Can 750 lb Trailer With 3,500 lb Axle Use Lower Rated Leaf Springs

Published 03/06/2020

Products Featured in This Question

3-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 1,500-lb Trailer Axles - 24-5/8" Long

(633)

$35.48

3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 20-3/8" Long

(2045)

$31.05

Lippert Bolt-On Shock Kit w/ Heavy Duty Gas Shocks - 3,500-lb (2-3/8") Axle

(80)

$185.59

Question:

Hi I was wondering if I can take 1 leaf out from a leaf spring pack to make a softer ride. I currently have 1750 lb leaf pack on each side with 4 leafs this is on a trailer that weighs 740 lbs un loaded and maybe 1500 lbs loaded the most. Thanks

asked by: Frank U

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can use a lower-rated leaf spring for your 750 lb trailer, though the capacity of your trailer is going to be that of its lowest-rated component. I assume your trailer is 750 lbs unloaded, so if you were to change to a 1,500 lb rated leaf spring, for example, then your trailer would only be able to have a fully loaded weight of 1,500 lbs.

In regards to the correct replacements, that is going to depend on whether or not you have double-eye springs or slipper springs and a couple of measurements.

The best way to determine if a double-eye spring will fit is by measuring the length from the center of the spring eye to the center of the other eye, and for a slipper spring you measure from the center of the spring eye to the end of the spring (the best way to get an accurate length of a leaf spring is with the trailer up on jacks with the axle hanging). You also need to know the width of a slipper spring.

For example, the 3-Leaf Slipper Spring with Radius End for 1,500-lb Trailer Axles # SP-178275 is 24-5/8" long from center eye to end of the spring and is 1-3/4" wide, and the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles # e84SR is 20-3/8" long from center eye to center eye.

I have added a link to our entire selection of trailer leaf springs for you to check out as well as links to a couple help articles on double-eye and slipper spring suspension I recommend taking a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Frank U.

3/6/2020

Kyle S.

3/6/2020

Removing a spring is not recommended as it could compromise the integrity of the spring. If the ride is feeling rough there is another possible solution for a 3,500 lb axle with the Lippert Components Bolt-On Shock Kit with Heavy Duty Gas Shocks # LC281255. This kit will definitely improve your ride, but you do need to make sure your trailer has the right specs. It does need a 2-3/8" round axle tube (which is what a 3,500 lb axle commonly is), an ovrslung axle (leaf spring above the axle) as well as an I-beam frame and 4" of clearance between the I-beam flange and the inside of your tire. I recommend taking a look at the linked installation instructions as a way to verify if this will fit your trailer. I have also added a link to a video review of the Lippert Components Bolt-On Shock Kit # LC281255.