This article answers the popular question: What are the pros and cons of trailer leaf springs?
A leaf spring trailer axle is made up of a series of slightly curved metal strips that are called “leaves”. These leaves sit on top of each other in several layers. In the image below, you’ll see that the metal leaves are curved. The curve of the leaves helps to absorb the bumps of the road, resulting in a smoother, more enjoyable ride.
Pros of Leaf Springs
Spring axles are the most popular axles used on trailers today for many reasons. Besides them being very budget-friendly, they’re also the superior axle choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-install and easy-to-maintain axle option.
- Inexpensive – Spring axles are a cost-effective spring option because of the ease of parts availability, shipping, and installation.
- Easy to install – The simple design of spring axles doesn’t require welding to install. The axles are shipping with the springs and components already attached. The only installation requirement is that the spring needs to be fastened onto the mounting brackets with bolts.
- Easy to maintain – If something breaks on a spring axle, it can be replaced, unlike the torsion axle where the entire axle has to be replaced if one thing breaks.
- Even tire wear – Tires will wear evenly because spring axles usually have a built-in equalizer. This helps with spreading the load evenly as well, which is important on multi-axle trailers.
Cons of Leaf Springs
- Frequent repairs – Because spring axles are designed with metal-on-metal, this means they wear out faster.
- Not as smooth as torsion axles – Spring axles will give a bouncier ride, especially with an empty load.
No matter the type of trailer you have – BlueSwift Axles makes custom made-to-order axles to fit your needs. Not sure if it’s time to replace your leaf springs? Read this article to learn more.