Should 4,000 lb Leaf Springs be Used on Boat Trailer With 3,000 lb GVWR

Updated 10/30/2023 | Published 10/27/2023

Question:

I attached a picture of my boat trailers label. Do you have a lighter spring than the 4,000 lb. springs? Or will the 4,000 lb. work? Will the 4,000 lb. springs make the trailer bounce more? The springs on the trailer now are a single leaf. One side broke so I want to replace them with multi leaf springs. Is that a good idea? This is a single axle trailer… thanks!

asked by: Mark M

Expert Reply:

I do not recommend going with 4,000 lb leaf springs on your boat trailer with a GVWR a touch less than 3,000 lbs. It will make the ride bouncier than need be, but a 3,500 lb spring should do well, assuming when your boat is on the capacity is somewhat close to the 3k GVWR.

To find the right length leaf spring you just want to measure your current leaf springs from center-to-center of the spring eyes; leaf springs also flatten a bit over time, so you should go with ones that measure a bit shorter than what you currently have.

For example, if they measured 25" (or just under) go with the 25-1/8" long 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles # e68SR.

I have added a link below to our selection of 3,500 lb leaf springs if this isn't the right length for you.

expert reply by: Kyle S