Can Lower Rated Leaf Springs Be Installed on a Trailer to Improve Ride Quality

Updated 05/28/2015 | Published 05/26/2015

Products Featured in This Question

2-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 1,000-lb Trailer Axles - 24-5/8" Long

(636)

$29.04

3-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 1,500-lb Trailer Axles - 24-5/8" Long

(636)

$37.75

Question:

Hello, I built a tear trailer that weighs 1200 lb and is equipped with a 3500 lb suspension axle and leaf springs rated at 3500 lb, that is. The ride, as you can guess, is extremely stiff and bouncy. Would it be safe to just change out the leaf springs with some of the 1000 lb capacity each leaf springs you sell and keep the same 3500 lb axle? Thanks,

asked by: Kyle R

Expert Reply:

You can use a 1,000 lb capacity leaf spring on a 3,500 lb axle without any problems. You should note that your overall capacity would be limited to the lowest rated component of the trailer. Which in your case could be the 1,000 lb leaf springs.

So basically you should be able to improve the ride quality of your trailer by going to a 1,000 lb rated spring like the # SP-177275 but you would sacrifice weight capacity.

Since your trailer weighs 1,200 lbs you basically wouldn't be able to tow anything so a better option might be a slightly higher rated spring like the # SP-178275
.

expert reply by: Jameson C