Is There Any Advantage to Using 6K Leaf Spring on 3500-lb Axle on Tandem Travel Trailer

Updated 08/21/2018 | Published 08/20/2018

Question:

I own a 2003 Dutchmen Lite travel trailer with two 3,500 lb axles. I have recently broken a leaf spring and I plan on replacing all four. Based on the measurements I took of my existing 3,500 lb springs and what you offer on your website, I think the 6,000 lb springs would fit. But would the heavier duty springs wear out the other suspension components faster? Would this make the ride too hard? Thank you for your answer in advance.

asked by: Dean

Expert Reply:

You would not like the ride quality with 6K-rated springs on the 3500-lb axles on your 2003 Dutchmen Lite travel trailer. In fact, since you (wisely) plan to replace all four leaf springs at once just having four new 3500-lb-rated springs will have the trailer suspension feeling stiffer than what you're accustomed to.

The best way to go is to completely remove one of the springs so you can measure its eye-to-eye length without any tension on it. Do note that after years of use leaf springs can stretch as much as 1/2-inch in length so if you measure your springs and find that our nearest replacement is slightly shorter then this is okay.

You can see all 3500-lb leaf springs on the page I linked for you. These are available in four lengths. If for example you measure and eye-to-eye distance of 25-1/2-inches then use the 25-1/8-inch spring # e54SR. All springs come with bushings.

I linked a helpful article and an image to help you with matching up dimensions.

expert reply by: Adam R