Harbor Freight Trailer Leaf Springs

[Gman2016]

Howdy, folks! I have an old Harbor Freight utility trailer that's factory-equipped with eye/slipper leaf springs. They are 3-leaf springs. I need to replace the spring on one side of the axel because it has broken, but cannot seem to find a suitable replacement spring. The axel has a stud mounted vertically that protrudes through the spring leaves, with a small nut to hold it down. The axel itself is mounted under the spring pack. The remainder of the assembly is held on with square u-bolts (the axel housing is square).
Saw a site where a guy replaced his with some eye/eye leaf springs (required a shackle kit due to different length), but his set-up didn't seem to have the stud through the leaves.....In fact, the Tractor Supply springs he specified looked to be attached through the middle with a nut and bolt or a rivet, which wouldn't allow it to fit over the current axel.
Has anyone out there ever replaced some of these springs? If so, where did you get them?
Thanks!

 

[gdocktor3]

First things first. You need to get exact dimensions of the leafs. Length, width, and center measurements of the protruding bolt. From there you can search around. There are a lot of similar trailers using similar suspension that would probably crossover. Other companies also custom make them if necessary.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

check out the trailer parts at Northern Tool.. They have a three leaf slipper spring that measures 24 1/2" long, with a rating of 1500 pounds/pair.. They are $22.99 each. I would recommend replacing both sides...

 

[jakemac]

Once upon a time you used to be able to take it to a Spring Shop and have them make you a new leaf. If you're near a large city, there might be one still open in your area.

 

[fitz11]

What model harbor freight trailer? I have a few that I would be willing to sell.

 

[Gman2016]

Fitz11,
Regarding the model number of the trailer - I'm unsure. The VIN tag isn't correct (came from a different trailer which we sold long ago). In fact, this trailer is a mish-mosh of TWO HF trailers, cobbled together to make one tandem axel trailer. Been dragging it around for years, but it's been overloaded several times too many and finally broke a spring.
I would entertain purchasing a spring from anyone, so long as it fits.
I can get the dimensions of one of the undamaged springs if that would help...As memory serves, the length between the "thru-bolts" for the eye and the slipper end was 22 inches, and the distance between the frame and the top of the spring was about 5 inches.
The original (unmodified) trailer was rated at approx. 1250 lbs.
I do understand that I should be replacing both sides, but budget constraints are in effect.

 

[JJThrasher]

Once upon a time you used to be able to take it to a Spring Shop and have them make you a new leaf. If you're near a large city, there might be one still open in your area.

Pretty much my recommendation. Anytime I need a spring I call Indy Spring Brake & Axle. If they don't have it, they get it or make it. Usually half the price of a dealer OE part.

 

[fitz11]

Fitz11,
Regarding the model number of the trailer - I'm unsure. The VIN tag isn't correct (came from a different trailer which we sold long ago). In fact, this trailer is a mish-mosh of TWO HF trailers, cobbled together to make one tandem axel trailer. Been dragging it around for years, but it's been overloaded several times too many and finally broke a spring.
I would entertain purchasing a spring from anyone, so long as it fits.
I can get the dimensions of one of the undamaged springs if that would help...As memory serves, the length between the "thru-bolts" for the eye and the slipper end was 22 inches, and the distance between the frame and the top of the spring was about 5 inches.
The original (unmodified) trailer was rated at approx. 1250 lbs.
I do understand that I should be replacing both sides, but budget constraints are in effect.

Sounds good, I'll get you some pictures of what I have this weekend and see if they are the ones you need.

 

[Gman2016]

Fitz11,
That would be great!
I'll get the dimensions and send some photos too.
Thanks!

 

[Farmall450]

Let's see this "homemade" trailer!

 

[Gman2016]

Have photos of our "Beverly Hillbilly" trailer, but this forum wants a url address for the photo.....Unsure how that works. Thought maybe I could just copy and paste 'em.
How does one post a photo or photos on this site?

 

[Gman2016]

Hey, Fitz11 -
I found what MAY be the correct Owners Manual for one of the small trailers (they're actually 1350 lb. capacity) and it appears to be a US General Mini-Trailer with 12" wheels, model 90153. Hope this helps.
I'll still get those dimensions and send them.

 

[Farmall450]

Have photos of our "Beverly Hillbilly" trailer, but this forum wants a url address for the photo.....Unsure how that works. Thought maybe I could just copy and paste 'em.
How does one post a photo or photos on this site?

Go advanced, then hit "manage attachments"
You can then find and upload them.

 

[Gman2016]

Thanks, Farmall450. Easy to use, with your guidance.
Here are some photos:

 

[Gman2016]

Fitz11,
Here are a couple of photos showing the measurements of one of the undamaged spring packs.
The Model Number I stated as a possibility earlier probably isn't correct - according to the model 90153 owner's manual, the width of the trailer is 40-1/2". According to my measurements on the existing trailer, the axels alone are about 60" long.

 

[Gman2016]

Jeremy v,
You're right. The way it looked to me when I had it apart the other day was that there was a stud on the axel housing extending vertically thru the springs. Today I took it apart again (further this time) and discovered the rivet with a nut on the top. When I lowered the axel away from the spring, the whole rivet and nut assembly just slipped out.
Of the three leaves, the shortest one (bottom) is missing - fell out somewhere on the road. The center one has broken in half - the half with the retainer clamp is still there, but the other side is history too. The uppermost leaf is the only one remaining, and it's somewhat flattened.
I pried the leaf downward and inserted a block of hardwood between the frame and the top plate of the u-bolts and bolted it in. That'll have to do until I find a suitable replacement spring.
Thanks for the advice!
A very wise man once said, "It's not a crime to not know. It IS a crime to not know when you're the only one that knows that you don't know."
Thanks again.

 

[fitz11]

Here is what I have. They look right except for the length, in your picture is that end to end?

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

Is it weird that I'm now suddenly tempted to buy a second HF trailer to combine with my current one and make a 12 footer tandem?

 

[Farmall450]

I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. Entirely bolt together it appears.

OP, you're very welcome for the help.

 

[Gman2016]

Fitz11,
That looks right! I left my end-to-end dimensions at the shop, but I think the overall length looks right.
The measurements in my photo were bolt-to-bolt.
I'll verify the length tomorrow.
What do you want for it?

 

[Gman2016]

Jeremy v,
Thanks for noticing the loose bolt - there are several that need to be addressed.

 

[Gman2016]

Here's a photo of my hardwood block temporary fix.
We'll see how long it holds up.

 

[Gman2016]

Fitz11,
Checked my measurements just now and it looks like yours is a match. Mine's 1-15/16 wide. If yours isn't wider than 2", it should be ok.
What's your price?

 

[fitz11]

I'll measure the width tomorrow to double check. How about $40 plus actual shipping for the pair?

 

[Gman2016]

Fitz11,
That truly would be a bargain, but I only need one side. And, the owner pulled it today for the first time with the block in it - claims it doesn't need springs anyway, since it's hauling cargo and cargo doesn't need to be comfortable.
Tried to tell him that it's just gonna break somewhere else if the other three corners are flexing.
He doesn't want to hear it (he's 90). He'd probably rather have me install blocks in the other 3 springs.
So, if you'd be willing to sell just one, I could install it on the slick while he's not looking.
What do you think about $25 + shipping for one spring?

 

[gungatim]

you really ought to think about properly tying the two axles together with an equalizer, otherwise you'll just end up overloading one axle and breaking another spring.

 

[fitz11]

Fitz11,
That truly would be a bargain, but I only need one side. And, the owner pulled it today for the first time with the block in it - claims it doesn't need springs anyway, since it's hauling cargo and cargo doesn't need to be comfortable.
Tried to tell him that it's just gonna break somewhere else if the other three corners are flexing.
He doesn't want to hear it (he's 90). He'd probably rather have me install blocks in the other 3 springs.
So, if you'd be willing to sell just one, I could install it on the slick while he's not looking.
What do you think about $25 + shipping for one spring?

I'll sell just one. Want to pm me your address and I'll get a shipping quote?

 

[Gman2016]

Agree about the equalizer, but again, budget constraints. He'll wait until it becomes an emergency before taking any action - and then the cheapest option will be chosen (like blocks).
I'll PM you the address as soon as I can figure out how to do it.

 

[Gman2016]

I'll sell just one. Want to pm me your address and I'll get a shipping quote?

Hey,Fitz11 -
Any word on that shipping price? I sent you my shipping address via pm.

 

[GeorgeFromPa]

gman.. didnt read all the posts but what leaf is it? the main or one of the other 2 ? i work in a spring shop. i got tons of **** we sell for scrap.. if its not the main ill send you a used leaf

 

[Gman2016]

gman.. didnt read all the posts but what leaf is it? the main or one of the other 2 ? i work in a spring shop. i got tons of **** we sell for scrap.. if its not the main ill send you a used leaf

George,
It was a 3-leaf spring. Only the longest one (with the mounting point and slipper) remains in one piece, and it's pretty well flattened out. I really think replacing the entire spring as a unit would be my best option.
I do appreciate your offer too send me some used individual leafs, though.
Thanks!