Replacement Leaf Springs for 1996 Sportsman 3200 lb GVWR Boat Trailer

Question:

I have a 17 ft boat trailer. The left spring needs to be replaced. The ones on the trailer is rusted out. Nuts and Bolts seem fine. The current one is a 5 leaf spring 26. What is the recommend replacement part for my trailer? Here is the trailer information: Sportsman Boat Trailer year 1996? GVWR 3200 GVW 2600 What would you recommend? Can I put a 5 leaf spring or possible 6 leaf spring. Some thing in the 3500-4000 lbs range?

asked by: Donna M

Expert Reply:

As they wear out, trailer springs tend to flatten out. The best way to measure the center eye to center eye distance is to jack up the trailer so the axle hangs loose, then get your measurement. Given the GVWR you provided, the likely replacement leaf spring would be # e54SR, at 25-1/8 inches long. If you measure your spring length as described above, you should be super close to 25-1/8 inches.

Unnecessarily increasing the capacity of your leaf springs by using something like the # e27SR springs you'd looked at won't gain you a higher trailer weight capacity. You'll still be limited by the tires, bearings, etc. and would only gain a very rough ride. Also, the the number of leaves in the leaf spring doesn't indicate the capacity which is determined by the thickness of the leaves and the type of spring steel they're constructed of.

expert reply by: Mike L