Determining Which Replacement Leaf Springs and Bearings For 1985 Boat Trailer  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

Starting with the leaf springs you will need to know the width of the leaf spring, if it is a double eye spring or a slipper spring, the axle rating of the axle on your boat trailer, and the length of the spring.

To determine the axle rating you will want to check the axle tag on the center of the axle, or if the tag is missing we can get really close by using the GVWR of the trailer.

For example the 3-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Flat End for 2,900-lb Trailer Axles - 30" Long # SP-039275 is a 1-3/4" wide slipper spring for a 2900lb axle and measures 30" from the center of the spring eye to the end of the spring as shown in the included diagram. If this matches your current spring this would be a great replacement option.

If you can send me a picture of your spring I would be happy to identify which style it is.

Moving on to the bearings/axle, since a bearing went out you could just replace the bearings and grease seals which would keep you from needing to replace the whole axle, unless there is something else wrong with the axle.

To determine the correct replacement bearings and grease seals you will need to remove one of your current hubs and look for the bearing numbers stamped in the face of each bearing as shown in the included picture of the # L44649.

If your bearings are worn to the point that you cannot read the bearing numbers you will need to use digital calipers like # PTW80157 to precisely measure your spindle according to the included diagram. For the grease seal you will also need to measure inside of the hub where the grease seal rides.

Lastly if you decide you would rather replace the axle I will just need to know the hub face to hub face measurement and spring center to spring center measurement, along with the axle rating of your current axle.

For example the Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 72" Long - 2,200 lbs # 20545I-EZ-72-10 has a hub face to hub face measurement of 72", a spring center to spring center measurement of 58", and a 2200lb axle rating. If this matches the spec of your current axle this would be a great replacement option.

I know it is quite a bit of information, but if you can provide the above information I would be happy to recommend the correct replacement parts for your trailer.

I included a video of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

1

Dimensions Of # SP-039275
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Bearing Number Stamped In Face Of Bearing
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Where To Measure Spindle To Determine Bearings and Grease Seal
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Dimensions Of Dexter # 20545I-EZ-72-10
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Josh D.

3/27/2021

Thanks for your detailed instructions. the damage was worse than I expected. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed the issue. After removing the bad hub and cleaning up all the dirt and debris with a wire wheel I noticed the damage on the spindle. I am assuming a whole new axle is needed? The boat and motor weight 1425 lbs + Fuel and gear and me if I’m riding it up the ramp at 1950lbs max.

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Samuel C.

3/27/2021

I am sorry to hear the damage was worse than expected. Since there is damage on the spindle I do recommend replacing the axle. The option I recommend is the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System w Hubs - Straight Spindle - 5 on 4-1/2 # A35RS545 as it has a 3500lb rating which is plenty for your trailer and boat, and includes hubs with the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern which is more than likely what your wheels use. The # A35RS545 replaces your current leaf spring suspension with the built in progressive rate AEON main spring that does a great job of absorbing road shock and will be quite the upgrade over leaf spring suspension. I included a video of the # A35RS545 for you to take a look at.

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