suspension - axle types, spring units and shock absorbers - and how to keep them in top condition.
The Basics - Axles & Suspension Types
Central Component - The Axle
At TrailerTek we offer both braked and unbraked axles which adhere to Gross Vehicle Weight implications.
Our braked axles can handle capacities from 500kg to 1800kg. On the other hand our unbraked axles can handle towing loads of up to 750kg. Both types are made to measure and are both affordable and durable.
Traditional Suspension - Leaf Springs
Leaf springs are a simple, robust design often used on heavy duty and utility trailers. They have a high load capacity and are designed for enhanced vehicle suspension and stability.
Providing reliable support, they ensure your trailer a smooth ride and an improved driving experience.
Springs, Dampers & Key Components
We offer many trailer parts that absorb and dampen movement.
Coil & Leaf Springs
We have a premium selection of leaf springs, designed for enhanced vehicle suspension and stability. They are crafted for durability and performance and even offer optimal support for various vehicle types and loads.
They have many different configurations for you to choose from ensuring a perfect solution each time.
The Dampening Agent - Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers absorb energy, and shocks dissipate. They are essential for high speed stability and prevent your trailer from snaking or swaying.
No matter what type of road or terrain you are navigating, our shock absorbers prove unmatched reliability and control, from 900kg single axles to 3500kg twin axle configurations.
Essential Maintenance & Troubleshooting
At TrailerTek, we recommend carrying out the following visual inspections before a journey:
- Look for Leaks - Inspect your shock absorbers for fluid leaks.
- Check for Wear - Inspect your leaf springs for cracks, bends or severe rust.
- Fastener Checks - Ensure all bolts, nuts and shackles are tight and secure
We also recommend the following for lubrication and servicing:
- Grease Points - Identify and grease suspension pivots, particularly for leaf spring setups.
- Torque Settings - Refer to manufacturer guidelines for correct torques on U-bolts and axle mounts.
When it comes to troubleshooting, common issues such as uneven tyre wear are common. This is often a sign of worn suspension components or axle alignment issues.
Excessive bouncing and instability is also common and this typically indicates worn out shock absorbers or springs that have lost their tension.
Upgrades for Performance & Capacity
At TrailerTek, we recommend increasing the load capacity or firmness of your ride for frequent heavy pulling by upgrading your springs. However, it is important to not exceed your trailer’s legally stamped maximum Gross Weight.
We also recommend upgrading your shock absorbers by adding them to your trailer that was originally spring-only. This can drastically improve the stability and ride quality of your drive, especially when you are at speed.
For easy maintenance, investing in a suspension component kit will benefit you. We sell Ifor Williams, Indespension and Brian James kits for simplifying the process of replacing your bushings, shackle pins and other wear items.
A Better, Smoother Ride is Possible with TrailerTek
Suspension is vital for safety, proper maintenance extends the life of your trailer and a targeted upgrade can dramatically improve your trailer’s performance.
At TrailerTek, we are the experts for high quality, brand specific replacement parts and upgrade components.
Explore our full range of trailer parts and suspension parts to ensure that your trailer is tow-ready and reliable.
Don’t let worn suspension compromise your journey, choose TrailerTek and get the high quality suspension parts you need from us today.
