Replacement 3-Leaf Slipper Springs and Bushings for 1,200 lb Trailer

Updated 06/30/2025 | Published 06/20/2025

Question:

How do I know what kind of material wise leaf springs bushings or which type or material I need for what appears to be a 3 leaf spring perhaps referred to as slipper springs. I am assuming in this that these leaf springs require a bushing of some type for where the fastening bolt goes through on the front of each of these two springs. I believe the trailer it rated as 1200 lbs maximum capacity.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

Hey Dave, thanks for reaching out!

It looks like our 24-5/8" Long 3-Leaf Slipper Spring # e99SR is going to be the best replacement for your setup.

This comes with a nylon bushing (which is standard) in that eyelet, so you actually won't need to get a whole new bushing either. I do recommend checking on the weight rating though. This spring is designed for axles up to 1,500 lbs and while your overall weight rating is near that range, we do want to make sure you aren't over or under loading your springs by much.

Let me know if you have something different, and I'll be more than happy to make a different recommendation if I need to!

expert reply by: Jon G

Dimensions of etrailer Slipper Spring e99SR
(click to enlarge)

Dave H.

6/22/2025

Jon, Can I assume you would need a current weight on the boat and equipment minus the weight of the trailer to be able to determine the over or under weight? I suspect since the MinnKota anchor winches were added from the original weight, there's a possibility of being over weight some vs. under weight. I doubt allot but I can try to get it double checked. For us the simplest means of achieving a weight is getting the boat with trailer weighed with the vehicle, subtracting vehicle and trailer weights to obtain the weight of the boat and equipment typically setting on the trailer. Does that seem correct? Thanks Dave

Jon G.

6/30/2025

@DaveH You're partly correct. We'll actually need the weight of the boat as well as the trailer because the leaf springs hold up the trailer frame too. The best route to take is to look for the weight rating of your axle and make sure the leaf springs meet or exceed that rating.

Dave H.

6/30/2025

@JonG Do you know how I can find the weight load of the axle itself? Is it on the axle somewhere or something? I do have the weight of the trailer itself but am uncertain of the weight rating of the axle itself. I can provide the info on the trailer sticker in terms of weight? GVWR =1400 GAWR each axle ? Max load carrying capacity 1200 I can try to contact the trailer mfg to ascertain the weight rating of the existing axle at time of mfg. Dave Dave

Jon G.

6/30/2025

@DaveH You can find the weight rating of the axle either on the info tag of the trailer (typically somewhere near the tongue) or on a tag in the middle of the axle itself. Since you have a GVWR of 1,400 lbs, I'm guessing your axle will be rated for 1,200 lbs and you'll want to shoot for a replacement leaf spring with a rating of at least 1,200 lbs. If you let me know the rating on your axle, and the bolt-to-bolt measurement when the spring isn't under load, I can recommend a replacement set of leaf springs for you.

Dave

6/22/2025

Jon. I would also need to be sure what is included with these springs when ordered. I understand it would be best to replace both at the same time if they need replacement. Please list any separate parts required such as bolts. My hangers are welded on and have a single bolt I believe inf the front of each spring.

Jon G.

6/30/2025

@Dave For the spring I referenced above, it's just the spring and the bushing that's already inside the eyelet. You will want to swap out both sides at the same time, and the bolts would only need to be changed if your current ones are in bad shape. In that case, the Bolt and Locknut Kit # 166079 would be a good fit to go with this leaf spring.