Hardware

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.