Is it Ok to Replace Factory Leaf Springs With a Higher Capacity Option?

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Question:

Hello, I have a twin axle travel trailer weighing 5000 lbs. loaded and my leaf springs are rated at 1500 lbs 3 leafs, 26 in. centers. which means they are always loaded at 0ver 80 capacity. I was thinking of changing to 2000 lbs leafs to reduce the load to 60 percent of capacity. I understand that I will have a higher spring rate and that the axles cant take it but wouldnt I gain spring life and less chance of failure? I figure at 60 loading, I am well in the operating range of the heavier spring so the ride shouldnt be that bad. A travel trailer can never be unloaded like a utility trailer so things shouldnt fall apart. Am I making any sense? From your experience, have other trailer owners done this? In general I am not very happy with trailer companies loading components to 80-90 percent capacity by design. It is what it is I guess. Thanks p.s. I have been reading your responces and find it great that you offer advice, keeping safety and regulations in mind.

asked by: Luc

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Expert Reply:

Though I do tend to warn people about the ride getting stiffer when upping the capacity of their leaf springs, you are correct in that you will technically never be fully "unloaded". I do have to mention that this could still happen, but very minimally.

With that being said, this is something that is done pretty often. Whether this is due to the factory springs not handling the weight very well, or wearing out over time, upgrading to a slightly heavier capacity is perfectly fine. The 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,500-lb Trailer Axles # e27SR will match your current 26 inch length and will have the single spring capacity of 2,000 pounds. These should eliminate the possibility of bottoming out, and should also extend their longevity.

I don't suggest going with a capacity higher than this, however, as it will most likely cause the trailer to ride poorly.

expert reply by: Lazer S

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Answer 1

Your 10k trailer with dual axles is going to have two 5k rated axles (most likely). The only double eye spring we have that would match that capacity is the part #e28SR but it would be about an inch too short as it measures 25-1/4 inches. You should…

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Answer 2

I checked your order notes and the leaf springs you bought last year were the part #e28SR which are for 5k axles. Since this is over the capacity of your axle failure would not have been caused by over loading the trailer assuming you stayed under…

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Answer 3

If you're backing into tight spots where the trailer is almost jackknifed, the best thing to do would be to remove the spring bars from your weight distribution system before backing. Everything should work fine at that point. The #HR26 extender…

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Answer 4

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

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Answer 5

The Westlake ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Silver Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - Load Range E #LHAW124 should be inflated to 80 psi when cold. It is great that you do use a TPMS like #TST-507-FT-4-C that monitors both tire pressure and…

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Answer 6

For a wheel that is 5 inches in width and 15 inches in diameter you would want tires that are size ST205/75-15. For the tire size ST225/75R15 you listed you would want a rim that is from 6-7 inches in width. I attached a department page that has all…

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Answer 7

Yes, a double-eye leaf spring like #e28SR is measured from the center of one hole to the center of the other when the spring is not under tension. If a spring is installed in the trailer suspension it will tend to measure a bit differently. Also,…

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Answer 8

In order to find the right replacement leaf springs, you will need to raise the trailer up and take some measurements on one of the existing springs. This type of information isn't typically provided by trailer manufacturers and it's not…

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Answer 9

The typical springs for the AL-KO 4,400 axles are one of two lengths. If you have the 25-1/4 inch length, then you will want the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 5,000-lb Trailer Axles #e28SR, but if you have the 26 inch springs, you will want the 6-Leaf…

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Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 11

With your axle leaf springs measuring out to 25-1/4 inches long I recommend the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring #e28SR for your 3,500 pound axle. This spring has a 5,000 pound weight capacity so it will be a little stiffer for you. The spring has a sturdy…

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Answer 12

The springs will be stiffer but they wouldn't damage the boat. You just might see the suspension not move quite as much as it did with the 3,500 lb axles and springs. For a bit more capacity that won't be overly stiff I recommend a 4,000 lb…

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Is it Ok to Replace Factory Leaf Springs With a Higher Capacity Option?

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