Should Trailer Leaf Springs Have Higher Capacity Than Axles

Updated 07/14/2017 | Published 07/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 23-1/8" Long

(2331)

$37.17

4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long

(2331)

$57.38

Question:

Hello, I have a 30ft travel trailer with a tandem axle and leaf spring setup. The other day one of the springs failed while driving home. It seems that the current springs are only rated for 7000lb but the GVWR is 7600lb. I have always been careful to not over load the camper. If I upgrade the springs to stronger ones, 9000-10000lb total, will that have any damaging effects on the axles? The camper will never be loaded to that limit, just dont want the spring failure again while in the road. Thanks

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

I recommend keeping the springs rated for 7,000 pounds if your trailer's axles are rated for the same. You have to keep in mind that a portion of the trailer's weight (Likely 10 to 15 percent) is on the hitch and therefore the tow vehicle's rear axle and not on the trailer axels. If you use 9,000 pound springs and overrate them you're likely to have a rough, stiff ride.

Springs are rated by the axle capacity. The leaf springs for 3,500 pound axles are:

# e59SR which are 23-1/8 inches long
# e54SR which are 25-1/8 inches long
# SP-210275 which are 27 inches long

expert reply by: Charles S