Replaced Leaf Springs On Tandem Axle Boat Trailer And The Rear Springs Are Tilting Rear Axle Forward

Question

Question:

I recently purchased a tandum axle boat trailer that needed the leaf springs replaced. I measured what was left of the rear springs and the intact front, both messured to be 20 inch from eye to eye. I purchased new springs and put it all together, but the rear springs are tilting the axle about 5 degrees forward and the equilizer is not even to the front springs/axle it seems that either I need to put a shackel on the rear mount of the rear springs or get a longer spring for the rear, I always thought that on tandum axle trailers the leafs are the same size front and back, am I wrong? any help appreciated

asked by: Robert J

0

Expert Reply:

If you do not have the boat on the tandem axle trailer, what you have mentioned is how the trailer suspension will look without a load on it. The equalizer will be up in the rear and the rear spring will be tilting the axle forward. The reason is because the rear tires on your boat trailer are made to scrub when turning and with the suspension set up this way it keeps the majority of the load on the trailer from being put on the rear tires.

If the boat is on your trailer and the trailer suspension is sitting with the rear axle tilted forward and the equalizer not level, then you have the boat up on the trailer too far. The boat will have to be moved back so the trailer will be loaded correctly.

On a tandem axle trailer the leaf springs are the same size, front and back. You will want to make sure you have the correct size leaf springs for the trailer axles weight capacity.

A leaf spring like the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring, part # e84SR, has 3 leaves and a eye to eye measurement of 20-3/8 inches and is rated for 1,000 lbs., so two leaf springs will work on a 2,000 lb. axle.

A correct leaf spring suspension on a tandem axle trailer will have four same length leaf springs attached to the center hanger of the trailer with an equalizer and shackle straps.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on a double-eye trailer suspension.

expert reply by: Jeff D

0

Scottn

1/15/2013

Does that mean that 4 1000lb leaf spings will total a 4000lb capacity? or do i need to buy 4 3500lb leaf springs to cover the weight of a 20ft aquasport.Thank You

Reply

Patrick B.

1/24/2013

You will have 2 leaf springs per axle. For example if you have a 2,000 pound axle, you will need two 1,000 pound springs to take full advantage of the axles 2,000 pound capacity. The number of axles, and the weight capacities needed, will be determined by the weight of the trailer and its load. Oversized springs could result in damage to the trailer or the axle.

Reply

Answer 1

If you can get me your axle capacity I can let you know which leaf spring would work best.

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Answer 2

There is only a single difference between the two 3,500 lb Kodiak disc brake hub and rotor kits you asked about, and that's the protection given to the calipers. - KodaGuard-Coated Cast Iron Calipers: Kodiak Disc Brakes #KOD59FR - Dacromet-Plated…

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Answer 3

For a disc brake model with an electric reverse lockout solenoid you can use #099-175-20.

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Answer 4

You are indeed right to think this way. When picking out the appropriate leaf springs for your custom built trailer you will want to choose them based on what the actual loaded weight of the trailer will be. Just make sure that the leaf springs have…

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Answer 5

You will need to measure the diameter of the spindles where the seal and bearings ride. Check out the picture I attached that shows where this is. You will need an exact measurement so either a digital or dial caliper will be needed. To pick out the…

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Answer 6

Our trailer leaf springs are rated for dynamic axle load. Which means the capacity listed but in use on the highway under normal circumstances. Since your trailer is 2,200 lbs loaded you want to go for a spring capacity 2,200 lbs or slightly higher.…

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Answer 7

To determine the correct slipper springs for your tandem axle trailer, the axle capacity will need to be determined. Selecting a spring by length alone could cause the selection to be under or over capacity substantially. If your spring is shaped…

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Answer 8

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Answer 9

The Trailer Hub Assembly #84550BX that you referenced will use #L68149 as the inner bearing and #L44649 as the outer bearing. These are the inner and outer bearings used by a #84 spindle. We offer the following spindles: #84 Spindle for 3,500-lb…

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Answer 10

It doesn't necessarily have to do with the axle-to-wheel size as much as it does the hub-to-wheel size. Most, but not all, hubs rated for a 2,000-lb axle are compatible with smaller wheel and usually have an 8" - 12" wheel range. As you…

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Answer 11

I would agree you are going to have a much easier time finding wheels with a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern than 5 on 5-1/2 inch as that's not a very common size. Most likely the hub part #CE13109 that you referenced is a confirmed fit but you might…

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Answer 12

Theoretically if you just have some surface rust on your rotors it would be knocked off after a drive that included a couple solid braking events. If you still notice rust on the rotors after towing the trailer then this could indeed be an indication…

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Replaced Leaf Springs On Tandem Axle Boat Trailer And The Rear Springs Are Tilting Rear Axle Forward

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