Is it Ok to Replace Factory Leaf Springs With a Higher Capacity Option?

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Question:

Hello, I have a twin axle travel trailer weighing 5000 lbs. loaded and my leaf springs are rated at 1500 lbs 3 leafs, 26 in. centers. which means they are always loaded at 0ver 80 capacity. I was thinking of changing to 2000 lbs leafs to reduce the load to 60 percent of capacity. I understand that I will have a higher spring rate and that the axles cant take it but wouldnt I gain spring life and less chance of failure? I figure at 60 loading, I am well in the operating range of the heavier spring so the ride shouldnt be that bad. A travel trailer can never be unloaded like a utility trailer so things shouldnt fall apart. Am I making any sense? From your experience, have other trailer owners done this? In general I am not very happy with trailer companies loading components to 80-90 percent capacity by design. It is what it is I guess. Thanks p.s. I have been reading your responces and find it great that you offer advice, keeping safety and regulations in mind.

asked by: Luc

0

Expert Reply:

Though I do tend to warn people about the ride getting stiffer when upping the capacity of their leaf springs, you are correct in that you will technically never be fully "unloaded". I do have to mention that this could still happen, but very minimally.

With that being said, this is something that is done pretty often. Whether this is due to the factory springs not handling the weight very well, or wearing out over time, upgrading to a slightly heavier capacity is perfectly fine. The 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,500-lb Trailer Axles # e27SR will match your current 26 inch length and will have the single spring capacity of 2,000 pounds. These should eliminate the possibility of bottoming out, and should also extend their longevity.

I don't suggest going with a capacity higher than this, however, as it will most likely cause the trailer to ride poorly.

expert reply by: Lazer S

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Answer 1

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 2

Since you measured your springs with weight on them I am going to recommend a couple of different length springs as replacements. You will want to verify how long your springs are without weight on them before purchasing. The compression caused by…

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Answer 3

Hey Rob! Both the 25-1/4" long item #DX95CR and item #e44SR springs will work if you're replacing a 25-1/4" long leaf spring. They're close enough in capacity so long as you're not using too light of a spring with the 4,400 lbs…

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Answer 4

Hey Wendell, so it may seem a little risky but electric brakes on boat trailers are totally safe and fine to use. People do so all the time with out any issue. Some people will unplug them as they back down the boat ramp but if you sit at a boat ramp…

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Answer 5

Thank you for the photo! I was able to use the serial number on your axle to determine which is the correct replacement leaf spring for your trailer. For this, you are going to want to use the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring #e57SR. The measurement you…

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Answer 6

Hey Steve, Thank you for that information you provided, it sets me up to get you the direct replacements. For that replacement brake assembly you will want to go with the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Brakes #23-458-459. This is the left and right hand…

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Answer 7

It's okay to replace leaf springs with ones rated for more weight and pretty common to do so but keep in mind, the higher you go the rougher the ride will be. If you have a utility trailer then I'd probably opt for the higher rated 5,000 lb…

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Answer 8

Hello Mark. Based on what I could find online, the Dexter 072-042-00 is a standard 1-3/4 inch wide double eye spring which is 25-1/4 inches long and rated for 1,750 lbs. To replace these, I recommend you use the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring #e57SR. This…

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Answer 9

Hello Rene, thanks for reaching out. It is pretty typical for RV manufacturers to use axles that are not rated for the full GVWR. They say this is because 10%-15% of the camper weight is on the hitch instead of the axles. They will put the bare…

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Answer 10

The determine the correct replacement leaf spring on your 2021 Coachmen 259FKDS you'll need to lift your trailer frame so the spring is hanging freely and then measure from center-eye to center-eye, then for the equalizer you need to measure…

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Answer 11

Sounds like your brake controller will apply your trailer brakes if you apply the manual override lever but not when you press the brake pedal. This is a fairly common problem and the solution is the red wire of the brake controller. Make sure it is…

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Answer 12

Electric brakes on a boat trailer are able to be used without much issue at all. There obviously is an issue with water and electricity, so it is recommended to disconnect the trailer connection when your trailer is being submerged for launch. A few…

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Is it Ok to Replace Factory Leaf Springs With a Higher Capacity Option?

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