Replacing Leaf Springs on Old 1,500 Pound Boat Trailer

Question:

I want to change my leaf springs on my boat trailer I have a very old homemade trailer and I measured the leaf springs they were between 29-30 in and there are about 6 springs stacked on each other my boat has a single axel and only weighs about 1500lbs I am ver new to all this and I want to know if I could put this 20in leaf springs on my axel or which ones would be best for me

asked by: Josh O

Expert Reply:

When picking out new trailer leaf springs it is important to closely match their length with your existing sets. Leaf springs will definitely stretch/lengthen a bit over time (around an inch or so at most) but the 20-3/8 inch long 3-Leaf Double-Eye Springs # e84SR that you referenced are likely much too short for your current suspension setup. Using these leaf springs would require you to completely change the suspension, including cutting off the current hangers and welding on new ones at the appropriate location on the frame.

The closest option we have available to the measurement you took on your springs is the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # e77SR. This 2,000 pound axle leaf spring measures 26 inches inches from eye to eye.

Keep in mind that when measuring leaf springs it's best to either lift the trailer off the axles or remove the spring altogether to get an accurate measurement. If you end up finding it's only an inch or two away from these 26 inch springs this will work great as a replacement.

expert reply by: Chris R