How Tight Do Leaf Spring Bolts Need To Be?

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/27/2024

Question:

Hi from Norway, I have a question of the equalizer and attachments on a boat trailer. Shall the 2 bolts from the springleafs connected to the equalizer be fully tightende or able to move? And the only part to move is to top bolt of equalizer. This is a tandem boat trailer. Many thanks. Regards R

asked by: Robert S

Expert Reply:

Hello Robert from Norway, and greetings from Wentzville Missouri USA!

The 2 bolts for the leaf spring should be tightened but there is no specific torque setting. You don't want them too tight because this could cause the suspension to bind. The best method is to use lock nuts and simply tighten them until they are snug, backing them off about a 1/4 turn from there.

Feel free to reach out if you need anything else.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

12/22/2025

Hey Robert, how did things go after you snugged the shackle bolts and backed them off that quarter turn on your tandem boat trailer? It’d be great to hear if that adjustment gave you the right suspension movement. Your update could make it easier for others working on similar setups.