Do My Leaf Springs Need To Be Replaced And What Are My Options?

Question:

I’m told these springs need to be replaced by the way they look. They’re completely flat. The trailer sets pretty low and the warning guards scrape pulling out of the driveway. My questions are: 1: Do these leaf springs appear worn and in need of replacing? 2: Can I expect it to ride slightly higher, assuming 1 is the case? 3: Since I can’t “lift” this “under the axel” setup, will a slightly heavier set of springs give me a little more clearance? My Forest River 26dbh trailer has a 8725lbs GVRW w/ 2 3500lbs axels. I’m not too smart about this stuff, but that seems over the limit anyway.

asked by: Chris G

leaf spring
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hello Chris, thanks for reaching out. Those leaf springs are very flat, typically they will have a much more noticeable bend, even when under a load. The springs also look pretty rusty compared to the other suspension components, so I agree that replacing them is a good idea.

New springs are not going to flex as much as the current springs, so yes it will lift the trailer slightly. Not a lot though, like an inch or so is what I expect to see with new springs.

Going with a heavier set of springs is not a good way to add clearance. Sure, a heavier rated spring may flex less, but this will also make the ride very rough. I recommend sticking with springs that are appropriately rated for your axles, or at least pretty close to it.

What I recommend doing is jacking up the trailer so you can measure the eye-to-eye length of your leaf spring when not under a load. This will help to track down a suitable replacement. For example the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles # e54SR is 25-1/8" long eye-to-eye. In your case we probably can go a bit heavier, like a 4,000 lb spring, but nail down the correct length first, as that will be a big determining factor for your replacement. Drop this info in the comment section below and I am happy to make a recommendation for you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M