How To Determine Replacement Leaf or Slipper Spring for 1996 Nitro Bass Boat Tandem Axle Trailer

Updated 09/20/2010 | Published 09/19/2010

Question:

I have a nitro bass boat on a tandem axle trailer. Boat package about 3400 total weight. Its a 1996 Trailer also. It has 3 layers of leaf springs on it now. Not for sure what leaf springs to buy also bolts and middle pc to connect the 2 leaf springs on each side. SP-220275 ??? Thanks

asked by: RICHARD S

Expert Reply:

You will need to measure the distance from the center of each mounting point on the end of the leaf springs. If you look on the page for part # e57SR, the measurement you will need is measurement A as shown in the diagram.

If you have slipper springs, you will need to take 4 measurements.
1. The distance from the center of the mounting hole to the end of the slipper spring
2. The distance from the center of the mounting hole to the highest point of the slipper spring.
3. The height from center of spring to center point from measurement 2.
4. The distance from the top center of the spring to the center of the mounting hole.
I will also need the width of the spring. All of the measurements are illustrated in the Slipper Spring FAQ which is linked below.

For the equalizers, if the you have the double eye springs, you will need to take a few measurements.
1. The distance from the center of the far right eye to the center of the far left eye.
2. The diameters of the right and left eyes
3. The diameter of center eye
4. The length from center of left eye to center of center eye
All of these measurements are illustrated below.

For equalizers for slipper springs, I will also need measurement to recommend the correct replacement equalizer.
1. Overall distance
2. Length from center of front bolt hole to center of middle bolt hole
3. Length from center of middle bolt hole to center of rear bolt hole
4. Diameter of all bolt holes

For bolts and hardware, if you send me the information on whether you have slipper springs or leaf springs, I can recommend replacement bolts and hardware.

You will also need to check what the axles are rated for, you can find this on the VIN plate of the trailer. Each leaf spring carries 50 percent of the axle rating. For example, if you have a 3,500 pound axle, each spring would be rated for 1,750 pounds.