Will Reducing The Number Of Leaves On A Spring Effect Ride Height/Fender Clearance?

Question

Question:

I have an old boat trailer I am converting to a kayak hauler. I already changed the old axle which was a 2x3 I believe. My new axle is a 2 square axle with new hubs and no brakes. I am also using a floating leaf spring center pin seat that can be moved. My question is that the old spings have 9 leaves which is quite a lot for the configuration and weight I will be hauling not to mention Not sure if will hurt the new 2 axle. I want to reduce the leaves with a brand new set single eye and slipper end But I do not want to lose the clearance I have in my fenders. will reducing the leaves to a new stack with less leaves change my Fender clearance? I am only hauling roughly 700# in total.

asked by: George Q

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Expert Reply:

Yes, reducing the number of leaves on your leaf springs will lower your ride height and reduce your fender clearance. Lets say for example that the current spring has 9 leaves, and each leaf is 1/4" thick. So the whole spring is 2.25" thick in the middle. Say we replace that with a 5 leaf spring with 1/4" thick leaves. This spring would be only 1.25" thick and we would have lowered the deck of the trailer by 1".

If you are looking to replace your springs, we should have options for you. We just need to make sure we get the length of the spring right. Slipper springs are measured from center eye, straight across to the tip of the slipper end. Measuring the spring while not under a load is preferred. If you can go take a few quick measurements, we will know exactly what your options are.

For example, a common spring is the # e89SR, which is 30" long and is made for a 3,700 lb axle. We offer these in various lengths and weight capacities. If you can send me some specs I am happy to make a recommendation.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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Answer 1

The closest size we have to a 25.5" slipper spring is 24-5/8". Do understand that this may be the correct size for your application since as leaf springs sag and get flatter they also get longer in length. Also the amount of leaves a spring…

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Answer 2

In order to find the correct replacement leaf springs for a trailer you first need to start by noting the type whether that be slipper or double eye. Then, you'll need to measure their unloaded length via jacking up the trailer. If the springs…

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Answer 3

The only difference between a 4 leaf spring and a 5 leaf spring like the #e34SR is that the 4 leaf spring will use slightly thicker leaves and is 1/8 of an inch shorter. To get the best measurement of your existing springs, measure the center eye to…

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Answer 4

The longest 1-3/4" wide slipper spring we carry is 30" from the center eye hole to end of the flat slipper end. We have springs for 1,800lb #e29SR, 2,900lb #e49SR and 3,700lb #e89SR axles. With your axle diameter being 1-3/4" in…

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Answer 5

Switching from roller bunks to bunk boards on your boat trailer is fairly straightforward. For the most part, you will just be replacing the rollers with the boards. We have the following bunk boards available: -CE Smith Carpeted Bunk Boards for Boat…

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Answer 6

The weight of the boat on your trailer should be shared by the keel rollers and the bunks. All of the weight should not be placed on either the rollers or the bunks. It sounds like you have bunks that are just too short for your boat size. I…

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Answer 7

For your boat trailer, the length of bunks is dependent on the boat and the trailer, so I would be hesitant to change anything from the factory. It soulds like you have a couple of 2 foot bunk boards that need to be replaced and you can use the CE…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 10

I contacted MORryde and this does happen from time to time as the weight of the trailer can spread out the axles due to downward pressure on the springs/suspension. Odds are the 35" wheel base #MR27ZR will be the correct one for you, but they…

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Answer 11

To correctly measure a leaf spring, you'll want to jack the trailer up on jack stands so the axle is hanging freely, then measure directly across from the center of one spring eye to the other, as shown in the provided diagram. The height of the…

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Answer 12

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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