Can a Travel Trailer With a 4,000LB Axle Use Leaf Springs Rated For 3,500LBS?

Question:

I have a Keystone Hideout LHS trailer with axle rated at 4000lbs. I just found out previous owner installed leaf springs bought from eTrailer rated 1750lbs each side. Should I buy higher rated ones or would current ones be safe? Thank you.

asked by: Jacques P

Expert Reply:

The 1,750lb leaf springs are going to be okay as long as the weight of your trailer does not exceed the weight rating for your springs. Once you start to exceed the weight rating for the springs the will flatten and you risk damage to the springs or trailer. To best way to find the correct replacement leaf springs is if you can provide me with the information tag on the axle I can check with the axle manufacturer to see what size springs were installed on the axle. This tag is found on the center of the axle on the rear side.

If you cannot find this tag you will want to raise your trailer to remove the weight on the axle compressing the leaf spring. Then you can properly measure the length of the leaf spring from eye center to eye center while the spring is not compressed.

expert reply by: Bud M