How to Measure Trailer Leaf Spring to Find Correct Replacement

Question

Question:

How do I measure the length of utility trailer springs, straight across or along the curve? The ones on there now measure 32 1/2 inch along the curvature from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the other bolt hole.

asked by: Cliff C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

To correctly measure a leaf spring, you'll want to jack the trailer up on jack stands so the axle is hanging freely, then measure directly across from the center of one spring eye to the other, as shown in the provided diagram. The height of the spring and the distance from the spring eye to the center of the spring can also be helpful in finding the correct replacement.

To ensure you're getting the correct leaf springs, you'll also need to know the capacity of your axle. If you can find that information on the axle itself, we can make a pretty good guesstimate if you can provide as much as the following information as possible:

Axle diameter (or circumference divided by 3.14)

If the axle is 1 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter, it's likely a 1000 lb axle
2-3/8 in diameter, 3500 lb axle
3 inches in diameter, 6000-7200 lb axle
3-1/2 inches, 8000 lb axle
4 inches, 9000 axle
5 or more, 10000 lb axle

Knowing the wheel bearing reference numbers or the wheel's bolt pattern will also be a good clue to the axle capacity.

expert reply by: Mike L

1

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Tim K.

7/30/2020

I've done measurements. 25 from eye to eye. 1and 3/4. Wide 8 lugs 7 springs. It's a 40fr toy hauler Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. No one and here has anything like that

Reply

Chris R.

8/10/2020

We do have some leaf springs available that closely match the length you measured. It's important to keep in mind that leaf springs will stretch a bit over time, so you're likely wanting a new set that's just a little shorter in length. A 24-7/8" long set like # SP-222275, which is designed for 5,300 pound axles, would work great. If you can tell me what capacity your axles are I will be happy to verify this will work or suggest an alternate replacement.

Reply

Randy W.

5/6/2021

@ChrisR Dear Chris R I have a 1988 prowler lynx 18' dual axle travel trailer. It has 3 leaf leaf springs the weight is 2880. The sticker on the axle says 2500 lbs. can not find the size anywhere for our camper due you have any idea.

Reply

Jon G.

5/6/2021

@RandyW If you can get me the dimensions like what Mike talks about in his answer above I can see if we have something for you. Unfortunately we don't have a way to see what initially came on your trailer.

Reply

See All (8) Replies to Tim K. ∨

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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 4

None of the slipper springs we offer meet the dimensions you provided. You'll probably need to get a set of springs of the proper capacity and relocate the spring hanger and slipper. Given your axle diameter, you most likely have have a 2000 lb…

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Answer 5

Hey Kevin thanks for your question. There is not much downside to going with the 5,000 lb springs instead of the 3,500 lb. A higher rated spring may make the ride a bit more "chunky" at times, since the spring would not flex as easily.…

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Answer 6

For all of our springs we list the unloaded length measured center eye to center eye straight across. Leaf springs can extend up to 1" when flexed. If you are looking to replace old leaf springs, you will want to jack up the trailer so that the…

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Answer 7

The closest spring we have to what you need for your daughters 2005 Forest River Flagstaff Popup Camper is the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 23-1/8" Long #e59SR which measures 23-1/8" center of spring eye to center…

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Answer 8

We don't have a way to look up the length of your leaf springs as that's not something that a record was kept for. But I can say that nearly every 3,500 lb axle spring out there needs the 25-1/8 inch replacement like the part #e54SR so while…

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Answer 9

If you are wanting to go to higher capacity leaf springs I would advise against it. The problem is that since the trailer axle is rated for 3,500 pounds you won't gain any additional capacity by switching to higher capacity springs. What it will…

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

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Answer 12

The closest metric tire size to your C78-13ST Sport Trax tires is 185/80D13. The tire that I recommend using is the Kenda Loadstar ST185/80D13, #AM1ST79. This is a Load Range D tire that is rated at 1,725 lbs at 65 psi. This tire will fit 13 inch…

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