Can Trailer Capacity be Increased by Installing Higher Capacity Leaf Springs

Question:

I have a trailer with axels strapped saying 3500 lbs. And 2 axels for 7k total and trailer at 1k so I have 1k capacity. Sadly my sailboat Id 6800lbs plus some for gear so I estimate 7300lbs. Can I go to higher rated springs only. Is there a real difference in the axels themselves that would require buying new axels too? I was thinking of switching entirely to a tembren axel-less system at 7k each for a total of 14k the trailer is 1/4 inch galvanized c chanel.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

Even if you were to use higher capacity springs the capacity of the trailer stays the same. The axles, suspension, hubs, coupler, pretty much everything on the trailer would have to be upgraded.

If you went with 2 sets of 7k rated Timbren axle-less systems such as # TASR7KS01 the 14,000 pound capacity would be beyond overkill and would create a very stiff ride for your sailboat because the boat isn't heavy enough to properly compress the suspension.

At most I would go with 5,200 pound systems, # ASR5200S01. I have included a link to a video review of these systems for you. It uses inner bearing 25580 and outer bearing LM67048 so you might be able to reuse your old hubs.

expert reply by: Michael H