Replacement Leaf Springs for an Older Trailer with 5,200 Pound Axle
Question:
I need to know the correct leaf springs for my enclosed SandH cargo trailer. It is an 8x16 with a GVWR of 10,160#, axles are 5200# manufactured April 1997. The front and rear hangers measure 30inch each to center hanger and equalizer measures A 8inch across and B 3inch above center. The current springs are 6-leaf double eye with measurements that appeared to be 26. On purchase, 2 springs on the left side were cracked and replaced in the field part# SW626/2700# 1 3/4 x 26 3.75 arch with expectation of replacing the remaining two during restoration. Tires were in very poor shape and showed signs of aligment problems. Later inspection found the remaining two springs measuring closer to 25 1/4, confirmed by measuring center bolt to eye. What springs would you recommend? Can I replace the remaining springs with the same SW626? If so, should I replace the equalizer to compensate or simply replace all 4 with a 25 1/4inch spring 2600# or greater? Thanks for the help!
asked by: Joe
Expert Reply:
You are going to want to measure the eye center to eye center on your existing springs to determine replacements. You have to take the measurement with no weight on the spring so you can jack up one side of the trailer and measure that sides spring. Over time, a spring can flatten out a little and the measurement could be slightly different than what a new spring will measure.
You are most likely going to find that spring # PR5 or # TE30 is a fit. PR5 is more common but both are popular trailer spring sizes. The eye to eye measurement on both is 25-1/4 inches. The height from the center of the eye down to the center bolt is 3 inches.
It sounds like the springs that are supposed to be on there are the PR5 and the other components are set up for its measurements. The 626 is under capacity (2,250 pounds). While replacing springs be sure to inspect the other trailer suspension components for excessive wear. Depending on where the tire wear was happening, the trailer could have been overloaded which would have caused the wear and can wear out suspension components. I have included a link to our FAQ article on double-eye suspension to the right.
Something that might help determine what the suspension is set up for is to measure the center to center distance between the hangers. I may be able to cross reference that information to determine what springs it is set up for in its current state.
