Does The Amount Of Leaves On A Trailer Leaf Spring Matter?

Question:

i need new leaf springs for my 5th wheel. Im curious how a 4 leaf, a 5 leaf, and a 6 leaf can all be rated at3000 lbs. I have 5 leaf on it now and it is sagging 1.5 inches on the left side. Would a 6 lleaf be better for the long term? I have also seen a 7 leaf rated at 3500 lbs. Would that be better? I have 6000 lb axles.

asked by: Scott R

Expert Reply:

The number of leaves on a leaf spring does not dictate strength or capacity, so as you said, a 3000lb rated leaf spring (6,000lb axle capacity) can have various numbers of leaves since it is up to how the manufacture designed it. I wouldn't look at the 7 leaf spring as having more durability or longer life since that is not how it works. As long as you replace the spring with a spring of the same rating and length, you'll be good to go!

If your current eye to eye measurements are giving you 25-1/8", then the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" # e47SR you were looking at will work great. Make sure you are lifting the unloaded trailer up so that the suspension hangs freely; sometimes the springs get stretched and flattened over time, so it's possible you will actually need a slightly longer spring like 5-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long # e78SR.

expert reply by: Andrew N