Replacement Leaf Springs for Tandem Axle Trailer

Published 12/31/2014

Question:

I have a tandem trailer with a weight capacity of 8000 lbs. Tongue is 1000 and not sure of spring capacity for each axle. They are 4 leaf springs but not sure as what to replace the springs with. They are 251/4 long double eye. It is made by Atwood

asked by: Rick S

Expert Reply:

To determine the correct replacement springs there are a couple of things you will want to look at. First, you will need to know the axle capacity. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the trailer tongue or frame somewhere.

If you cannot find this information it could be stamped on the axle somewhere. And if you cannot find it there then you could go by the axle diameter, if it is a round axle:

1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2" - 1-3/4" diameter
3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8" diameter (Can have a 3-1/2" diameter, but rarely)
6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3" diameter
8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2" diameter
9,000-lb Axles: 4" diameter
10,000-lb Or more axles: 5" diameter

Once you know the capacity you will also need to measure the springs. To measure a spring you will need to take the weight off of it. You can do this by either completely removing the spring from the trailer or by jacking up one side. On a double-eye spring such as # SP-218275 measure from the center of one eye to the center of the other eye. From your question it sounds like your spring is 25-1/4 inches long.

Springs will have a capacity per spring and also the capacity axle they fit. For example, # e28SR, which you reference, is rated for 2,400 pounds by itself and fits a 4,800 pound axle. You should replace all the springs at the same time. I have included additional links to our informational articles on double-eye and slipper springs for you.