Trailer Bottoming Out and Flatten Double Eye Leaf Springs

Question:

hello I have a camper that weights 7300 lbs so I figure 8000 loaded I put new springs on it and added a leaf because the tires are up in the wheel wells and wore holes in them when I was done I was able to put my arm over the top of the tires I thought it was all set after using the camper a couple of times the tires are back up in the wheel wells do I have the right springs they are 2 38 down axle and I have double eye springs 4 leafs because I added one thank you

asked by: Rick Q

Expert Reply:

The amount of leaves does not necessary indicate capacity so it is possible that the springs you are using are under rated for the trailer. There could also be other suspension components that will need to be replaced. Check for signs of obvious damage such as cracked or broken parts or egg-shaped holes.

If you have two 3,800 pound axles and the trailer weighs 8,000 pounds then the trailer is overloaded by 400 pounds and that is likely causing the problem. Going to higher capacity springs would stiffen up the suspension but will not increase the capacity of the trailer.

I have included a link on double-eye trailer suspension for you and a link to our double-eye spring main page. To measure a spring make sure the weight is off of it by either removing the spring or jacking up one side of the trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H