Is Double Eye Spring Better Than Slipper Spring

Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 02/02/2025

Question:

Hi. What style leaf spring are better for a single axle boat trailer with 3500 axle, two eye leaf springs or one eye / slipper leaf springs ? Thank you

asked by: DIRK

Expert Reply:

Hey Dirk, in general double eye is a smoother ride quality than a slipper since there's more friction with a slipper setup but if the boat trailer will see saltwater I would go with slipper since there would be fewer components that would rust out and potentially fail. Slipper springs are generally seen on higher capacity applications and just aren't as popular.

Now that said for a 3,500 lb axle we only have double eye springs like the Dacromet coated part # e68SR which will fight rust a lot better than a non-coated spring.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

10/30/2025

Hey Dirk, how did the Dacromet-coated double eye springs work out on your boat trailer? Your update could make it easier for others choosing between double eye and slipper springs for similar setups.