Replacement Leaf Springs and Adding Brakes to Carry On Utility Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

Thanks for letting us help Dale. I was able to find a good amount of information on your specific trailer through Carry On's website, which is very helpful and, unfortunately, not always common with trailer manufacturers. According to Carry-On, your trailer has a single 3,500-lb axle and originally uses 25-1/4" long leaf springs rated for that axle. There's no issue with stepping up slightly in spring capacity to something like the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # e57SR, but I wouldn't recommend going significantly heavier. You want the leaf springs appropriately matched to the axle capacity because they're designed to flex and help absorb road shock. If you install springs that are rated too heavy for the trailer, they won't flex as much under the load, which can result in a harsher ride and transfer more shock into the frame and other suspension components.

If you replace the leaf springs, I'd also recommend replacing the locknuts on the U-bolts. Since this is a newer trailer, your existing U-bolts and tie plates should still be in good condition, but the locking nuts are generally considered one time use hardware. You can replace them with standard 1/2" locknuts.

As for adding brakes, Carry-On's specifications don't show brakes as standard equipment on your trailer. The first thing you'll want to check is whether your axle already has a 4-bolt brake mounting flange, like # 4-35, welded behind each hub. If the flanges aren't present, they'll need to be professionally welded onto the axle before brake assemblies can be installed.

Since your trailer currently doesn't have brakes, it also likely has idler hubs. Those would need to be replaced with hub and drum assemblies, such as the Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K. For the brakes themselves, the etrailer Self-Adjusting Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA would be a great option for a standard 3,500-lb axle.

You'll also need to address the electrical side of the conversion. That generally means adding a 7-way trailer connector, running brake-output wiring back to the axle, and making sure your tow vehicle has both a 7-way connector and a compatible trailer brake controller.

What type of tow vehicle do you have and does it already have a factory 7-way connector and brake controller?

expert reply by: Christopher H

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