What Might Cause Trailer Leaf Spring to Break Top Leaf

Updated 08/18/2025 | Published 08/09/2025

Question:

My 3500 lb utility trailer has broken the top spring at the place where the 2nd spring meets it multiple times. Is there a different set up or other way to stop this problem?

asked by: Clark G

Expert Reply:

Hey Clark, are you possibly overloading the trailer suspension? Or do you travel on some pretty rough roads by chance? Are you using the same brand spring every time?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Clark G.

8/13/2025

The trailer is never overloaded. I do regularly pull it down some semi-maintained dirt roads, but I'm pretty careful. Does anybody make a spring stack with the top and second springs the same length? I've been buying generic springs at a local trailer dealer.

Jameson C.

8/13/2025

@ClarkG Most likely it's those dirt roads and the fact trailer suspension just isn't super robust. Especially if you happen to be buying just whatever is cheapest. What length spring do you normally get?

Clark G.

8/14/2025

@JamesonC The trailer is never overloaded. It is regularly used on semi-maintained dirt roads, but I drive slow and am pretty careful to avoid jolts. I've been buying the springs at a local trailer dealer. I think they are 26" for a 3,500 lb. capacity axle.

Jameson C.

8/14/2025

@ClarkG Going to a slightly higher rated 26 inch spring like the part # e22YR would be a solid idea. This is rated for 4k axles so a bit more capacity should help them last longer.