Traditional trailers, caravans, and campers usually have springs mounted below the axle (often called "overslung" axles). There are trailers in Australia that are supplied with the springs on top of axle by default. For example, if you own a Jayco Off-Road caravan or...
Caravan & trailer Reversing Guide
The Couplemate Caravan Reversing Guide (Marriage Saver®) makes hitching up your caravan, boat or camper easier than ever! Reversing cameras are great, but they do not stop accidents as efficiently as this trailer guide.
COUPLEMATE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN MADE PROGRAM.
We support local suppliers and help bring business back to Australian shores. There is strong demand for Australian Made caravan and trailer parts across the market.
The facts are simple; Australian Made goods create employment in Australia.
U-Bolts and Hardware
-
100mm ElectroGal U-bolt Clamp Kit
$15.50 – $20.00 Options -
100mm Galvanised U Bolts
$9.50 – $16.00 Options -
125mm Galvanised U Bolt
$15.00 Add to cart -
M16 Flat Washer- Galvanised
$0.50 Add to cart -
16mm ElectroGal U-Bolt
$9.90 – $19.50 Options -
Nylock Nuts
$0.38 – $1.75 Options -
50mm Square 16mm U-Bolt Kit
$94.25 Add to cart -
45mm x 16mm Square U-Bolt Kit
$84.25 Add to cart -
65mm Round x 16mm ElectroGal U-Bolt Kit
$130.00 Add to cart -
5/8-inch x 4.5-inch Greaseable Shackle Bolt
$11.75 Add to cart -
5/8-inch Standard Non Greaseable Shackle Bolt
$5.95 Add to cart -
5/8-inch Standard Greaseable Shackle Bolt
$7.50 Add to cart
Galvanised U-bolts fasten axles to spring suspension on trailers, caravans and campers.
When it comes to towing and hauling, trailer and caravan u-bolts play a crucial role in keeping everything safely secured. spring fasteners are “U” shaped bolts with threads on both ends that attach to a flat plate or bracket on one end and are secured with nuts on the other end. Let’s discuss why trailer and caravan U-bolts are so important.
Axle Fastening
Firstly, u-bolts hold the axle securely to the leaf springs of the trailer or caravan. This ensures that the axle is centred and aligned with the wheels, preventing uneven tyre wear and dangerous accidents. Without secure U-bolts, the axle could shift and cause instability during travel, putting everyone at risk.
Prevent Axle and Spring Separation
Secondly, u-bolts prevent the separation of the axle from the leaf springs. During the harsh vibrations and movements of travel, constant pressure is put on the axle and leaf springs. Secure u-bolts keep the two connected, ensuring that there is no separation during the trip. Such separation could lead to an accident and damage to property as well.
Quality U-Bolts
Lastly, investing in high-quality spring fasteners can save you from unexpected expenses and frustration caused by repairs. Cheaper, low-quality u-bolts may seem like a tempting option, but they are more prone to rust, wear and tear, and breaking. Investing in high-quality u-bolts will ensure durability and longevity, providing you with a safe and long-lasting solution.
In conclusion, trailer and caravan u-bolts are essential components for safe towing and hauling. Without them, accidents are more likely to occur, causing damage to property and putting lives at risk.
Choosing high-quality u-bolts may cost a little extra, but this investment is crucial for safe and stress-free travel on the road. Stay safe and invest in quality u-bolts for peace of mind during your travels.
Spring U-Bolt Dimensions
Galvanised U-bolt Nylock 1/2 inch BSW Threads
Electrogal 16mm Heavy Duty U-Bolt Kits with Plates
How are U-bolts Made
Trailer U bolts kits provide higher strength when the steel is rolled; they include galvanised nylock nuts that are less prone to breakage than their conventional counterparts.
Included in the 16mm fastener kits are the super strong 10mm Electrogal fishplate and 10mm thick axle pads.
Rolled threads, extruded by dies, are more potent than cut threads, made on a lathe or with a hand die, because their grain flows in more than one direction, following the fastener’s contour. So you shouldn’t re-cut the threads of a roll–threaded bolt.
How Caravan U-bolts Cause Major Accidents.
All 16mm Couplemate ElectroGal axle U-bolts and fasteners are de-stressed in a new process after ElectroGal to remove the stresses from manufacture.
These U-bolts are then batch-tested to destruction.
Why are our U bolts kits tested, you ask?
The answer is weak points are created when bending steel. If this stress pressure remains, shock loading from bad roads can cause stress fractures and breakages.
The humble spring fastener on your caravan can cause you unbelievable grief. At Couplemate, we long ago decided to manufacture spring fasteners when popular products kept breaking.
Available Hanger and Fastener kits
- 45mm Slipper Single Axle
- 45mm slipper Tandem
- Eye to Eye – Single 45mm
- 45mm Eye-to-Eye – Tandem
- 60mm Eye-to-Eye – Single
- 60mm Eye to Eye – Tandem.
Trailer U-Bolt Stress Fractures
A standard zinc square U bolt broke due to a stress fracture on the bend.
Typically, zinc U-bolts are manufactured overseas.
Immediately, we realised that Couplemate needed to make a better Caravan U bolt.
We designed an ElectroGal U-bolt for springs that had the thread rolled instead of a die-cut line. Then, we made the length of the thread 60mm—instead of the standard 50mm—because we were always running out of thread when tightening the nuts.
Later, we extended the thread length on the 16mm u-bolt to 75mm.
Finally, we decided that galvanised nylock nuts were the better way to lock U bolts into position, rather than the two locking nuts, which always seemed to rust.
Note: When replacing fasteners, make sure you also replace your old nylock nuts. Use these nuts once only, do not reuse them.
Here are a few related fastener articles
Axle under Springs to raise Caravan Height
Wrong hanger location causes Spring Problems
Caravan Wheel Alignment
ElectroGal 1/2 inch U bolts: breaking capacity is 17,000kg—we recommend you use axles rated up to 1500kg.
ElectroGal 5/8 inch U-bolts: breaking ability is 23,000kg—we recommend application on axles rated up to 2500kg
Finally, U bolt Clamp kits are also available for 50mm, 56mm and 80mm clamping.
COUPLEMATE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN MADE PROGRAM.
The facts are simple; Australian Made goods create employment in Australia.
5 Things to Know: Mounting Springs Above Your Axle
Traditional trailers, caravans, and campers usually have springs mounted below the axle (often called "overslung" axles). There are trailers in Australia that are supplied with the springs on top of axle by default. For example, if you own a Jayco Off-Road caravan or...
Need help now?
Call 07 3348 3822
Available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.