How to Determine If Trailer Leaf Springs Have Been Overloaded

Question

Question:

Noticed the leaf springs had hose clamps all four broken around the frame and the spring on both sides. Are they necessary? Or was that just to hold them in place when installing?

asked by: Vince P

0

Expert Reply:

On a leaf spring the metal band that wraps around the bundle of steel leaves is intended to remain in place after installation. If your trailer's leaf springs now have hose clamps installed around them this could indicate that at one time the springs were over-loaded and that band was forced off or broken.

If when you remove those hose clamps the springs' leaves separate from each other then I suggest replacing all of the springs on the trailer.

You always want to replace both springs on an axle. If you only change one spring on an axle you can get axle alignment and trailer tracking problems.

Also note that a worn spring when measured will often tend to be longer than when it was new. So, for instance, if you pull a spring from the suspension and measure an eye-to-eye distance of 25-1/2-inches that spring when new may actually have been shorter, say 25-1/4-inches like # e34SR. Also be sure to select springs that match the weight capacity of the axle, which is usually found on the axle tube sticker or plate.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

In order to choose the correct replacement leaf springs for a trailer you'll need to know both the unloaded length and axle capacity. The number of springs is not relevant so long as you choose a set that matches the axle capacity as springs can…

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Answer 2

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 3

I would be happy to help you find the correct leaf spring for your 2015 Grand Design 303RLS, but unfortunately we do not have a breakdown of the specific components used on your trailer meaning you will need to measure your existing leaf springs, and…

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Answer 4

It is not uncommon for a trailer to lean to one side even from the factory as heavier appliances can be on the same side or there could be multiple slides on that side. In order to try and combat this issue there are options from SumoSprings and…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

To correctly measure a leaf spring, you'll want to jack the trailer up on jack stands so the axle is hanging freely, then measure directly across from the center of one spring eye to the other, as shown in the provided diagram. The height of the…

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Answer 8

Hey Philip so while we don't carry the exact spring you are looking for it does match the specs of the #e59SR so this would be a great solution. It's correct length at 23-1/8 inches and is for a 3,500 lb trailer axle like you have as well.

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Answer 9

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 10

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 11

We do sell replacement hardware for all of the hitches we carry with the part #RHK but you might check down in the hitch tube to see if the hardware is taped up in there as that's sometimes where it's stored in shipping.

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Answer 12

Hey Jaime, yes you can replace your 25-1/4 inch 3,500 lb axle leaf springs with a 5k rated axle spring like the part #e44SR. This will increase the suspension's weight capacity and might make the ride quality a little rougher but it would fit and…

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How to Determine If Trailer Leaf Springs Have Been Overloaded

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