4,500 lb Leaf Spring Recommendations for a Dual Axle Trailer

Updated 05/12/2020 | Published 05/07/2012

Question:

I just bought a 6x10 dual axle trailer that has no suspension. the axles are rated for 6k. I am looking at putting on 2250 to 2400 lb springs times 4 total weight capiacty would be 9000-9600 lbs. 9000 lbs is probbaly more weight than the trailer will ever see. I dont want the suspension to be so heavy that the trailer rides really rough with light loads. If i have a few pieces of wood furnature I dont want it to slam it up and down when the trailer hits bumps. so my question is would installing 12000 lbs of springs make this trailer ride to rough? 9000 lbs of spring seems like overkill to me on this trailer. what do you think?

asked by: Andrew P

Expert Reply:

Generally speaking, the heavier the spring rate the rougher the ride will be when unloaded. That is the sacrifice that gets made when you go to a spring that will allow you to have a higher towing capacity.

If you are concerned about ride quality and are positive that the trailer will never see more than 9,000 lbs then leaf springs # e27SR would be a good choice for you.

Regardless of the springs you choose, you will be limited by the lowest rated component of your trailer. So if the axles are 12,000 lbs but your springs are only 9,000 that would be your towing capacity as long as you do not have a lower rated component elsewhere on your trailer.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Eddie

5/9/2020

I have a tandem axle boat trailer made by venture. My front wheels seem to be hitting the fender, it looks like the springs in the front are looking a little flat, They are 4 spring not sure of the the weight capacity of them I want to replace them with something that will be able to handle my 4500 pound boat and not sag and hit my fenders.

Chris R.

5/12/2020

If the leaf springs are flattened out they're likely just worn down, which does mean it's time for a replacement. In order to select the right replacement though, you'll need to first measure their length - from the center of one eye to the center of the other. Make sure you have the trailer jacked up while taking this measurement so that there isn't any weight pushing down on them. If you let me know this number I can make a specific recommendation.

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