Picking Out Trailer Leaf Spring for Trailer that Weighs 3,000 lb

Published 12/04/2023

Question:

Building a custom trailer with a 44 in center frame to center frame 5200k Dexter axle. The weight Ive calculated for everything will be 3k or less. Probably around 2500 lbs. I feel like 3500k leaf springs will be cutting it a little close considering Im not 100 sure of the finished weight. So my questions are. 1 What leaf springs should I get? Ones that match the axle rating or match my calculated weight plus a little extra. Im worried about having a bouncy trailer if I get to heavy of a spring or striking the frame if I go to low. 2 Based on whatever the answer is for the first question. What springs will over a smooth ride for a short skinny trailer? 3 What is the rule of thumb for determining the tongue weight? So the trailer will track as good as possible considering the its a small skinny but fairly heavy trailer. Thanks for the help.

asked by: Jason F

Expert Reply:

Usually it's best to go with the leaf spring capacity that matches the axle capacity but if you are sure you'll be a lot under that I would shoot for a little over what it will weigh at max. So if you're going to be at 3,000 lbs max I would shoot for just a little over that like with the 4k springs part # e57SR that you referenced. This wouldn't be too stiff or too soft and would provide you with as good of a ride quality as you can get from trailer suspension.

Trailer tongue weight is typically between 10 percent and 15 percent of total trailer weight.

expert reply by: Jameson C